The steam-tug came off early, bringing two sheep, half a bullock, and some wild ducks, much to the relief of the cook’s mind; but there were no vegetables to be had on shore, and of course it was too late to send to Buenos Ayres for any.  We had to do the best we could without them, therefore, and I really do not think any one knew of the dilemma we had been in, until they were told, at the end of the day.  The servants all turned to and worked with a will; but it was rather a different matter from having a large luncheon party on board in the Thames, with our London servants and supplies to fall back upon.

For our own part, I think we all felt that the comparative scarcity of meat this morning was an agreeable change, after our recent experiences.  Animal food is so cheap and so good in this country that at every meal four or five dishes of beef or mutton, dressed in various ways, are provided.  In the camp—­as all the country round Buenos Ayres is called—­people eat nothing but meat, either fresh or dried, and hardly any flour with it.  Especially in the more distant estancias, beef and mutton, poultry and eggs, form the staple food of the inhabitants.  Very little bread is eaten, and no vegetables, and an attempt is rarely made to cultivate a garden of any sort.  This year, too, the ravages of the locusts have made vegetable food scarcer than ever, and it must now be looked upon quite as a luxury by very many people; for there can be little doubt that to live entirely on meat, even of the best quality, though probably strengthening, must be exceedingly monotonous.

About one o’clock we saw the tug coming off again, this time with her decks crowded.  We found she had brought us fifteen ladies and thirty gentlemen—­more than we had expected, on account of the shortness of the notice we had been able to give.  The luncheon was managed by dividing our guests into three parties, the coffee and dessert being served on deck; but I am afraid the last division got very hungry before their time arrived.  It could not, however, be helped, and it is to be hoped that the examination of the various parts of the yacht and her contents served to while away the time.  Every one seemed to be pleased with the appearance of the vessel, never having seen one like her before.  Indeed, the only yacht that has ever been here previously is the ‘Eothen,’ which formerly belonged to us.

Mr. St. John’s servant brought me a most magnificent bouquet, composed entirely of violets, arranged in the shape of a basket, three feet in width, full of camellias, and marked with my initials in alyssum.  Altogether it was quite a work of art, but almost overpoweringly sweet.

It was late before our friends began the task of saying good-bye—­no light matter where, as in the present case, it is doubtful whether, or at any rate when, we shall meet again.  At last they left us, steaming round the yacht in the tug, and giving us some hearty cheers as they passed.  The Minister’s flag was run up, salutes were exchanged, and the little steamer rapidly started off in the direction of the shore, followed by a dense cloud of her own smoke.  Through a telescope we watched our friends disembark at the pier, and saw the train steam away; and then we turned our thoughts to the arrangements for our own departure.