The Duke, who had taken
very nearly the same cruise himself in the 'Galatea' a few years ago,
inquired very kindly after all his old friends at Tahiti, Hilo,
Honolulu, and many other places. The Duke is very kind to everybody
here. He is much liked by his brother officers in the squadron, and
both H.R.H. and the Duchess seem to have made themselves most popular
here during the winter. The officers of the 'Sultan,' several of whom
are old friends of ours, appear to think themselves fortunate indeed
in having such a commanding officer, whilst on shore his approaching
departure is universally regretted. Everybody seems full of their
Royal Highnesses' winter ball, which must have been a most brilliant
affair.
[Illustration: Armoury in the Governor's Palace, Valetta]
After the Duke's departure we went ashore again, called on various
friends before luncheon, and went over the palace and through the
armoury. Then we took a walk down the Strada Reale, the shopping
street of Valetta, until it was time to go on board to receive some
friends to tea. The shops are full of coral, lace, gold and silver
filigree work, and a new sort of lace they make in Gozo, of white
silk, in beautiful patterns. It has been manufactured only during the
last few years, and varies much in quality and design.
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