Prince Victor and self were to dine at Osborne, he having a room there. We crossed early. Strolling by self in afternoon, came suddenly on Her Majesty and the Prince Consort. Tried to get behind a bush--too late! Was beckoned to by Her Majesty, who appeared in the best of spirits. The Queen asked me how I liked the change of uniform. Replied, “I like it very much, your Majesty, but this morning I was taken for a railway official.” At this Her Majesty laughed heartily, giving His Royal Highness a little nudge, and added: “Have they not taken away your epaulettes?” Unfortunately I did not then know the improvement was His Royal Highness’s idea. Took in Lady Caroline Barrington to dinner. Concert afterwards, it being Prince Albert’s birthday; and a dance in servants’ hall, which was attended by charming Lady Churchill, Miss Cathcart and household. English country dance, Roger de Coverley, etc.: great fun! Slept at Osborne. [Sidenote: Aug. 27.] Her Majesty and family off at 10 for London. Returned by 5 P.M. boat to Portsmouth. [Sidenote: Aug. 28.] Called on Sir George and Lady Seymour. Off Slaughter House Pier Thomas tried Francis’ patent iron lifeboat, and was nearly drowned. We dined with George Lennox. [Sidenote: Aug. 29.] Board of Admiralty arrived. [Sidenote: Aug. 30.] Sir Charles Wood informed me that he had decided on my hoisting the broad pennant in the _Raleigh_ for East Indies. [Sidenote: Aug. 31.] Went over _Raleigh_ with Turnour: a magnificent frigate. Last of the sailers. CHAPTER LXIII THE _RALEIGH_ [Sidenote: 1856. Sept. 1.] Portsmouth.--Dined with Admiral-Superintendent to meet First Lord and Board. [Sidenote: Sept. 2.] Morning’s post brought letters for the Commodore! Dined with Sir Charles Wood and Board of Admiralty at George Hotel; jolly on the whole. [Sidenote: Sept. 3.] Admiralty Board off to town. [Sidenote: Sept. 4.] Took up commission for _Raleigh_. Pennant hoisted by boatswain’s wife--good-looking woman, ought to bring luck! [Sidenote: London, Sept. 5.] No end of business at Admiralty getting officers appointed, etc. [Sidenote: Chichester, Sept. 13.] Breakfast and shot with Sir Maurice Berkeley; 11½ brace between us. Dined and slept there. [Sidenote: Sept. 19.] Started on parting visits. By 8 P.M. train from Euston Station for Aberdeen. Travelling all night, and still whirling along. [Sidenote: Sept. 20.] [Sidenote: Gordon Castle, Sept. 21.] From Aberdeen by train to Huntly. Picked up there by Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar in britzska and conveyed to Gordon Castle; cordial welcome by everybody to this delightful place. [Sidenote: Sept. 22.] Drove with Duke and Duchess to the Sea. Lord and Lady Churchill arrived. Deer-shooting party going some distance, was allowed with keeper to shoot in park; made capital shot at a buck. Time passing only too quickly. [Sidenote: Sept. 24.] Walk to bridge to see swollen Spey. [Sidenote: Sept. 25.]