408 
VISITS TO MADAGASCAR. 
CHAP. XY. 
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 afforded 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 
