As a faint hope, he had joined his sister, Mrs. Gore, at Carlsbad, and Her Majesty, with her usual thought and kindness, had sent Sir William Jenner and Dr. Ellice; they pronounced the case hopeless.... Very sincerely yours, (Signed) G. H. SEYMOUR. [Sidenote: Gunton Park, Jan. 1.] In compliance with kind invitation from the Prince of Wales, find myself at Gunton Park. The Princess as charming as ever, but not improved by the new fashion in hairdressing. Took Her Royal Highness in to dinner. Whist afterwards. [Sidenote: Jan. 2.] Arrangements very pleasant. A cup of tea and slice of bread and butter on being called. Breakfast when you like at small tables. Church within a hundred yards; singing good and sermon short. The young Princes, Edward and George, dined while we lunched. Informed the Prince that I was writing to the Duke of Edinburgh. Was sent for into the Princess of Wales’ boudoir; the Royal children romping while the Princess carried the baby. The Prince was there. Altogether a charming picture. [Sidenote: Jan. 3.] It was 7.30 P.M. before the fresh company arrived. On going into the drawing-room the most conspicuous and handsome (the Princess had not come down) was the Duchess of Manchester with seven rows of pearls, scarcely whiter than the fair neck they were on. Old Lady Ailesbury, as young as ever, the same flaxen hair, frizzed out. Lady de Grey looking very piquant. They all went into the shade when the Princess put in an appearance. Among the men, H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, but little altered; Lord de Grey, Lord Hartington, Duke of Manchester, Lord Huntingfield, Jim Macdonald, with his silky white hair; young Lord Dupplin, Oliver Montagu, grown out of all remembrance, and young Knollys. We were twenty to dinner. [Sidenote: Jan. 4.] The Royal brake and another open carriage took us to the shooting ground, where we had driving partridges until luncheon, which was hot and good, in a farmhouse; after that, covert shooting. The Princess and ladies came out after luncheon. [Illustration: _Last of the_ Rodney, 1884.[5]] [5] This picture of the _Rodney_ was given me by Mr. Emmanuel Emmanuel of The Hard, in whose possession is the original oil painting. [Sidenote: Jan. 5.] Rainy and dull morning; much chaffing and good-temper among the ladies. Lady Ailesbury in distress for a newspaper, which young Oliver Montagu provided on condition of a kiss. The good-natured Prince, seeing me in a new great-coat, made me take his and save my own. Luncheon in a farmhouse. The following days were passed in the same happy manner. [Sidenote: Jan. 10.] With rest of company took my departure. A happy visit not to be forgotten for many reasons. [Sidenote: April 27.] Portsmouth.--_Rodney_ only paid off this morning. In perfect order to the last. Some £12,000 paid to blue-jackets and marines. [Sidenote: June 1.] The following letter reached me:--