One morning the Equerries were wanted to attend H.R.H., while I had permission to amuse myself, which I did by a ride in Windsor Great Park. It appeared that the Prince Consort, having bought some pictures in London, wanted a fit place to hang them. Passing through the Equerries’ rooms, H.R.H. came to mine. I was, as stated, out riding. The Prince immediately smelt smoke, and remarked, “The little Admiral told me he did not smoke.” My friends only smiled, H.R.H. was never undeceived! Once, when riding was the order of the day, I rode my best hunter. On crossing one of the streams, the Prince of Wales proposed that I should try my horse over the river instead of the bridge. I got over, but my horse made an over-reach and struck my right heel, which gave me pain. It was in 1840, when my father was Master of the Horse, that a boy was found concealed in a room adjoining Her Majesty’s. Since then, it had been the custom, when Her Majesty was about to retire, for the Groom-in-Waiting to precede, and see the coast clear. My foot gave me pain, and I had taken up a spot in advance, when these horrid Equerries, whom I had not forgiven about the smoke, picked me up, and having planted me in the right place, disappeared. I made a proper bow when Her Majesty passed, and almost forgave my playfellows about the smoke! The Prince Consort had introduced the Christmas Tree, and we used to dance the Old Year out and the New Year in, to the tune of the “Old English.” When the clock struck twelve, the band suddenly struck up “God Save the Queen.” Everybody was very hot, and everybody kissed his partner except myself. I had the honour of dancing with Her Royal Highness the Princess Louise. CHAPTER LXXII THE CAPE COMMAND [Sidenote: 1860. Jan. 1.] At Windsor Castle. Ladies-in-Waiting--Lady Caroline Barrington, Hon. Mrs. Bruce, and Lady Ely, while the Maids of Honour were Hon. Beatrice Byng and Hon. Emily Cathcart. [Sidenote: Jan. 5.] Shooting with the Prince Consort were the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge, while in attendance were Colonel F. H. Seymour, Major-General Hon. R. Bruce, Captain George Grey, Colonel Clifton, and myself. Earl de Grey was of the party. [Sidenote: Jan. 10.] Finished my turn in waiting by hunting with the Prince Consort’s harriers. [Sidenote: Jan. 17.] To Berkeley Castle. Kind welcome from Sir Maurice and Lady Charlotte. [Sidenote: Jan. 18.] Hounds met at Sir G. Jenkins’s, who gave me a good breakfast. Woodland country; plenty of foxes killed. [Sidenote: Jan. 20.] Wild-goose shooting: novel and interesting, but hard work. [Sidenote: Jan. 21.] Hunted from Berkeley Castle. Colonel “the giant” in great force. [Sidenote: Jan. 23.] Daily hunting; foxes often found in trees! [Sidenote: Jan. 24.] My appointment to Cape command. By rail to London; put up with sister Mary Stephenson. [Sidenote: Jan. 28.]