remarked
that it was ' simply perfection,' not knowing what to compare it with.
Here, too, I was asked, ' are you sure the diamond is from South
Africa, and have you not had it polished a little ?' I was somewhat
amused when the Empress remarked, ' I have always been under the
impression that diamonds from the Cape were very yellow, and worth but
little.' I believe I convinced Her Majesty of the fact that good stones
are exported from the Cape, and I am sure, Mr. Streeter, in
referring to you, I have no better authority to bear me out on the
subject.
"
Before leaving Osborne, I took the precaution to ask if I might be
allowed to inspect the great " Koh-i-Nur," and I am happy to say Her
Majesty graciously granted me permission ; but I was not then aware of
the gem being kept at Windsor. A short time after, when the Queen
returned to Windsor Castle, I had the honour, in company with my
sister, of viewing this grand historical stone, and I am proud to be
able to say, allowed to handle it, an honour I think which has fallen
to the lot of very few. I shall never forget the pleasure experienced
at my reception by the English Court. I have too, a handsome watch and
chain, presented to me by Her Majesty, and this I trust, will be an
everlasting remembrance of the fortunate time when I was admitted to
the presence of our gracious Sovereign, Victoria."
