The Strand Magazine, Vol. 07, Issue 40, April, 1894: An Illustrated MonthlyVarious
General
The Strand Magazine, Vol. 07, Issue 40, April, 1894: An Illustrated Monthly
Various
English literature -- Periodicals; Short stories, English -- Periodicals
In one of our wanderings we find ourselves on a site known as
"Traitors' Hill," actually in the grounds, though right on the other
side. This was the spot where the conspirators stood to watch what
never came off--the blowing up of the Houses of Parliament. A clear
view right over London, as it lays like a huge panoramic picture
that has paused for the explanatory guide. Then we return _viâ_ long
archways of flowers, gaily arranged beds, and acres of kitchen garden.
I notice that the men employed in the grounds are by no means young,
and am told that unless they have been there quite a number of years
the others look upon them altogether as interlopers. Many are really
past actual work, but there they stay until such time as the Baroness
pensions them off.
I have told you Mr. Burdett-Coutts has a fine stud near: near enough,
in fact, to send to for some of the horses. I have no time to visit
the place, and when I hear a clattering and whinnying, and find myself
confronted with a splendidly-matched pair called "The Ladies," I am
glad to have seen some specimens of the fine English breed for which
their master has made himself famous. This is indeed a pretty pair;
full of fire, yet easily controlled into the most gentle action. They
put me in mind of twin sisters, for I have to walk round them two or
three times in my endeavours to tell "t'other from which." This is the
pair with which Mr. Coutts is wont to drive the Baroness round the
park; generally accompanied by one or two pet dogs. The dogs, they are
of great importance at Holly Lodge: "Peter" and "Prince" being the
favourites, the former generally accompanying his mistress wherever
she goes; he has a decided taste for geological survey; and indoors
there is quite a collection made by him, borrowed from all parts, the
Continent and at home. Another valuable canine had for its father a
favourite of the Emperor Charles Frederick; and still others possess
histories of their own, for which I have not space. One thing I _can_
give, though, and that is a good photographic reproduction of a group,
specially taken for this Magazine, and given at the head of this
article; there you will observe the Baroness, Mr. Burdett-Coutts, and
the dogs, grouped on the summit of the "Lodge" steps. Also, you have
a portrait of "Cocky," a self-asserting cockatoo, one of a tribe of
feathered creatures, happy and well fed, who live in and around the
house. At one time, the Baroness tells me, she made efforts to induce
nightingales to build in the surrounding trees, but ultimately had to
give it up, as they were just a prize for the bird-fanciers.
[Illustration: "COCKY."
_From a Painting by Edmond Caldwell._]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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