most emphatically
stated that it was quite impossible to finish the portrait properly by
the time named, and I told Her Majesty what Miss Carl said, explaining
that there were many small finishing touches to be added and I suggested
it would be better to give Miss Carl a few days longer if possible.
However, Her Majesty said that it must be finished by four o'clock on
the 19th day of April, and therefore there was nothing further to be
said.

About a week before the time fixed for completion Her Majesty paid a
visit to the studio to finally inspect the picture. She seemed very much
pleased with it, but still objected to her face being painted dark on
one side and light on the other. As I have said before, I had explained
that this was the shading, but Her Majesty insisted on my telling Miss
Carl to make both sides of her face alike. This led to a pretty hot
discussion between Miss Carl and myself but she finally saw that it was
no use going against Her Majesty's wishes in the matter, so consented
to make some slight alteration. Happening to catch sight of some foreign
characters at the foot of the painting Her Majesty inquired what they
were and on being informed that they were simply the artist's name,
said: "Well, I know foreigners do some funny things, but I think this
about the funniest I ever heard of. Fancy putting her own name on my
picture. This will naturally convey the impression that it is a portrait
of Miss Carl, and not a portrait of myself at all." I again had to
explain the reason for this, saying that it was always customary for
foreign artists to write their names at the foot of any picture they
painted, whether portrait or otherwise. So Her Majesty said she supposed
it was all right, and would have to remain, but she looked anything but
satisfied with it.

By working practically all night and all day, Miss Carl managed to get
the portrait finished by the time stipulated, and Her Majesty arranged
that Mrs. Conger and the other ladies of the Diplomatic Corps should
come to the Palace and see the portrait. This was quite a private
audience and Her Majesty received them in one of the small Audience
Halls. After the usual greetings Her Majesty ordered us to conduct the
ladies to the studio, which we did, Her Majesty bidding them good-bye
and remaining in her own apartments. The Young Empress in accordance
with instructions from Her Majesty, accompanied us to the studio, and
acted as hostess. Everybody ex