The following day we returned to London in time to drive out, at one o'clock, with the Lionel Rothschilds to their country-place. It is the most magnificent estate; the cedar-trees are particularly beautiful, and the broad lawn, which stretches out in front of the house, is the finest I have ever seen. Baron Rothschild himself drove the coach and four horses, and we spun along the fine road, passing Richmond and all the pretty villas and gardens, which were full of roses. It was my birthday, and I had many splendid presents. From Baroness Rothschild I received a superb traveling-bag, all the fittings of silver gilt, with my initials. Baron Alfred Rothschild gave me a smelling-bottle, with the colors of his racing-stables in enamel. We had a delightful luncheon, and got back to London in time for dinner at Lady Sherbourne's. On hearing it was my birthday, she took a diamond-ring from her finger and gave it to me. More balls, more dinners, luncheons, and garden-parties followed one another. We intend to leave London after the ball at Marlborough House. I must go home, as I have nothing more to wear. We had accepted an invitation to the garden-party given by the Princess of Wales at Chiswick (their charming country-place). All the beauty and elegance of London graced the occasion. The Princess looked exquisite in her dainty summer toilette, and had a pleasant smile for every one. The Prince circulated among the guests, speaking to every one in his usual genial manner. The three little Princesses looked like three fluffy pink pin-cushions covered with white muslin. On the extensive lawn, which was like a green-velvet carpet, the ladies strolled about in their pretty, fresh dresses, sometimes sitting at the little tables which were shaded by large Japanese umbrellas placed between the terrace and the walk. It was a garden of living flowers. The Prince of Wales, in his peculiarly abrupt manner, said to me, "What have you been doing since Ascot?" "I have been doing a great deal, sir: dining and dancing and enjoying myself generally." "I am glad to know that. Been singing?" "Not much, sir. We dined at Twickenham Court, where I played a disastrous game of croquet," I answered. "Do they play croquet at Twickenham Court?" "Indeed they do, sir. The Countess de Paris plays a very good game." "What day did you dine there?" "On the 17th, your Highness," I replied. "Are you sure it was the 17th you dined there?" "Yes, I am quite sure. I know it, because it was the day before my birthday." "Was it a large dinner?" "It was rather large. The whole Orléans family was there, and some others." "Did you know that they had had a _conseil de famille_ that day?" "No," I answered; "I heard nothing of it."