COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 363 



hostesses — Lady Cardigan. There I did a bust of 

 her, intended for reproduction on the monument, by 

 the side of the late Earl, to be executed to both in 

 her life-time. The bust having been approved of is 

 to be done as a bust in marble, besides the monument 

 and also the equestrian statuette on Sultan. I had 

 scarcely finished when kind Lady Clifden's letter 

 came, and the order soon after that I was to be off 

 to Osborne. Yesterday the Queen shewed me the 

 horses she wished to have done- — one thoroughbred 

 chestnut, full of character and some beauty, with the 

 name of Andrew (instead Methusalem), with the 

 Princess Louise on, who has a splendid seat and a 

 beautiful figure. Another favourite cob which Her 

 Majesty rides, with an attendant in Scotch costume, 

 a nice peculiar shape, lean and sleek cob, and a 

 charming head, also a good subject. And thirdly, 

 the most important of all, the Queen herself, sitting 

 and spinning with a favourite collie at her side. I 

 cannot tell you how kind, how amiable she is, and 

 with what interest she inquired about all my works, 

 etc. She has the sweetest, purest expression and 

 smile when she speaks, and is so natural and cour- 

 teous. Oh, it is such a difference to the house of 

 Austria, who might take many a good lesson of the 

 behaviour necessary if they wish to endear themselves 

 to their subjects. England for ever. I need not tell 

 you how I shall try to deserve all my good luck — 

 such I may call it. If I lose one kind patron who 

 leaves as a viceroy, I find one other in a queen. 

 Please forgive all this egotistical account, but I know 



