ll save a lot
of trouble in the end. There is another thing you will have to be very
careful about, and that is to watch that Miss Carl has no chance to talk
with the Emperor. The reason why I say this is because, as you know,
the Emperor is of a shy disposition, and might say something which would
offend her. I will appoint four extra eunuchs to be in attendance during
the sittings for the portrait, so that they will be on hand in case
anything is wanted." Her Majesty then said: "I noticed that Mrs. Conger
was watching you when you pulled my sleeve. I wonder what she thought
of it. You needn't care, anyway. Let her think anything she likes. I
understood what you meant if Mrs. Conger didn't, and that is all that
is necessary." I told her that perhaps Mrs. Conger thought I wanted to
advise her to refuse this request, but Her Majesty said: "What does that
matter? If it hadn't been that you know the artist yourself I would not
have consented in any case. It is not the painting of the portrait that
I mind, but it might give rise to serious results."

The next morning I received a letter from Mrs. Conger begging me not to
prejudice Her Majesty against Miss Carl in any way. I translated this to
Her Majesty, and it made her furious. She said: "No one has any right
to write to you in such a way. How dare she suggest that you would say
anything against Miss Carl? Didn't I tell you she was watching you when
you pulled my sleeve? When you reply to that letter tell her whatever
you like, but answer in the same way she writes herself, or, better
still, you write and inform her that it is not customary for any Court
lady to try and influence Her Majesty in this country, and that in
addition, you are not so mean as to say anything against anybody. If you
don't like to say that, just say that as Miss Carl is a personal friend
of yours you certainly would never think of saying anything against
her."

I therefore replied to Mrs. Conger's letter in the ordinary way, making
it as formal as possible.

Her Majesty then talked of nothing but the portrait during the whole of
that afternoon. By and bye she said: "I hope that Mrs. Conger will not
send a missionary lady with Miss Carl to keep her company during her
stay at the Palace. If she does I will certainly refuse to sit." The next
morning the eunuch arrived with my portrait, and everyone at the Court
had a good look at it before I took it to show to Her Majesty. Some of
them were of the