The Queen went directly toward the Countess Wimphen, the doyenne, and, holding out her hand, leaned forward as if to kiss her cheek.  The Ambassadress sank almost to the ground.  Then the Queen talked with all the Ambassadresses and to the Ministers’ wives.  Madame Westenberg, the wife of the Minister from Holland, being the plus ancienne of these, stood, full of importance at the head of her flock.  The Queen’s ready mind found something of interest to say to every one, and she seemed brimming over with conversation.  There were continual glances between their Majesties, as if they were mutually comparing notes, which I fancy were something like this, “You’d better hurry, or I shall finish before you do.”

Every time the Queen turned, Marquis Guiccioli (the Queen’s chamberlain) bent down to the ground and arranged her train, spreading it out flat on the floor.  When the Queen caught sight of me a smile of recognition passed over her face, and when she gave me her hand she said:  “I am so glad to see you again, and so happy to know that we are going to have you in Rome.  I’ve never forgotten your singing.  Your voice is still ringing in my ears.”

I answered, “I have never forgotten your Majesty’s kindness to me when I was here before.”

“I remember so well,” she said, “how beautifully you and the Marquise Villamarina sang that duet from ‘La Pavorita.’  We shall have some music later, I hope,” and she added, “The King was delighted with Monsieur de Hegermann.”

I said that Monsieur de Hegermann was very much flattered by the King’s gracious manner when the King received him.

On leaving me the Queen crossed the room, directing her steps toward the doyen Ambassador.  In the mean while the King came toward the ladies, passing rapidly from one to the other.  He made quick work of us, as he did most of the talking himself, hardly ever waiting for an answer.

He said to me, “The Queen tells me that you have been here before.”

“I have, your Majesty,” I answered; “I was here five years ago and had the honor to be presented to you.”

“Really?” said the King.  “I don’t remember.”

“But I’ve known you longer even than that,” I said.

“How so?” asked the King, abruptly.

“When your Majesty was in Paris in 1867.”

“That makes us very old friends,” he said, smilingly.

Finally, when their Majesties had finished the circle, they met at the end of the ball-room; every one made a grande reverence, and they bowed graciously in response and withdrew.

We ladies, in walking out, allowed our manteaux to trail behind us.  We entered the room where refreshments were served, and crowded around the buffet, which groaned under the weight of all sorts of good things.  We drank one another’s health and Happy New Year in champagne.

January, 1881.