It is a beautiful bright day, and Hyde Park looked very animated as we drove through. Everyone was waiting to see the Queen pass. She arrived about an hour after us, as there is a Drawing-room to-morrow. We had some music this afternoon--2 pianos, 8 hands--and we play rather well a splendid symphony of Brahms'--not at all easy. We dined with Mr. Henry Petre, one of the most soigne dinners in London. It is always pleasant at his house--they say it is because he is a bachelor, which is not very flattering to _us_, but I think it is true, I don't know why. As we were out we _went on_, as they say here, to Lady Aberdeen, who had a small dance, but did not stay very long, as it was rather a young company. People always say there is nothing going on in London before the season, but we dine out every night and often have (I at least) something in the afternoon--a tea, or music. I don't believe anybody ever dines at home in London. The theatres are always crowded, quite as much as in Paris. Hilda and I went the other night with Count Seckendorff to see "Charlie's Aunt," a ridiculous farce which is having a great success. He protested at first at our choice--would have preferred something more classic, but he was perfectly amused (though protesting all the time). The piece is absolutely stupid, but so well played that the house was in roars of laughter, and that is always infectious. The man who played the part of the maiden aunt was extraordinarily well got up. His black silk dress and mittens were lovely--he looked really a prim old spinster and managed his skirts so well. Saturday, April 4, 1891. We lunched to-day with Ferdinand Rothschild to meet the Empress Frederick. We were a small party, principally Diplomatists. The Deyms, Hatzfeldt, Soveral, Harry Whites, etc. The Empress came (punctually) with Countess Perponcher and Seckendorff. The lunch was very handsome, quickly served and very animated, everybody talked. I had Hatzfeldt on the other side (I sat between him and Rothschild) so I was quite happy--there is nobody I like so much to talk to. He is very clever, very entrain, speaks French beautifully and talks about anything--just enough "moqueur" to keep one's wits sharpened. We had a discussion as to what was the origin of "Mrs. Grundy." None of us knew. I must ask Jusserand, who will I am sure be able to tell us. We were all dressed in black velvet, one would have thought it was a "mot d'ordre." The Empress is very easy and likes to talk. She asked me if I knew Deroulede, said she heard some of his poetry was charming. I told her the "Chants du Soldat" were delightful, but _I_ couldn't send them to her (they are all about the Franco-German War). One of the ladies, Mrs. White I think, said she would. Tuesday, April 21, 1891.