Of course the great excitement has been the departure of the Guards for Egypt, as it takes the husbands, sons, and brothers of half London away. It does seem such a useless campaign and sacrifice of human life. There was a child's party at Marlborough House on Friday afternoon which was very successful. Mimi and I were bidden, or _commanded_, as the correct phrase is, at 4 o'clock, so we took ourselves off, he in his white sailor suit, with blue collar, and I in blue velvet. Both Prince and Princess were very amiable, and the Duchess of Edinburgh was very good to Mimi, as she always is, making him sit by her daughters to see the conjuror, and at her table for tea. The children had their tea in the dining-room, with a great many little round tables, we had ours with the Princess. It is very informal, she always makes it herself, and everyone sits down. The Princess Louise was also there, looking very nice, and such a pretty figure. After the tea the children had a fine romp, ending with a most animated Sir Roger de Coverley, in which all the Princes--I mean the 2 younger ones, Prince Eddy and Prince George--joined, and all the Aides-de-Camp. We didn't leave till 7--and the afternoon was rather long, but still I must say I enjoyed myself. Yesterday we had a pleasant dinner at Lady Hayter's--a Liberal political salon. She has big dinners--receptions every Saturday. It was pleasant at first, until many more people came than the house would hold, but that is what the "Maitresse de Maison" particularly aims at. Everyone here sympathises with Lowell on the death of his wife. She was so very peculiar. I wrote him a little note, as he was always very amiable to me and complimentary about Father and Grandpa. This evening we had a dinner at Julia, Lady Tweeddale's, who is chaperoning her niece, Sir Robert Peel's daughter. Tuesday. I couldn't finish last evening, so take up my letter now at 7 o'clock, while I am waiting to dress for dinner. It is a quiet dinner at the Miss Monks'--two cousins, maiden ladies--and I shall wear a high dress, which is much easier to get into. Our dinner last night was pleasant and swell--Duke and Duchess of Leeds, Lord and Lady Delawarr, Lord and Lady Claud Hamilton (she a beauty, with a fine figure; he an attractive Irishman, son of the Duke of Abercorn) and others. They danced afterwards, and we stayed till 12 o'clock. The pose of the fast young married set is not to dance. There is no one to dance with, the Guards are gone. The Row was lovely this morning, like a May day, everybody out. I hope to begin to ride again next week. I am in treaty for a very handsome chestnut, if the man will come down a little in his price. #Albert Gate#, February 25, 1885.