Chapter IX: Part 9

* * * The children and I bore the journey well, and it was not
cold. Parting from dear Vicky was a hard moment, and I shall feel
the loneliness here so much, and miss my dear good Louis more than
ever. The children are, of course, at such a time the greatest
blessing. There is so much to do for them, and to look after for
them; and mine are dear good children, and do not give over-much
trouble.

Letters I have again received speak of the amount of danger Louis
has again been daily exposed to, and how his personal courage and
daring have given the victory in many a fight. God protect him! I
live in fear and trembling for his precious life, and after I hear
of his being safe through one battle, I take it as a fresh present
from the Almighty, and breathe freer again, though the fear soon
enough gets the upper hand again.

I have asked Uncle Louis to allow his _Berichte_ [reports] to be
copied for you. Louis has Köhler and another footman with him, that
is all--and two coachmen. He rides in all battles the horse you
gave him in 1866, which he rode during that campaign, and which is
quite invaluable. It would interest Colonel Maude to know this, as
he bought the horse. My nursery is in very good order, and they are
all invaluable in their way.

How is good Dr. Hoffmeister’s family? Please say many kind things
to him from me, and tell him that the baby is getting so nice and
fat, and is so healthy in spite of all troubles. Here is a
photograph of him, but not at all flattered. Please give Dr.
Hofmeister one of them!

I have this instant received a letter from Louis dated the 11th! I
will have an extract made for you, I think it might interest Bertie
to hear something of Louis, whom he can be proud to have as a
brother-in-law, for I hear his praises continually. He has been
throughout the war, as every other General has been, without a
carriage, etc., like other Princes, and has gained the respect and
devotion of his troops.

DARMSTADT, December 19th.

* * * I hope for this last time, if we are spared and live to come
over together once more, we may have the joy of showing their dear
Grandmama the whole little band. Of course, no thoughts of plans
can be entertained, and I know, after so very long a separation,
Louis would not be willing again to part from his children.

My wounded were so pleased to see me again yesterday. Alas! many in
bed, and so ill still! My two in the house are much better, and the
one who during six weeks lay at death’s door is recovering. I have
seldom experienced so great a satisfaction as seeing this young man
recover, and the doctors say I have been the means of saving his
life.

The joy of the old parents will be very great. Since I left, there
are new widows, and fresh parents bereft of only children; it is a
most painful duty to go to them. But I know the comfort of sympathy
is the only one in deep grief.

December 23d.

My warmest and tenderest thanks for your dear and loving letter,
with so many expressions of a mother’s love and sympathy, which do
my heart good, now that I feel so lonely and anxious. It seems too
great a happiness to think of, that of our being allowed to come
with our children to you, and to Scotland; and you know the
smallest corner is enough for us, who are by no means
particular--neither are our people. If I write this to Louis, it
will be something for him to look forward to, to cheer him and
reward him after so hard a time, which he bears so bravely and
uncomplainingly. This morning I have been at the Alice Hospital,
which is prospering. I have been taking my gifts for Christmas to
one hospital after another. Your two capes have delighted the poor
sufferers, and the one wounded for the second time is very bad,
alas! My wounded officer in the house is recovering, next to a
miracle. For the two wounded in the house, the children, our
household, and the children of our servants at the war, I arrange
Christmas-trees.

We grown-up ones of the family have given up keeping Christmas for
ourselves. We have too much to do for others, and my
parents-in-law, like me, feel the absence of the dear ones who are
always here for Christmas.

I am superintending Victoria and Ella’s letters to you, which have
not achieved the perfection wished for. As they are to be quite
their own, I hope you will excuse their arriving a little later.

DARMSTADT, December 27th.

* * * Louis telegraphed on Christmas day from Orleans, where I had
sent Christa’s brother with a box of eatables and woollen things
for his people, and a tiny Christmas-tree with little lights for
the whole party. Louis has sent me a photograph of himself and
staff done at Orleans, and I have sent for a copy for you, as it is
very good. On Christmas day it was five months since Louis and the
troops left. The charming stockings you sent, I have sent off in
part to-day to Louis to give to his _Stabswache_ [Staff-guard]; the
other things I divide among the wounded and sick.

My children are all well. The little one sits up, and, though not
very fat, is round and firm, with rosy cheeks and the brightest
eyes possible. He is very healthy and strong, and in fact the
prettiest of all my babies. The three girls are so grown,
particularly the two eldest, you would scarcely know them. They are
both very tall for their age. Victoria is the height of Vicky’s
Charlotte, and Ella not much less. They are thin, and a change of
air would be very beneficial.

1871.

The christening of the little Prince took place quietly on the 11th of February, the child receiving the names of Frederick William. The sponsors were the Empress of Germany, the Crown Princess, Crown Prince, Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia, and Princess Alice’s own brother, Prince Leopold. The ceremony took place in the absence of Prince Louis, who had been unable to get leave, although an armistice had been concluded on the 28th of January, which it was hoped would be the forerunner of peace.

On the 18th of March the King of Prussia, who had meanwhile become Emperor of Germany, made his entry into Frankfort-on-the-Main, together with his son and his whole staff. The Grand Duke of Hesse and the members of his family received him there.

Prince Louis at last obtained ten days’ leave of absence, and arrived at Darmstadt on the 21st of March. The parents of the Prince had gone to meet him and his brother William a few stations beyond Darmstadt, whilst the Princess Alice awaited her husband at the Darmstadt railway station. The joy and thankfulness of that meeting can well be imagined. Darmstadt was gaily decorated in honor of the Prince’s return; and he met with an enthusiastic reception.

Prince and Princess Louis were present at Berlin on the 16th of June at the triumphal entry of the German troops on the conclusion of the peace. On the 21st of June the Prince entered Darmstadt at the head of his Hessian division. In spite of pouring rain, the town presented a most festive appearance. Later on the Prince and Princess and their children went to Seeheim (near Darmstadt), where her brother, Prince Alfred, visited them on his return from his three years’ voyage round the world. The Prince and Princess of Wales also paid their sister a visit; and Prince and Princess Louis saw much of their Russian relations, who were then staying at Jugenheim.

In August, the family went to the seaside at Blankenberghe, where they spent three weeks, and afterward went to London. They arrived at Balmoral on the 13th of September, on a visit to the Queen, whom they found suffering severely. They stayed with her till the 1st of November, but the children, who had caught the whooping cough, were sent to London sooner. Whilst at Sandringham, to which the Prince and Princess went on their way back from Balmoral, in the middle of November, the Prince of Wales was taken ill. Prince Louis had to return to Darmstadt, but the Princess remained in England, and shared the anxieties of the very dangerous and protracted illness of her brother, whom she helped to nurse. It was the same terrible fever (typhoid) which, ten years before, had ended the life of the beloved Prince Consort, and it was so severe that the worst was feared. Prince Louis returned to England on the very day when the danger was greatest, but he also was able to share in the joy and thankfulness when improvement set in upon the 14th of December. He remained over Christmas, and returned to Darmstadt before the year was at an end.

DARMSTADT, January 7th.

* * * In England people are, I fear, becoming unjust toward the
German troops. Such a long and bloody war must demoralize the best
army; and I only say, in such a position how would the French have
behaved? Many French officers say the same, and how greatly they
respect the German soldier. Hundreds of French officers and two
generals have broken their word of honor, and run away. I doubt,
whether _one_ in the German army would do such a thing. The French
peasants, often women, murder our soldiers in their beds, and the
wounded they have used too horribly many a time. Is it a wonder,
then, when the men let a feeling of revenge lay hold of them? A
guerilla war is always horrid, and no words can say how all Germans
feel and deplore the present phase of the war! I hope and trust
that the end may not be far distant.

One of the poor wounded soldiers whom I gave your cape to is dying,
and the poor boy won’t part from it for an instant, and holds it
tight round himself.

Louis continues at Orleans, where they have entrenched themselves,
and await with impatience news from Paris which must be of great
influence for the continuation or ending of the war.

My days fly past. The children take much of my time--so, too, the
house, my two wounded in the house, and the hospitals, to one of
which I go daily.

DARMSTADT, January 14th.

* * * How kind of you to work something for Louis; he will wear it
with such pleasure. Prince Frederick Carl’s recent victories[100]
and the fresh hosts of prisoners must help to bring the war to an
end. Germany does not wish to go on, but the French won’t see that
they are beaten, and they will have to accept the visitors, who
must increase in numbers the longer the French refuse to accede to
the German demands.

I am so low, so deeply grieved for the misery entailed on both
sides, and feel for the French so much. Our troops do not pillage
in the way described in English papers. I have read far worse
accounts of what the French soldiers and _francs-tireurs_ do in
their French villages.

The poor soldier who had your cape is dead. He died with it round
him. I was with him in the afternoon, and he had tears in his eyes,
and was very low. In the night he died. This morning I was at the
station to give things to the wounded and sick who came through--a
sorry sight. This afternoon I am going to a poor soldier’s widow
who has just had twins. The distress on all sides is great. I help
where I can. Becker tears his hair. The two wounded in the house
cost so much. So does every thing else; but as long as I can,
through sparing on myself, help others, I must do it--though I
have, as things now are, nothing left.

I will get a head of Ernest done for your bracelet, and another
one, so that you may have something else of him. He is a
magnificent boy, but so huge--such limbs! The baby is not at all
small, but near Ernest all the others look small.

He can’t speak properly yet, but he understands every thing, and
has a wonderful ear for music. He sings the “_Guten Kameraden_”
without a fault in the time, and is passionately fond of dancing,
which he also does in time.

Irène is growing fast also, but the two eldest are quite big girls;
it makes me feel old when I see them growing up to me so fast.
Victoria has a very enquiring mind, and is studious, and learns
easily and well. Since the middle of December I have been without a
governess.

To-morrow I go to Mayence to see poor Woldemar[101] Holstein’s
sister. He is very bad, to the grief of all Mayence, and of all who
know him.

DARMSTADT, January 16th.

* * * It is pouring and thawing--most dismal--and my thoughts are
with our dear ones and our poor troops far away. Becker lost his
brother-in-law, who leaves a wife (Matilda, Becker’s sister) and
four little children. Each day fresh losses.

My little baby ought to be christened, but Louis and my
parents-in-law always hope that the end of hostilities is near, and
that Louis can then get leave. Baby’s blue eyes are beginning to
turn, and look almost as if they would be brown. Should dear
Grandmama’s and Grandpapa’s eyes come up again amongst some of the
grandchildren, how nice it would be!

I have but little news to give. I go about to the poor soldiers’
widows and wives--no end of them, with new-born babies, in the
greatest distress.

Yesterday I saw the mother of the poor young soldier who died. She
keeps your cape as a precious relic, as it had given him such great
pleasure.

January 30th.

Your charming photograph and kind letter arrived this
morning--thousand thanks for both! How like the photograph, and how
pleasing! I am so glad to have it.

The armistice and capitulation of Paris are great events. The
people are out of their minds with joy--flags all over the town,
and the streets crowded.

I forgot to say in my last letter how grieved I was about Beaty
Durham’s[102] death. It is quite shocking! and those numbers of
children in so short a time. I earnestly hope none of us run such a
chance, for on the whole our children have not been so close
together. My last came sooner than I wished, and is smaller than
his brother, but I hope now for a long rest. I have baby fed,
besides, so as not to try my strength. He is very healthy and
strong, and is more like Victoria and my brothers and sisters than
my other children, and his eyes remind me of Uncle Ernest’s, and
seem turning brown, which would be very pretty, as he is very fair
otherwise.

Your pretty photograph is standing before me, and makes me quite
absent. I catch myself continually staring at it, instead of
writing my letters.

DARMSTADT, February 2d.

* * * All the many French here are pleased at the capitulation of
Paris, and hope that peace is certain. Louis writes to me that the
inhabitants of Orleans were equally pleased, and consider the war
over. I earnestly pray it may be so. How greatly relieved and
thankful all Germany would be!

Louis telegraphed to-day. He has no leave as yet, though he hopes
for it. Now that there is a prospect of peace, and that the
fighting is momentarily over, I feel quite a collapse of my nerves,
after the strain that has been on them for six whole months. I can
scarcely imagine what it will be when my beloved Louis is at home
again; it seems _too great_ a joy! Rest and quiet together are what
I long for; and I fear in the first weeks he will have so much to
do, and there will be much going on.

He speaks with the greatest hope of going to Scotland this autumn;
and, if we are spared to do so, it will be such a rest, and do good
to our healths, which must feel the wear and tear sooner or later.

February 11th.

Many thanks for your last kind letter. I thought so much of you
yesterday, spending the dear 10th for the first time again at
Windsor. To day our little son is to be christened, but only the
family will be present, and my ladies and the two wounded
gentlemen, who can get about on crutches now. When I think that the
one owes his life to being here, it always gives me pleasure.

Two nights ago I was awakened by a dreadful noise, the whole house
and my bed rocking from it; and twice again, though less violently.
It was an earthquake, and I think too unpleasant. It frightens one
so; the doors and windows rattle and shake. To-night two slight
shocks, and one during the day yesterday.

How I shall miss dear Louis to-day! The seven months will be round
ere we meet, I fear, and he has never seen his dear little boy. It
always makes me sad to look at him, though now I have every reason
to hope--please God--that I shall have the joy of seeing Louis
come home, and of placing his baby in his arms. My heart it full,
as you can fancy, and, much as I long to see Louis, I almost dread
the moment--the emotion will be so great, and the long pent-up
feelings will find vent.

I pray that peace may be restored, and that I may not live to see
_such_ a war again, or to see my sons have to go to it.

I will tell Christa to write an account to you of the christening,
for Leopold to see also, as he will be godfather. Frederic William
Augustus (after the Empress) Victor (victory) Louis will be his
names. Fritz and Vicky, the Empress and Fritz Carl, are godparents.

DARMSTADT, February 14th.

My bad eyes must again excuse the shortness of these lines, which
are to thank you many times for your last dear letter.

Christa will have sent you the account of little Fritz’s
christening, which was a sad day for me, and will have been so for
dear Louis likewise. We have added dear Leopold’s name to the
other, as his sad life, and the anxiety his health has so often
caused us all, endear him particularly, and we hoped it would give
him pleasure, poor boy.

The elections in the provinces are all for peace, and only the
towns for war and a republic. This week is one of intense and
anxious expectation; though the greater portion believe in the
restoration of peace, yet we have no security for it.

March 6th.

* * * Now dear Louise’s marriage draws near, how much you must feel
it! I think so much of her, of your and of my dear home. I trust
she will be very happy, which with such an amiable young man she
must be.

Louis has received the Order “_Pour le mérite_,” which I am so glad
of for him. The Emperor telegraphed the announcement to my
mother-in-law, with many complimentary words about her sons. To
have the three sons safe is something to be thankful for, for they
were much and continually exposed. I know nothing of Louis’ coming.
The troops march home, and it will take at least six weeks. I hope
so much that he may have leave for a fortnight, and then return to
the troops, to lead them home.

To-night are the peace illuminations here, which will be very
pretty. Our house will also be illuminated, and I take the two
eldest girls out with me to-night to see it all. It is a thing for
them never to forget, this great and glorious, though too horrid,
war.

March 13th.

I know nothing as yet of Louis’ return. I fear I must wait a few
weeks longer. On Wednesday the Emperor, Fritz, and some of the
Princes pass through Frankfort, and I am going there with my
parents-in-law to see them.

The Paris news is not very edifying, and I fear France has not seen
the worst yet, for there seems to be a fearful state of anarchy
there.

I have no news to give, save that Frittie has his first tooth. He
is between Victoria and Irène, but not like Ernie--not near so big,
which is really not necessary. I think he is the sort of baby you
admire. I go on looking after my hospitals, and now the trains,
full of Landwehr returning home cheering and singing, begin to
pass. Now good-bye, darling Mama. I am in thought daily with you
during these days, and only wish it had been in my power to be of
any use or comfort to you just now.

DARMSTADT, April 8th.

* * * We had the pleasure of catching a glimpse of Louise and Lorne
on their way through, but their stay was too short to be able to
say more than a few words. They can scarcely help passing through
here, as they can’t go through France, on their way back; and if
you would allow them _quite incognito_ on their way back to pass a
day here, it would give both Louise and me the greatest pleasure,
and entail no other visits.

The Emperor, who kindly gave Louis leave, prolonged it till Monday,
when he leaves, and for how long is quite undecided. If I could
only go with him! Marie of Saxony has joined George: so has Carola
[the Crown Princess of Saxony] her husband; but our division, which
is near Chumont, is in too bad and close quarters to admit of my
living there.

Should Louis have to remain very long, I still hope to rejoin
him--I don’t care about the little discomfort.

The new governess, Frl. Kitz, comes on Thursday. She is not young,
but pleasing-looking--said to be very amiable, and a good
governess; has been for eighteen years in England, first with Lady
Palk, and then for ten years with Herr Kleinwart--a rich German
banker in London--where she brought up the two daughters.

DARMSTADT, April 13th.

* * * Ernie’s kilt was sent him by Mr. Mitchell.[103] He admired
Ernie so much at Berlin, that he said he would send him a Scotch
dress, and I could not refuse. It is rather small as it is, and I
hope that you will still give him one, as from his Grandmama it
would be doubly valuable.

Louis has arrived safely at his destination--Donjeux; and we both
feel the separation very much after having had the happiness of
being together again.

The Paris battles are too dreadful, and the end seems some way off
yet.

May 27th.

My thoughts cannot leave unfortunate Paris! What horrors, and
enacted so close by in the centre of the civilized world! It seems
incredible; and what a lesson for those who wish to learn by it!

DARMSTADT, June 8th.

Louise and Lorne are just gone, and it rains and blows, and is
dreadful. Their visit was so pleasant, so _gemüthlich_, and I think
Louise looks well and happy. She had much to tell of their journey,
which seems to have been very interesting. I could show them almost
nothing, as the weather was so bad. We three went yesterday evening
to my parents-in-law, who were most kind to them, as they always
are to all my relations.

Their short stay was a great _great_ pleasure to me, so cut off
from home as I have been since three long years.

Louis will be here in a few days, and we go together to Berlin for
four days; Louis insists on my accompanying him. On the 24th the
entry of the troops will be here.

SEEHEIM, June 14th.

* * * I am so glad that the poor Emperor and Empress are so kindly
treated. They deserve to be well used by England, for the Emperor
did so much to bring France and England together. How shamefully
the French treat them, and speak of them, is not to be told; for
the French consider themselves blameless, and always betrayed by
others, whom they had made almost their gods of, as long as all
went well.

Dear Frittie is getting better--principally his looks, but the
illness is not overcome yet. I have been so anxious about him. The
country here is more beautiful than ever, and country air and
flowers are a great enjoyment. Every little walk is up and down
hill, little brooks, rocks, small green valleys, fine woods, etc. I
have not lived here since 1865, when Ella was a baby. The children
are beside themselves with pleasure at the pretty country and the
scrambling walks, but above all at the wild flowers, in which they
are getting quite learned. I find them in a book for them, and even
Ernie knows some names, and never calls them wrong. All my children
are great lovers of nature, and I develop this as much as I can. It
makes life so rich, and they can never feel dull anywhere, if they
know to seek and find around them the thousand beauties and wonders
of nature. They are very happy and contented, and always see, the
less people have the less they want, and the greater is the
enjoyment of that which they have. I bring my children up as simply
and with as few wants as I can, and, above all, teach them to help
themselves and others, so as to become independent.

DARMSTADT, June 20th.

I write at the dinner-table, whilst the children finish dinner, as
I have not found a spare moment yet, and the rest of my afternoon
is taken up with the preparations for to-morrow.

The Empress Augusta has just been here for three hours, quite
dead-tired with all she went through.

Thousand thanks for your dear letter received before our departure
for Potsdam! Our journey was dreadful. We left in the evening, and
were to have been here at 11 A.M., and through the irregularity of
the trains we only got here at four in the afternoon. I am quite
done up. The fatigues at Berlin were incessant. Any thing more
grand, more imposing or touching and _erhebend_ [elevating] than
the entry of the troops in Berlin I never saw. It was a wonderful
sight to drive for three-quarters of an hour through rows of French
cannon! The decorations were so artistic, so handsome, and the
enthusiasm of the dense crowds quite enormous. I am glad to have
been there; it will be a thing to recollect. The old Emperor,
surrounded by the many princes and by his great generals, looked so
noble riding at the head of his glorious troops. Deputations of all
the German troops were there.

It was very hot, and we had to drive every day to Berlin, and back
in the evening.

Alas! it is rainy here, and the town is so beautifully decorated;
three large triumphal arches, and the houses covered with garlands
and flags.

I found the dear children well, though rather pale from the heat.

Louis left again this morning, but after to-morrow remains here for
good, which will indeed be a pleasure after such endless
separations.

DARMSTADT, June 27th.

* * * To-day Aunt Marie of Russia and her children were here. Aunt
Marie looks thinner than ever, but well; and Marie dear and nice,
with such a kind fresh face, so simple and girlish. She gives her
brothers music lessons during the journey, which she is very proud
of. She is very fond of children, and of a quiet country life--that
is the ideal she looks for. The Emperor of Russia comes here on the
5th, to join Aunt Marie at Petersthal. Louis’ work is
incessant--the selling off of horses, the changing garrisons of the
regiments, the new formation of our division, causes almost more
work than the _Mobilmachung_ [mobilization]. The entry was very
beautiful: the decorations of the town most tasteful; not a house
or the smallest street which was not covered with garlands, flags,
and emblems. There were large groups of the captured guns, and the
names of the battles on shields around. Unfortunately, it poured
nearly all the time, and we were quite drenched. I had the five
children in my carriage, and Irène gave wreaths to her godfathers
of the cavalry brigade. Two days ago we gave a large military
dinner, and have several soirées of that sort to give before we can
go into the country, which I am longing for. We shall probably go
to Seeheim, as the summer seems too damp for Kranichstein.

The middle of August we shall go to Blankenberghe, near Ostend, as
the doctors wish sea-bathing for Louis, and sea air for me and for
some of the children, which is very necessary to set us up before
going to Scotland. We want to remain one or two days and one night
in London. We require a few things, which make a stay necessary. If
we might be at Balmoral on the 10th, as Louis’ birthday is on the
12th, would that suit you?

Please let me know in time if you think our plans good. This will
enable us to settle when to go to Blankenberghe, as we can’t be
there longer than three weeks.

_How_ I look forward to seeing you again, and to come home once
more! It is so kind of you to let us bring the children. The
arrangement of the rooms will do perfectly, and we don’t care how
we are put up, and above all things don’t wish to be in the way.

The weather is horrid--rain and wind incessantly--after having been
tremendously hot. These sudden changes upset every one, and Frittie
has had a very slight return of his illness.

August 13th.

* * * The newest news is, that my nice excellent Marie Grancy is
going to marry. She will be such a loss to me. These last years she
has been so useful, so amiable, and I shall miss her dreadfully.
She is going to marry Major von Hesse, who was with us in England
the last time, and the wedding is to be in September. As he has
been ill in consequence of the war, they will go to Italy and spend
the winter there.

We leave at eight to-morrow morning, reach Cologne at one o’clock,
and wait there till ten in the evening, when we continue our
journey and reach Blankenberghe at eight next morning. Will you
kindly send a gentleman to Gravesend, who can remain with us in
London, as we are quite alone?

Uncle George, Aunt Cambridge, and Mary dined with us at Frankfort
two days ago. Mary I had not seen for three years; she was looking
very handsome.

BLANKENBERGHE, August 17th.

Only two words to say that we arrived safe and well here yesterday
after a very hot journey. The hotel is on the beach where we sit
all day; there are no walks or any thing save the beach, and no
trees. Our rooms are very small and not very clean; but the
heavenly sea air and the wind refresh one, and the sands are very
long. One can ride on donkeys, which enchants young and old
children. Every one bathes together, and one has to take a little
run before the waves cover one. We bathed with the three girls this
morning, but I felt quite shy, for all the people sit round and
look on, and there are great numbers of people here. Our children
play about with others and dig in the sand. Frittie sleeps so well
since he has been here; his color is beginning to return.

We have one small sitting-room, which is our dining-room, and
Louis’ dressing-room.

I was so sad and upset at taking leave of my dear Marie Grancy the
other day; a kind true friend and companion has she been to me
these nine years, and during the war she was quite invaluable to
me. I hope she will be as happy as she deserves to be.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, September 10th.

The pleasure of seeing your dear handwriting again has been so
great! Thank God that you are going on well. I do feel _so much_
for you, and for all you have had to suffer in every way! I trust
entire quiet and rest of mind and body, and any little attention
that I may be able to offer for your comfort, will make the autumn
of real benefit for your health. How I do look forward to seeing
you again, I can’t say. * * *

We propose leaving the evening of the 13th. Bertie and Uncle George
have arranged for our going to Aldershot on Monday and Tuesday,
which interests Louis above all things, and I fancied this
arrangement would suit you best.

The journey has quite cured Frittie, without any medicine, and the
heat is over.

* * * I took Victoria and Ella to the Exhibition, and what
enchanted Ella most was a policeman, who was, as she said, “so very
kind” in keeping the crowd off. It reminded me of “Susy Pusy,”
which dear Papa used to tease me with as a child.

We dined and lunched with Bertie, who had only just arrived, and is
gone again. Dear Arthur of course I have not seen.

BRAM’S HILL PARK CAMP,
CAVALRY BRIGADE,
2D DIVISION,
September 12th.

In Bertie’s tent I write these few lines to thank you in Louis’
name and my own a thousand times for your dear kind letter. Every
loving word is so precious to us, and the presents you so kindly
gave Louis enchanted him. The pin, unfortunately, did not arrive.

How I regret each time I hear you speak of your illness! I have
been so anxious about you. Uncle Louis and my parents-in-law, in
their telegram of to-day, enquire after you.

We have had two such interesting days; the country too lovely, each
day in a quite different part. We accompanied Uncle George, and in
this way have seen the two Divisions, and through sleeping here
will be enabled to see the third Division to-morrow before
returning to town.

I saw dear Arthur yesterday. He rode with me all the time, and
to-day we met him marching with his company. How I have enjoyed
seeing your splendid troops again, I can’t tell you; but I shall
reserve all news till we meet.

Louis thanks you again and again for your kindness, and only
regrets not having seen you himself, but is very grateful that we
were allowed to stay a few days at Buckingham Palace, through which
we were enabled to come here, which to him as a soldier is of the
very greatest interest. Bertie is full of his work, and I think it
interests him immensely. He has charming officers about him, to
help and show him what to do. To our great disappointment we did
not see the 42d. Highlanders, the “Black Watch” to-day; but
yesterday we saw the Agyleshire 91st Highlanders, who gave Louise
the present. Bertie lent me a charming little horse, but the ground
is dreadful, and not having ridden for so long, and being on
horseback so many hours, makes me feel quite stiff.

DUNROBIN CASTLE,
SUTHERLAND,
October 19th.

I wish your telegram had brought me better news of you. I really
can’t bear to think of you suffering, and so much alone. I feel it
quite wrong to have left you, and my thoughts and wishes are
continually with you, and distract my attention from all I see
here. I can’t tell you how much I feel for you at being so
helpless. It is such a trial to any one so active as yourself; but
your trial must be drawing to a close, and you will be rewarded in
the end, I am sure, by feeling perhaps even better and stronger
than you did before all your troubles.

I was nearly sick in the train, which is the slowest I was ever in
my life, and was unable to go to dinner; but a long walk by the sea
this morning has quite set me up in spite of the extraordinary
warmth.

SANDRINGHAM, November 9th.

It is the first time since eleven years that I have spent Bertie’s
birthday with him, and though we are only three of our own family
together, still that is better than nothing, and makes it seem more
like birthday. Bertie and Alix are so kind, and give us so warm a
welcome, showing how they like having us, that it feels quite home.
Indeed I pray earnestly that God’s blessing may rest on him, and
that he may be guided to do what is wise and right, so that he may
tide safely through the anxious times that are before him, and in
which we now live. They are both charming hosts, and all the party
suit well together. The Westminsters and Brownlows are here; Lady
B. is so very handsome.

We joined the shooting party for luncheon, and the last beats out
to-day and yesterday; and the weather is beautiful, though cold--a
very bracing air, like Scotland.

1872.

The Princess did not return to Darmstadt with her children till the end of January, passing through Brussels on her way. Prince Louis was invested with the order of the Black Eagle at the “Krönungs- und Ordensfest” at Berlin. Many of their relations visited the Prince and Princess during the early part of the year.

On the 6th of June another daughter was born, and she was christened on the 1st of July, the anniversary of her parents’ wedding-day. Her names were Victoria Alix Helena Louise Beatrice. The sponsors were the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Cesarewitch and Cesarewna, Princess Beatrice, the Duchess of Cambridge, and the Landgravine of Hesse.

In August the Crown Prince of Prussia paid his first visit to Darmstadt since the war, and met with a most loyal and hearty reception.

In consequence of the death of the Princess Hohenlohe-Langenburg, the beloved half-sister of the Queen, in September, the Prince and Princess went to Baden to be present at the last sad ceremony, and to see their beloved aunt borne to her rest.

A fortnight later the general assembly of the various German societies for charitable purposes held its first meeting at Darmstadt.

All these societies, including the “Ladies’ Union,” founded by Princess Alice, had, in 1869, joined themselves together to form one great body. During the year 1872 the Princess added another Institution to those she had already called into existence--viz., an Orphan Asylum. A special committee of ladies was at the head of it, to watch over it, and also, if necessary, to advise and help those poor orphans who had been boarded out in private families at the expense of the parish. This institution has already proved most successful, thanks to the readiness with which the authorities met all Princess Alice’s wishes.

The general assembly at Darmstadt--the “Frauentag” or “Ladies’ Diet,” as it was called--distinguished itself, not only by the extremely discreet and practical manner in which it carried out all the many different branches of business which it had undertaken, but also by the presence of several remarkable persons interested in its aims and objects, such as Madame Marie Simon, the founder and head of the Institution for training nurses at Dresden, and three English ladies, Miss Mary Carpenter, Miss Florence Hill, and Miss Winkworth.

The subjects treated of at the general assembly were the admission of women to the Post Office and Telegraph Service; the results of the working of F. Froebel’s principles for the further employment of women; of “Kindergarten”; the finding of proper localities for the exhibition and sale of women’s handiwork of all kinds; nursing as a branch of female industry; the provision of better schools for girls, and what had been done, and was doing, in England for female education and at similar institutions.

The Princess followed all the discussions with the keenest interest. She received all the members of the different societies at her own palace, and for each she had a kind and encouraging word.

None of those present will ever forget the sympathy and encouragement they met with from the Princess. She not only advised and suggested things, but herself took the initiative in any important question which came under her notice. The general assembly did great credit to itself in the eyes of Germany, and, indeed, of other countries as well, and its members were encouraged to still further exertions.

The Princess herself was full of new plans for further good works. At the beginning of November Prince and Princess Louis were present at the unveiling of a monument erected to the memory of the Hessian soldiers who fell in the war of 1870. The Princess herself placed some wreaths at its base. The 14th of December, the anniversary of the Prince Consort’s death, the Princess spent with her sister the Crown Princess of Prussia, who had come to Darmstadt from Carlsruhe for the purpose.

DARMSTADT, January 21st.

* * * Louis returns to-morrow from Berlin. He was the first to be
invested by the Emperor, and has met with great kindness. He was
very glad to have been there with dear Arthur, who seems to please
every one.

February 5th.

* * * It is a great pleasure to have dear Arthur here. He is so
amiable, civil, and nice, and takes interest in all he sees, and is
so pleasant to have in the house. His visit will be very short, as
he gives up two days to go to Baden.

We gave small suppers on two evenings for Arthur, and yesterday
evening a celebrated, most excellent violinist played quite as well
as Joachim: a friend of his, and a pupil of Spöhr’s. This afternoon
he is going to play some of Bach’s celebrated sonatas with and to
me. Arthur enjoys music very much, and keeps up his playing.

There is a dance at Uncle Alexander’s to-night, on Wednesday a
Court ball, and on Friday one at my parents-in-law. I can’t stand
the heat at all of an evening, and the rooms are very hot. Louis,
who has an awful cold, took Arthur to see the barracks, as all
military things give him pleasure.

It is heavenly sunny weather, having been quite dark and foggy all
day yesterday.

April 20th.

* * * Louis has been in Upper Hesse the last four days shooting
_Auerhähne_, but as yet unsuccessfully. My mother-in-law is very
grateful for your kind message, and is better, though weak. She has
had a narrow escape from fever.

Frittie has again endless bruises, with lumps, as Leo used to have;
but he is taking iron, as Sir William [Jenner] wished, and is
strong and rosy and well otherwise. I trust he may outgrow this.

June 17th.

Many thanks for your dear letter and kind wishes for the birth of
our baby[104]--a nice little thing, like Ella, only smaller and
with finer features, though the nose promises to be long. * * *

Kind Dr. Hofmeister was most attentive; and of course having him
was far pleasanter than not, and we owe you great thanks for having
sent him. Mrs. Clarke has been all one could wish.

Louis wrote as soon as he could, but this last week he has only
been home just before his dinner, and was so tired that he
invariably fell asleep. He has gone out at six, returning at
twelve, and has had to be out before four in the afternoon,
returning at eight. He is away again to-day. Until the 15th of
September his duty will be important, and he has all the office
work besides. It is double this year to what it usually is, as all
people and things are new since the war.

How sad the loss of those two poor children is,[105] and the sweet
little “bairnie” of three! The unfortunate mother to lose two in so
dreadful a way! I am sure it touched Beatrice much to see the poor
little one; and in a child death so often loses every thing that is
painful.

We think of calling our little girl “Alix” (Alice they pronounce
too dreadfully in German) “Helena Louise Beatrice,” and, if
Beatrice may, we would much like to have her as godmother.

DARMSTADT, June 24th.

* * * We both felt so truly for you when we heard of dear Dr.
Macleod’s death, knowing what a kind and valued friend of yours he
was, and how fate seems to take one friend after another, and
before age can claim its right. He indeed deserves his rest, for he
did so much good in his life!

I feel rather weaker than usual this time, and sitting and walking,
though only a few steps, tries me a good deal. I was out for half
an hour yesterday, and I think the air will do me good.

Louis left at half-past five this morning, and will be back by
seven, I hope, this evening; to-morrow the same.

I will add Vicky’s name to baby’s others, as you propose; and
“Alix” we gave for “Alice,” as they murder my name here: “Aliicé”
they pronounce it, so we thought “Alix” could not so easily be
spoilt.

Uncle Alexander is coming back shortly, and says the Empress is not
to return to Russia this winter, and will be sent to Italy for the
whole winter.

The heat has been quite dreadful; there is a little air to-day,
though.

August 14th.

* * * Baby is like Ella, only smaller features, and still darker
eyes with very black lashes, and reddish-brown hair. She is a
sweet, merry little person, always laughing, with a deep dimple in
one cheek just like Ernie.

We are going to Frankfort to-day to give Uncle George and Fritz
Strelitz a luncheon in our Palais there. Hélène Reuter comes to us
for a month to-morrow as lady.

I hope your Edinburgh visit will go off well. You have never lived
in Holyrood since 1861, have you?

How I shall think of you at dear Balmoral, and this time capable of
enjoying it--not like last time, when you had to suffer so much,
and were unable to do any thing. It quite spoiled our visit to see
you an invalid. Remember me to all old friends there--to Brown’s
kind old mother, and any who ask after us.

I shall think of you on dear Grandmama’s birthday. She is never
forgotten by any of us, and lives on as a dearly-cherished memory
of all that was good and loving, and so kind. My children have her
picture in their room, and I often tell them of her.

KRANICHSTEIN, August 20th.

I am very grateful for your telegrams from Edinburgh, and for
Flora’s [MacDonald] letter. It interests me so much to know what
you did there, and I am very glad all went off so well. The people
will have been too delighted to have had you in their midst again,
and I am sure you enjoyed the beauty of your fine northern capital
anew after not having seen it for so long a time. Beatrice seems
delighted with what she saw. I recollect those many interesting and
beautiful spots so well.[106]

The 18th was the anniversary of the dreadful battle of Gravelotte,
which cost so many lives, to our division especially. We drove into
town to the military church, which was full of officers and men, at
half-past seven in the morning, and thought much of the friends and
acquaintances in their distant graves, and of the desolate homes,
until that day so bright. My heart felt too full when we were
singing _Ein’ feste Burg_, and I had my husband at my side, whom
the Almighty had graciously spared to my children and myself.
Gratitude seems barely enough to express the intense depth of what
I feel when I think of that time, and how again and again I long to
give all and all to my good dear Louis and to our children, for he
is all that is good and true and pure.

* * * The children were much distressed at the sad fate of my poor
little bullfinch, who piped beautifully. Louis had caught an owl
and put it in a wooden sort of a cage in the room where my bird
was. In the night it broke the bars and got loose and tore the
bullfinch’s tail out, and the poor little thing died in
consequence.

Of our quiet country life there is little to tell. We are a good
deal out, always with our little people, their pets--dogs, cats,
ponies, donkeys; it is rather like a menagerie.

SCHLOSS KRANICHSTEIN, September 17th.

* * * On Sunday the Moriers with their children were with us for
the day. He looked so white and reduced, walks on crutches, but
retains, as always, his spirits and his lively interest for all
things. He is a kind, warm-hearted man, to whom we are both
attached. Alice feels the loss of her poor sister deeply, and says
her father has been so cut up about it.

We took them to races close by, and feared we should be upset, the
ground being very heavy and uneven, and I was in terror for Mr.
Morier, who was in my carriage.

On the 9th there is a large meeting here of the different
associations existing throughout Germany for the bettering of
women’s education and social position (of the middle class
especially with regard to trade). Some English ladies are coming,
some Swiss and Dutch. It will last four days, and be very
fatiguing. The programme I arranged with my two committees here and
the gentlemen at Berlin, and they wanted to force me to preside;
but for so large an assemblage--to me nearly all strangers--I
positively refused. I do that in my own Associations, but not where
there are so many strangers, who all want to talk, and all to cross
purposes. It is difficult enough to keep one’s own people in order
when they disagree. I hope and trust I have prevented _all_
exaggerated and unfeminine views being brought up, which to me are
dreadful. These Associations, if not reasonably led, tend too
easily to the ridiculous. My Associations take a great deal of my
time and thought, and require a good amount of study. I hope and
trust that what we are doing here is the right thing. We have
already had some satisfactory results in the class of the
workwomen, and in the reform of the schools; but there are many
open questions yet, which I hope this meeting, with others who work
in the same field, may help us to solve.

Will you look through the programme? It would please me so much, if
I thought, you took a little interest in my endeavors here in a
very small way to follow in a slight degree part of dear Papa’s
great works for the good of others.

The meeting at Berlin seems to have gone off very well, and has
pleased all Germans, who hope for a consolidation of peace--so
necessary to them.

We have an entire change of Ministry at Darmstadt, the first since
1848, which fills all with hopes for an improvement in all the
affairs of the Grand Duchy.

KRANICHSTEIN, September 25th.

* * * _All_ sympathize with you, and feel what a loss to you
darling Aunt[107] must be--how great the gap in your life, how
painful the absence of that sympathy and love which united her life
and yours so closely.

Darling, kind Mama, I feel so acutely for you, that my thoughts are
incessantly with you, and my prayers for comfort and support to be
granted you in the heavy trial are warm indeed. You have borne so
many hard losses with courage and resignation, that for darling
Aunt’s sake you will do so again, and knowing her at rest and peace
will in time reconcile you to the loss--all the more as her passing
from this world to another was so touchingly peaceful. Dear Augusta
[Stanley] wrote to me, which was a great consolation, and we intend
going to Baden to pay our last token of respect and love.

DARMSTADT, October 13th.

* * * A few words about our doings here may be of interest to you.
The meeting went off well, was very large, the subjects discussed
were to the purpose and important, and not one word of the
emancipated political side of the question was touched upon by any
one. Schools (those of the lower, middle, and higher classes) for
girls was the principal theme; the employment of women for post and
telegraph offices, etc.; the improvement necessary in the education
of nursery-maids, and the knowledge of mothers in the treatment of
little children; the question of nurses and nursing institutes.