Page:Wives of the prime ministers, 1844-1906.djvu/209

MRS. GLADSTONE and from all I gather this speech has made a very great sensation. We had coffee in our room—how snug I need hardly describe, indeed I could not.

"March 2.—Went to Lady Peel's. I was struck by Sir Robert's cordiality for William's sake, and never had more satisfactory things said of him than from Mrs. Dawson, Peel's sister. A very popular party with all kinds. M.P.'s wives make obeisance to Lady Peel, which was fun to watch."

In view of the philanthropic work Mrs. Gladstone was to do later, the following entry is of interest:

"March 3.—Lord de Tabley drove me in his cabriolet to the Mendicity Society, where we spent a long time. Most interesting to hear the examination of the numberless cases of poverty, and to see the quickness and the knowledge of the interrogators. I could have wished to see less asperity and suspicion in their manner. Alas! that such glaring and constant imposition should cause this, as I believe that a certain degree of severity is necessary. Out of thirty cases only one, in all likelihood, will turn out true.

"March 19.—Dined with Lord and Lady Stanley. Lady Stanley very nice and looking 173