414 VISITS TO MADAGASCAR. chap. xv. 



prince's breast, and the book he held, caused them to marvel 

 quite as much as the features of their countenances. They 

 had moved very slightly, and the photograph was not so 

 good as that of the single figm-es ; but it was passable, and 

 afforded them great satisfaction. I then took a full-length 

 figure of the prince himself, in his uniform and cocked 

 hat. It came out tolerably well ; the figure was more easy 

 and natural than those previously taken, but the face not so 

 good. 



I had no screen or shade, and had not been able to provide 

 any better place for my sitters than in the open air, on the 

 western or shaded side of my house. Towards ten o'clock 

 the sun had become so high and powerful, that I could not 

 proceed without more arrangements than I had then time 

 to make. I therefore asked my visitors to remain, and 

 partake of some refreshment; and, breakfast being ready, 

 we were just sitting down, when a messenger came from the 

 palace to say that the queen had inquired for the prince. 

 He therefore left^ but returned in less than half an hour. 

 We all felt much at our ease. The princess said, perhaps 

 the queen would send for her ; but if so, the likenesses were 

 taken. Our breakfast, though very plain, was not declined. 

 My visitors were communicative and agreeable. The princess 

 took some tea and biscuits, and some other European cakes, 

 sopping her biscuit in her tea, and apologising for not taking 

 anything on account of the pain in her face. They both 

 repeated their expressions of regret that I was to leave them 

 so soon, and said the same feeling was shared by many of the 

 officers ; that it was not owing to anything that had occurred 

 since my arrival, but had been fixed before I sent my ap- 

 plication to prolong my stay. They also expressed their 

 hopes that I might visit them again. I repeated my thanks, 

 and assured them that, from the expressions of goodwill they 

 had so uniformly given, I was persuaded that my prolonged 



