408 VISITS TO MADAGASCAR. chap. xv. 



out about four o'clock in the afternoon, followed by a number 

 of slaves, and returned about sunset. I was told that, on 

 these occasions, they generally paid visits to their friends 

 or acquaintances. I had been more than usually alone during 

 the day, but in the evening many friends came, uttering their 

 deep sorrow at the prospect of my leaving so soon, yet also 

 expressing their confidence in God, that all would eventually 

 prove for the best. 



Monday, 22nd. — I was up by daybreak, got my camera 

 out, and some fine matting nailed up as a sort of background. 

 By seven o'clock, the prince arrived. He said the princess 

 regretted her inability to come, as she was suffering from 

 a swelled face. He then assured me of the deepest regret 

 felt by them both that my stay was to be so short, as my visit 

 had aflforded them much pleasure. On this subject he spoke 

 for some time, and with much feeling. He said the princess 

 would come as soon as she was well, and asked if I would try 

 to take his likeness then. It was a fine clear morning. He 

 took his seat. I gave more than a minute's exposure to the 

 plate, and then developed with my pyrogallic and vinegar 

 mixture ; when, to my equal surprise and delight, a tolerably 

 good negative was the result. The prince examined it by 

 transmitted light, and was exceedingly pleased. He took 

 his seat again, and I obtained a second negative, equally good, 

 and much to his satisfaction. The prince and one of his aides- 

 de-camp and the queen's secretary then sat down with me to 

 breakfast. The forenoon was afterwards spent in earnest 

 conversation. Much was said about my not remaining longer 

 amongst them. They said the queen continued to express 

 herself pleased with my visit, and all that she had heard 

 respecting me ; and also that, in reference to returning when 

 the time specified should arrive, I had not disputed the matter 

 with the officers. I said I should much rather travel through 

 the country now, than at any other time during the ensuing 



