happy
to say, when placed next to mine, even to the smallest, there was not
one so white, and I felt on this account, all the more gratified to
hear each gentleman in his turn, add to the compliments they had
already paid me upon the purity of what is now known as the '
Porter-Rhodes Diamond.'
"
When leaving Kimberley, I was fortunate enough to receive a letter from
Mr. Orpen, then our Surveyor-General, introducing me to Colonel Gawler,
who has charge of the Crown Jewels. In him I found a thorough English
gentleman, who, shewing me every possible kindness, ready to assist me,
so far as his position allowed, in furthering the object of my visit to
England. Through Colonel Gawler's influence, it, was arranged that I
should pay a visit to Osborne, where our Queen was then living, and
there exhibit the stone to Her Majesty. I left London on the 18th of
January, 1881, which you will no doubt remember as the day of the very
heavy snow-storm. The line was so blocked by the drifting of the snow,
that the train arrived at its destination too late for my appointment.
I communicated with Sir John Cowell, who is Master of the Queen's
Household, mentioning the unfortunate position I was in. He replied
that Her Majesty understood the case, and would allow me to present
myself the next day. I took good care not to be late on this occasion,
and found myself at Osborne at the right time. The attendants shewed me
into the apartments of the Master of the Household, and after spending
some time with Sir John and Lady Cowell, it was announced that the
Queen was prepared to receive me. On being presented to Her
