Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 3).djvu/448

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ILLUSTRATED INTERVIEWS.
451

set out the various testimonials and illuminated vellums presented at various times. There are quite a number of letters captured from the Mahdi. One of these has the following inscription:—"Letter from Mahamet El Kheir Emir, of Barbar, to Abdul Magid Wad Le Ralik, giving an account of the capture of Kartoum and death of Gordon (the accursed), picked up on the battle-field of El Kirbek, Feb. 11, 1885. Found by a soldier of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry in a donkey's saddle-bag."


The dining-room.
From a Photo. by Elliott & Fry.

This leads on to Lord Wolseley's dressing room. With but few exceptions the pictures here are nearly all prints or engravings. One of the Queen has the following note of interest written beneath it:—"This picture was taken in the Ulandi Kraal in August, 1879, where it was hung in Cetewayo's private room." Over the door is a suggestive picture of General Gordon—"The Last Watch—Kartoum."


The great hall, used as a ball-room.
From a Photo. by Elliott & Fry.

The study is decorated in blue and white. Many are the engravings of Nelson; there are no fewer than four in the immediate vicinity of the mantel-board. A clever crayon drawing of Bismarck, by Linbach, reminds Lord Wolseley to credit Bismarck with the most interesting conversation he has ever had with any man. There is a print of Warren Hastings—another hero of Lord Wolseley's. An engraving from Frank Holl's picture of Colonel Stewart suggests to its owner to tell how at Stewart's death his brother officers and friends were desirous of having a picture of him painted. Frank Holl—best and kindest-hearted of