#John Frederick Lampe

[monstrousgourmandizingcats]

Oh ho, Master Moore,

You son of a whore,

I wish I had known your tricks before!

Sir Moore of Moore Hall kicks The Dragon of Wantley in it’s ‘Arse-gut’

Frontispiece of the libretto for the opera The Dragon of Wantley (1737)

[paul-archibald]

Year of the Dragon

The only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon has long been associated with prosperity and imperial power. Initially a vague motif in ancient Chinese art, the dragon is now an emblem of benevolent divinity, imperial power and sweeping unity. Its symbolism builds on thousands of years of folklore and Chinese history. Dragons have also been a source of inspiration to composers for…

[psychooomind]

Flickering Lights

Michael Gavey x singer!reader

Summary: Michael and Violet come from completely different worlds, but when their paths cross at university, an unexpected connection sparks between them. As their relationship deepens, they must navigate secrets, misunderstandings, and their own fears. Can their love overcome the odds, or will the time put them apart?

A multi-entry, slow-burn, friends to lovers fic.

You can also read it at AO3 here.

Chapter 2

Chapter 1: First Days

The autumn breeze brushed the girl’s cheeks as she adjusted the strap of her violin on her shoulder. She was walking briskly to her first class, listening to Avril Lavigne on her MP3 player.

She was in an incredible mood, having anticipated this moment for months. Yet, she couldn’t shake the first-day nerves, so she decided to walk from her flat to the university. The imposing Gothic building loomed before her, making everything feel more real than she had imagined: she had done it—she was going to study music.

“ You’ll fail, just like your mother did .” Her father’s words had echoed in her head since she was fifteen, ever since she began expressing her growing desire to study music. Her first spark of rebellion had come when she met Hannah Abraham, a Jewish girl who studied French with her and whose parents had allowed her to take drum lessons. Hannah had mentioned that she planned to audition for a girl group in London that was looking for a drummer. The girl had spent countless hours listening to her friend play the drums after their French classes, so she wasn’t surprised when Hannah got the spot. What Violet didn’t know then was that she would become a fan of the band and, a year later, would join them as a secondary vocalist, becoming part of the incredible Wrecked Shiny Girls.

Now, three years later, she was here, refining her craft. Her father still disapproved of her choices, particularly her involvement with the band, but there was no turning back now. Besides, Frederick Bryon still had Victor, her twin brother, who was also starting university—but at Christian Church College. Victor followed their father’s orders to the letter and was studying economics as instructed.

But Violet had a clear purpose: to prove that studying music at St. Hilda’s was more than just a “rebellious phase,” as her father insisted on calling it. To her, this wasn’t simply a decision; it was her life and her passion.

When she entered her first class, Musical and Artistic Analysis, she sat at the front and waited for the other students to file in. Among the crowd, she recognised Marcey Frey and Caroline Meyer, two girls from her old school. Both ignored her, which came as no surprise—she had never had a good relationship with them.

The professor, Cornelia Shawn, was a renowned British composer who had been teaching at St. Hilda’s since the 1980s. Violet had read several articles about her and her involvement in songs by the likes of Billy Joel, Elton John, and others. When Professor Shawn introduced herself, the room erupted into applause, Violet’s hands among them. She still couldn’t quite believe where she was sitting.

At the other end of Oxford, a boy was getting dressed for his first day. Michael had chosen one of the shirts his mother had neatly ironed and folded into his bag, pairing it with cargo trousers his uncle Alfred had gifted him last Christmas. There wasn’t a mirror in his dorm room.

In fact, there wasn’t much in his dorm room at all. Just a bed with built-in drawers, already made with sheets from home the night before; a desk displaying his weekly pill organiser as its only noteworthy item; and a slightly rusted lamp he hadn’t yet tested to see if it worked. The walls were white but scarred with small patches of peeled paint, evidence of a poster once taped there before his arrival. A corkboard hung on the wall as well, predictably bare.

He had made a mental note when he arrived to unpack his clothes and place them in the drawers, but he’d barely slept the night before. His anxiety was through the roof, so he dashed out to his first class: Calculus. He was the first to arrive, even before the professor, who shuffled in at a slow, weary pace. The man unlocked the room, and Michael took a seat at the front. The professor eyed him curiously before settling in to wait for more students.

A group of students trickled in moments later, filling the room with murmurs and footsteps. The constant noise set Michael on edge until the professor finally rose and addressed the class, introducing himself and outlining the syllabus as though anyone actually needed to hear it.

Michael took notes on everything. He didn’t need to—his memory was impeccable, and he retained every word the professor said with ease. But years ago, his therapist had recommended putting his thoughts on paper when he felt anxious. Today, his thoughts were entirely consumed by calculus. As he looked down at his notebook, he felt a rare sense of satisfaction. Numbers, at least, were beautifully, perfectly controllable.

After class, he headed back to his dormitory but decided to detour through the cafeteria. Inside, a group of students his age were shouting and sitting on tables instead of chairs, talking as though they were the only ones in the room. He recognised them from the night before—the same group of misfits whose “first-night party” had kept him awake. Naturally, he hadn’t been invited.

Among them was a tall boy with a piercing in his eyebrow, laughing obnoxiously with a red-haired guy about a group of students who had tried to join the party without an invitation. Next to them, a dark-skinned boy with an afro was mockingly teasing a girl whose skirt was so short Michael could have sworn he’d seen her underwear. Meanwhile, her friend was fiddling nervously with her hair, casting provocative glances at the boy with the piercing.

Michael knew who they were. They weren’t there to study but to make a mess of things. They were the type who hadn’t earned their place but had wealthy parents footing the bill for expensive and, in Michael’s view, pointless degrees like Art or Business Management.

He, on the other hand, had spent nearly five years preparing to earn his scholarship to Oxford. Not only that, but he had the distinction of being, quite literally, the best young mathematician of his age. He’d won district, regional, and national competitions to get here. His mother had dragged him to every one of those competitions to ensure he reached his goal. And now here he was, watching others squander their privilege, lounging about with famous surnames and deep pockets.

He approached the vending machine, slid in his money, and waited for his chocolate bar. But the old, neglected machine jammed. Behind him, the red-haired boy joined the queue.

“Taking long, mate?” asked the boy, eyeing him curiously.

“It’s stuck,” Michael muttered without looking up, giving the machine a firm knock.

“What was that?” the boy snapped, his tone sharp. “What did you say?”

“The machine’s stuck,” Michael repeated irritably.

Michael sighed, delivered another frustrated knock to the vending machine, and prepared to leave. Behind him, the red-haired boy called out to one of his friends—the one with the piercing—who approached, smirking. Michael didn’t wait for the encounter to escalate. He recognised their type all too well: the kind who could spot an easy target from a mile away.

“All good, Victor?” asked the boy with the piercing.

“Yeah, the nerd broke the vending machine. No drink for me, I guess,” the redhead replied with a laugh.

Michael stormed back to his dormitory, fuming. Spoiled brats. He’d lost both his snack and his time.

As he approached his room, a nearby door slammed shut. He paused, watching curiously. After a moment, a girl’s head poked out cautiously before retreating with a startled “Oh, God.”

He stared at the door, puzzled.

“Sorry,” came a muffled voice from the other side. “I have a hard time socialising with people I don’t know.”

Michael nodded to himself and entered his own room. At least he wasn’t the only odd one on the floor.

At St. Hilda’s, Violet had just finished her first class and was heading to the bustling campus café. The atmosphere was overwhelming, like trying to tune into thousands of conversations all at once. Groups of students animatedly debated the recent tuition fee hike to £3,000 per year at universities across the country. Others read passages from Zygmunt Bauman aloud, while a smaller cluster sat to one side, strumming guitars.

She found a quiet table and sat alone, pulling out her songbook. That weekend, she had band practice, and there were still songs she hadn’t memorised. As she focused on the lines of a new melody, someone approached.

“Mind if I sit here?” asked a girl with curly hair and curious eyes.

“Of course, go ahead,” Violet replied with a smile.

The girl introduced herself as Claire, a literature student who also had a keen interest in music. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and for the first time since her arrival, Violet felt she might find genuine friendships here.

Later, when Violet returned to the apartment she shared with her brother, she opened the door to find the living room thick with smoke and laughter. Victor and his friends had brought bottles of liquor and a deck of cards.

“Victor, what’s going on?” Violet asked, setting her violin case on the floor.

“Relax, hippie. We’re prepping for our first-night dinner,” Victor replied, raising his glass. Beside him sat a tuxedo and shirt, crumpled and ignored.

“Could you at least not turn my living room into a dodgy pub? You know you can’t smoke in here.”

“Your living room,” Farleigh Start mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Beside him, Felix Catton let out a loud laugh. “Looks like the princess here thinks she owns the castle.”

“It is my apartment, Start. If you don’t like the rules, you can leave.”

“It’s Daddy’s apartment, not yours,” Start sneered.

Violet rolled her eyes. “Well, at least I have one, don’t I?”

Farleigh muttered a curse under his breath, and Victor, her brother, did nothing to defend her. Violet chose to ignore them, slamming her bedroom door shut. A chorus of male howls and laughter erupted behind her.

Victor’s friends had always been insufferable, and university hadn’t changed a thing. Felix Catton, Farleigh Start, and a few of the girls, like India Aitken and Anabell Bodley, had all attended the same school as Violet and Victor. She had endured Felix’s relentless advances and Anabell’s passive-aggressive hostility for years. In gym class, Anabell had often ensured they were paired together, deliberately targeting Violet with the ball during games.

That evening, as Violet practised quietly on her bass guitar, she made herself a promise: she wouldn’t let Victor and his friends’ antics derail her ambitions

As Michael wandered through the dining hall, he was still debating whether or not to attend the dinner. Upon arrival, he realised there wasn’t a single available seat. Every table was packed with groups that had already formed, many of them students who seemed to know each other.

Most people didn’t even glance at him, and those who did wore faint expressions of discomfort or indifference. Finally, Michael spotted an empty chair at a table tucked away in the corner. After a moment’s hesitation, he approached and sat down. The others at the table didn’t seem particularly invested in the social dynamics of the room, which, in that moment, was a relief.

A few minutes passed before a boy with brown hair and glasses similar to Michael’s sat down across from him. Michael observed him as he nervously scanned the room, clearly aware of his outsider status. To Michael, he was unmistakably one of them —another invisible presence—and that, oddly enough, made him feel a little less alone.

Without giving it much thought, Michael thrust out his hand abruptly, almost with authority, to break the silence.

“I’m Michael Gavey,” he said, his voice carrying its usual tone of self-assuredness.

The boy, slightly startled but polite, shook his hand.

“Oliver,” he replied.

“Oliver what ?” Michael pressed.

“Oliver Quick.”

“Ah, one of those, are you? A nobody, right?” Michael said with a wry smile, half-expecting a snarky retort.

Oliver shrugged, letting out a nervous laugh.

“Aren’t we all? It’s just the first night,” he replied, glancing uneasily around the room.

Michael’s gaze followed his, pointing out the packed tables where students were laughing and bonding with ease. The contrast with his own corner of the room couldn’t have been starker—a gathering of strangers and misfits.

“Look around,” Michael said, bitterness creeping into his voice. “You see what I see. It’s you, me, and the girl with agoraphobia who hasn’t even left her room.”

Oliver shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond. He couldn’t deny the truth in Michael’s observation. Their table was, indeed, a haven for those who didn’t quite belong. Oddly, though, Oliver found the isolation less troubling than he might have expected.

“What are you reading?” Michael asked abruptly, steering the conversation away from the heavy silence but still unable to shake his own simmering frustration.

Oliver hesitated, holding up the book in his hands.

“Nothing in particular,” he said evasively.

Michael wasted no time.

“I’m reading maths,” he announced, a smug grin spreading across his face. “Not because I enjoy it—though I’m brilliant at it. I can solve anything. Go on, test me. Ask me a sum.”

Oliver blinked, taken aback by the boldness of the claim. He hesitated, unsure whether to humour him.

“No, that’s fine…” Oliver said quickly, trying to sidestep the challenge.

Michael wasn’t having it. His need to prove himself burned too brightly.

“Come on, ask me. Anything.”

Oliver glanced at him, his expression growing tense.

“No, really, it’s fine—”

“Ask me a fucking sum!” Michael snapped, his patience wearing thin.

“All right then…” Oliver relented, pausing for a moment. “Four hundred and twenty-three times seventy-eight.”

Without missing a beat, Michael responded.

“Thirty-two thousand, nine hundred and ninety-four.”

Oliver stared, visibly impressed. It wasn’t just that Michael had given the correct answer; it was the speed and apparent ease with which he’d arrived at it. Michael leaned back in his chair, a self-satisfied grin on his face, savouring the moment.

Unbeknownst to him, at a nearby table, Victor and Felix were watching. They nudged each other and laughed quietly, mocking him from a distance. Between the two of them, they planned an idea to play a joke on him.

That Friday, Violet had already finished all her classes for the week. She caught a bus to meet her band at Barry’s Pub, a cosy venue with exposed brick walls, an open bar, and most importantly, a raised stage. For The Wrecked Shiny Girls , this place would soon become their sanctuary.

Dany, the owner, had agreed to keep them as the weekend night act, a deal that promised to boost both the pub’s reputation and the band’s popularity among Oxford’s student scene.

“This is going to be amazing,” said Walda, the band’s vocalist, as she adjusted her microphone. “Our big break, ladies. Mark my words.”

Violet tuned her bass and got ready for the opening song. As the first chords filled the air, Jessy stood nearby, chewing gum and untangling her microphone cables.

“It’s too dark,” she remarked flatly. “The stage is practically invisible.”

Violet glanced around and realised Jessy was right. The stage lacked any direct lighting, and with the pub packed, they were in danger of being completely overlooked.

Walda, sporting her punk boots and spiked hair, started grumbling that this was the only place that had given them a chance. Jessy, clearly in a mood, fanned the flames of the argument. Lorelei had to step in to calm them down, while Violet and Hannah exchanged weary looks.

Walda’s temper could be explosive, and Jessy often seemed to be there just to provoke her. While Violet felt like she was exactly where she belonged, she worried that external pressures or the lack of camaraderie between the two might sabotage the band’s potential.

She couldn’t afford to lose this.

On stage, none of it mattered—the tension at home, her father’s disapproval, or anyone else’s opinions. It was just her and the music.

[reasoningdaily]

Life Without Black People

A very humorous and revealing story is told about a group of white people who were fed up with African Americans, so they joined together and wished themselves away. They passed through a deep dark tunnel and emerged in sort of a twilight zone where there is an America without black people.

At first these white people breathed a sigh of relief.

'At last', they said, 'no more crime, drugs, violence and welfare.'

All of the blacks have gone! Then suddenly, reality set in. The 'NEW AMERICA' is not America at all - only a barren land.

1. There are very few crops that have flourished because the nation was built on a slave-supported system.

2. There are no cities with tall skyscrapers because Alexander Mils, a black man, invented the elevator, and without it, one finds great difficulty reaching higher floors.

3. There are few if any cars because Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gearshift, Joseph Gambol, also black, invented the Super Charge System for Internal Combustion Engines, and Garrett A. Morgan, a black man,

invented the traffic signals.

4. Furthermore, one could not use the rapid transit system because its procurer was the electric trolley, which was invented by another black man, Albert R. Robinson.

5. Even if there were streets on which cars and a rapid transit system could operate, they were cluttered with paper because an African American, Charles Brooks, invented the street sweeper..

6. There were few if any newspapers, magazines and books because John Love invented the pencil sharpener, William Purveys invented the fountain pen, and Lee Barrage invented the Type Writing Machine and W. A. Love invented the Advanced Printing Press. They were all, you guessed it, Black.

7. Even if Americans could write their letters, articles and books, they would not have been transported by mail because William Barry invented the Postmarking and Canceling Machine, William Purveys invented the Hand Stamp and Philip Downing invented the Letter Drop.

8. The lawns were brown and wilted because Joseph Smith invented the Lawn Sprinkler and John Burr the Lawn Mower.

9. When they entered their homes, they found them to be poorly ventilated and poorly heated. You see, Frederick Jones invented the Air Conditioner and Alice Parker the Heating Furnace. Their homes were also dim. But of course, Lewis Lattimer later invented the Electric Lamp, Michael Harvey invented the lantern, and Granville T. Woods invented the Automatic Cut off Switch. Their homes were also filthy because Thomas W. Steward invented the Mop and Lloyd P. Ray the Dust Pan.

10. Their children met them at the door - barefooted, shabby, motley and unkempt. But what could one expect? Jan E. Matzelinger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine, Walter Sammons invented the Comb, Sarah Boone invented the Ironing Board, and George T. Samon invented the Clothes Dryer.

11. Finally, they were resigned to at least have dinner amidst all of this turmoil. But here again, the food had spoiled because another Black Man, John Standard invented the refrigerator...

Now, isn't that something? What would this country be like without the contributions of Blacks, as African-Americans?

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, 'by the time we leave for work, millions of Americans have depended on the inventions from the minds of Blacks.'

Black history includes more than just slavery, Frederick Douglas, Martin Luther Kinbg, Jr., Malcolm X, and Marcus Garvey & W.E.B. Dubois.

PLEASE SHARE, ABUNDANTLY

[byneddiedingo]

Anthony Dawson and Grace Kelly in Dial M for Murder (Alfred Hitchcock, 1954)

Cast: Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings, John Williams, Anthony Dawson, Leo Britt, Patrick Allen, George Leigh, George Alderson, Robin Hughes. Screenplay: Frederic Knott, based on his play. Cinematography: Robert Burks. Art direction: Edward Carrere. Film editing: Rudi Fehr. Music: Dimitri Tiomkin.

It's a measure of how little Hollywood understood what kind of filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock was that Warner Bros. insisted he make Dial M for Murder in 3-D. The process was nearing the end of its '50s heyday, one of the several attempts by the troubled studios to draw patrons away from their TV sets and into the theaters. The 3-D films of the '50s, like the blockbusters released in the process today, were mostly filled with things being flung, poked, thrust, or shot at the audience. As Hitchcock had a reputation as a "master of suspense," perhaps the studio assumed that he'd use the process to scare people. But he never needed tricks like 3-D for that, being perfectly skilled at pacing and cutting to build tension in the audience. Dial M ended up being shown mostly in 2-D anyway, and only some very peculiar blocking and framing in its images today show the efforts Hitchcock and cinematographer Robert Burks did to accommodate the moribund process: Scenes are often filmed with table lamps prominent in the foreground, for no other reason than to emphasize the action taking place beyond them. The scene in which Swann (Anthony Dawson) attempts to murder Margot (Grace Kelly) is the only bit of action that would have benefited from the process, with Margot's hand desperately reaching toward the audience for the scissors behind her. Dial M is essentially a filmed play -- Frederick Knott adapted his own theatrical hit for the movies -- and as such relies far more on dialogue and spoken exposition for its narrative coherence. It was the first of three movies -- the other two are Rear Window (1954) and To Catch a Thief (1955) -- that Hitchcock made with Kelly, and the one that gives her least to do in the way of characterization: Mostly she just has to be a pawn moved about by her husband (Ray Milland), her lover (Robert Cummings), and the police inspector (John Williams). But she clearly defined Hitchcock's "type," already partly established in his films with Joan Fontaine and Ingrid Bergman: the so-called "cool blond." Eva Marie Saint, Kim Novak, Tippi Hedren, and Janet Leigh would attempt to fill the role afterward, but never with quite the charisma that Kelly, a limited actress but a definite "presence," achieved for him. Milland is very good as the murderous husband, and Williams is a delight as the inspector who has to puzzle out what's going on with all those door keys. The rather goofy-looking Cummings has never made sense to me as a leading man -- he almost wrecks Saboteur (1942), an otherwise well-made Hitchcock film that might be regarded as one of his best if someone other than Cummings and the bland Priscilla Lane had been cast in the leads. It's not surprising that after his performance in Dial M he went straight into television and his own sitcom.

[harvestheart]

LIFE WITHOUT BLACK PEOPLE (author unknown)

A very humorous and revealing story is told about a group of white people who were fed up with African Americans, so they joined together and wished themselves away. They passed through a deep dark tunnel and emerged in sort of a twilight zone where there is an America without Black people. At first these white people breathed a sigh of relief. At last, they said, “No more crime, drugs, violence and welfare. All of the Black s have gone!” Then suddenly, reality set in. The “NEW AMERICA” is not America at all — only a barren land. 1. There are very few crops that have flourished because the nation was built on a slave-supported system. 2. There are no cities with tall skyscrapers because Alexander Miles, a Black man, invented the elevator, and without it, one finds great difficulty reaching higher floors. 3. There are few if any cars because Richard Spikes, a Black man, invented the automatic gearshift, Joseph Gambol, also Black, invented the Super Charge System for Internal Combustion Engines, and Garrett A. Morgan, a Black man, invented the traffic signals. 4. Furthermore, one could not use the rapid transit system because its procurer was the electric trolley, which was invented by another Black man, Albert R. Robinson. 5. Even if there were streets on which cars and a rapid transit system could operate, they were cluttered with paper because an African American, Charles Brooks, invented the street sweeper. 6. There were few if any newspapers, magazines and books because John Love invented the pencil sharpener, William Purveys invented the fountain pen, and Lee Barrage invented the Type Writing Machine and W. A. Love invented the Advanced Printing Press. They were all, you guessed it, Black. 7. Even if Americans could write their letters, articles and books, they would not have been transported by mail because William Barry invented the Postmarking and Canceling Machine, William Purveys invented the Hand Stamp and Philip Downing invented the Letter Drop. 8. The lawns were brown and wilted because Joseph Smith invented the Lawn Sprinkler and John Burr the Lawn Mower. 9. When they entered their homes, they found them to be poorly ventilated and poorly heated. You see, Frederick Jones invented the Air Conditioner and Alice Parker the Heating Furnace. Their homes were also dim. But of course, Lewis Later invented the Electric Lamp, Michael Harvey invented the lantern and Granville T. Woods invented the Automatic Cut off Switch. Their homes were also filthy because Thomas W. Steward invented the Mop and Lloyd P. Ray the Dust Pan. 10. Their children met them at the door -- barefooted, shabby, motley and unkempt. But what could one expect? Jan E. Matzelinger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine, Walter Sammons invented the Comb, Sarah Boone invented the Ironing Board and George T. Samon invented the Clothes Dryer. 11. Finally, they were resigned to at least have dinner amidst all of this turmoil. But here again, the food had spoiled because another Black Man, John Standard invented the refrigerator. Now, isn’t that something? What would this country be like without the contributions of Blacks, as African Americans? Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “by the time we leave for work, Americans have depended on the inventions from the minds of Blacks.” Black history includes more than just slavery, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Dubois.

[paraparathecow]

SO

Lightbulb history is kind of complicated. But generally speaking, Edison, together with John swan, invented the first commercially effective lightbulb.

The question now is, what is a lightbulb?

If it's just metal creating light from electricity, then the inventor is Ebenezer Kinnersley.

If you want it to create enough light to say, read a book with it, then the inventor is James Bowman Lindsay.

If you want it to be the first use of a filament in an enclosed space for light, then the inventor is Marcellin Jobard.

If you want the first person to have a patent for an incandescent lamp, then it's Frederick de Moleyns of England.

There's a lot more I'm too lazy to go over

The first thing Edison must have wondered after inventing the light bulb was where all these moths were coming from.

[lightless-flame-official]

Every Literary Reference in The Magnus Archives (I think)

These are just the ones I noticed. If you caught references I didn't, feel free to add on! Since this'll be pretty long, it's all under the cut.

Character Namesakes:

(One or two of these may be a coincidence)

Algernon Blackwood - Martin Blackwood, Dr. Algernon Moss (mag 98)

Braham Stoker - Tim Stoker

Stephen King - Melanie King

M.R. James - Sasha James

Mary Shelley - Michael Shelley

Lucy Leitner - Jurgen Leitner, "Leitners"

Clive Barker - Georgie Barker

James Herbert - Trevor Herbert

Jaimie Delano - Eric Delano

Institute Names

"Count Magnus" by M.R. James - The Magnus Institute, Jonah Magnus

"The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allen Poe - The Usher Foundation

Pu Songling - The Pu Songling Research Centre

Direct References in Statements

Wilfred Owen, "Exposure" by Wilfred Owen - mag 7 (Wilfred Owen features in this episode and the statement giver, who served with him, references "Exposure".)

Misery by Stephen King -mag 17 (A passing mention of this book being shelved at the library.)

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer - mag 17, mag 70 (In mag 17, the statement giver finds The Boneturner's Tale which, though obviously modern, is kind of Canterbury Tales fanfiction, focusing on a character who is either traveling with or stalking Chaucer's pilgrims. In mag 70, a character can recognize Middle English due to having studied Chaucer in high school.)

The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster - mag 31 (The statement giver references a line from the play to help describe an avatar of the Hunt.)

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller - mag 38 (The statement giver's favorite book, a signed copy is among the objects stolen by the homophobic vase.)

Needful Things by Stephen King - mag 46 (The statement giver owns a small shop which he claims is often compared to the shop in Needful Things.)

"Antigonish" by William Hughes Mearns - mag 85 (The central figure of this poem, or something resembling it, gives a statement.)

Die Nachtstücke (The Night Pieces), "The Sandman" by E.T.A. Hoffman - mag 98 (The statement giver recalls having read "The Sandman" as a child and, in his adulthood, is haunted by something resembling Hoffman's Sandman.)

Five Go Down to the Sea by Enid Blyton - mag 147 (Referenced in passing as the only book Annabelle Cain took with her when she ran away from home as a child.)

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy - mag 147 (Referenced by Annabelle Cain as she waxes philosophic about free will.)

Leitners

(This list will, of course, only include real books referenced as Leitners. No Boneturner or Ex Altiora.)

The Dictionaire Infernal (Infernal Dictionary) by Jacques Collin de Plancy - mag 46

Malleus Maleficarum (Hammer of Witches) by Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger - mag 46

The Tale of a Field Hospital by Sir Frederick Treves - mag 68

The Key of Solomon by Solomon the King (purportedly) - mag 65, mag 70

The Seven Lamps of Architecture by John Ruskin - mag 80

Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe - mag 80, mag 91

Miscellaneous:

Dracula by Braham Stoker - mag 56 (The title of this episode, "Children of the Night" is taken from a line in Dracula, and is a pretty clever reference, if I do say so myself.)

Diana Wynn Jones - mag 81 (Referenced in passing as an author who Jon briefly liked as a child)

[ltwilliammowett]

Hello Lt. Mowett, Would you be able to tell me more about the midshipmen's berth during the age of sail? I've been researching for stories I'm writing and I can't seem to find many details concerning general position, layout, conditions, etc. While I am here, however, I must complement you on your site. I am a great enthusiast of British naval history during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, and I must say I very much enjoy your site. Thank you very much! Yours, "Lady Horatia"

Dear Lady Horatia, I am very happy to help you with your question.

By the end of the 18th century, two midshipmen's berths were installed on the orlop deck, the lowest deck above the hold, in a damp space forward of the mizzenmast. mizzenmast, the so-called "cockpit", the place where the surgeon did his work during a battle. The sleeping berths were on the left and right, and in the middle was a large table for eating.

Midshipmen’s Berth on Board a Ship of War by Augustus Earle c. 1836 (x)

The cockpit of a ship of the line provided space for twenty to over thirty midshipmen, masters' mates, surgeons' mates, and other petty officers who had the right to be there. It was a place where they could eat, sleep and spend their free time. On a frigate, the Midshipmen Berth was located in front of the officers' cabins and they ate in the gunroom, which was called the wardroom.

The Midshipmen Berth in Adventures of Johnny Newcome in the Navy by John Mitford 1823 (x)

The only light in the cockpit came from the tallow lamps, whose stench mingled with the miasma of bilgewater, rotting timber, and the ooze from casks of food. Midshipmen and boys, regardless of their social rank, generally ate the same food as the seamen and officers. Unless they could afford extra food. If they were lucky and had a good captain, they sometimes had the leftovers from his dinner. Or they were allowed to take part in the captains' or wardroom dinner. However, they were lucky enough to have the food served to them by two or three servants.

‘Master B finding things not exactly what he expected’, the midshipman arrives on board ship; study for an illustration to 'The Life of a Midshipman’ by Captain Frederick Marryat, 1820

To sleep they had to hang up their hammocks and pack up during the day like the regular sailors. Within the community of a berth there was a distinct social structure, generally headed by the eldest Midshipman. This could often lead to bullying within the community.

Thank you for the nice compliment and I hope I could help you.

[aic-american]

Lights of Other Days, John Frederick Peto, 1906, Art Institute of Chicago: American Art

Lights of Other Days, like many of John F. Peto’s still lifes, is replete with nostalgia. Strewn along a shallow shelf above a doorframe is an array of old, well-worn objects: candleholders with wax candles nearly used up, rusty oil lamps, and torn books. These discarded commonplace objects allude to older ways of life and fading memories. Peto specialized in trompe l’oeil (fools the eye) pictures; yet his soft-edged style is suggestive of the artist’s hand rather than the heightened illusionism employed by other trompe l’oeil painters such as William Harnett. Trained in Philadelphia, Peto stopped exhibiting his work at professional venues by 1890, creating compositions instead for local patrons near his New Jersey home. Goodman Fund Size: 77.5 × 45 1/4 cm (30 1/2 × 45 1/4 in.) Medium: Oil on canvas

https://www.artic.edu/artworks/2156/

[lisawilsonlisa]

Brunk Auctions

 Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Brunk Auctions has been selling fine and decorative arts for more than 30 years. Auctions are held in our North Carolina showroom, but attract a global audience. Founded by Robert Brunk in 1983, the auctions became known for their integrity and professionalism.

 John Emms, a prolific Norfolk painter, was famous for his realistic animal portraits. To fulfill his artistic endeavors, Emms eventually settled in London. His mastery of both painting and horsemanship gave him multiple commissions in the city. Emms' New Forest paintings of barn animals showcased his artistic skill and precise use of glazing techniques. The next Brunk Auctions sale features a New Forest horse and dog painting by John Emms. Titled New Forest Buckhounds and a Terrier in the Kennel After the Hunt, this piece demonstrates Emms's direct approach, limited color palette, and artistic liveliness.

In 1859, Thomas Webb dispatched his glass fabricating business with his children. Subsequent to planning Art Nouveau precious stone and Scandinavian-style china for quite a long time, the organization shut down in 1990. The impending sale of Art Glass and Perfume Bottles, introduced by Brunk Auctions, will offer parcels from a Springfield bequest. A Thomas Webb and Sons swan's head appearance aroma bottle is one of the features. The light blue jug is molded like a swan's head with finely cut quills. The cap is of Victorian English silver with London trademarks.

 A Tiffany Favrile workmanship glass jar is additionally accessible. The late nineteenth or mid twentieth century glass piece includes an opalescent bowl with greenish-yellow petals proceeding down the stem. Different parcels from the assortment of Sandra Manheimer are likewise on offer, including aroma containers and atomizers from brands like DeVilbiss, Lalique, and that's only the tip of the iceberg.

 Also included is a carved mahogany side table by Irish George II from the 1760s. In the early 18th century, England faced invasion by Irish immigrants as a form of protest. This resulted in trade associations and the migration of Irish workers. These craftsmen mainly brought Irish carpentry skills to England. The available mahogany table is a clear example of these Irish woodworking techniques. With rocaille décor, carved Venus masks and cabriolet legs, the table shows the intersection of English cabinetmaking and traditional Irish styles.

The auction will include a 1712 English Queen Anne silver Monteith bowl. Monteith bowls were first made around 1860 and were used to chill glasses. The featured Monteith bowl has a detachable neck adorned with shells and scalloped edge decoration. It also has rococo cartridges on both sides. Interested bidders can also find paintings by John Frederick Herring Sr., Bakshaish rugs, English polychrome Delft items and a French Bouillotte lamp.

 Vietnamese art has historically been less represented on the world art market than other Southeast Asian countries. However, the work of the 20th century artist Lê Phổ has consistently shown a strong presence in both private collections and auctions. Lê Phổ was one of the first artists to tangibly link Western Impressionism with classical Vietnamese motifs and today he is remembered for his exuberant flower paintings.

Lê Phổ was born the tenth child in a family of 20 and was allowed to pursue art at a young age. His father was the Viceroy of Tonkin, now North Vietnam. During the 1920s, when Lê Phổ was still a teenager, he enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in Hanoi. His experience at university encouraged him to travel to Paris and continue his studies. This experience in Paris, together with the French colonial influence in Vietnam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, connected Lê Phổ with the Impressionist movement.

 The next Brunk Auctions event will showcase over 350 lots of coins and currency. The lots featured in the auction are from the entire range of United States minting, including pieces dating back to 1796. An offered set of 50 peso Mexican gold coins features the popular Victory winged design. They were made between 1921 and 1947.

 The auction also highlights a collection of paper money. Colonial bills, obsolete bills, Confederate currency, and advance sight bills are available. A $ 50 legal tender from 1869 is for sale. It features a portrait of Henry Clay, a woman holding a laurel branch, and a statue of Mercury. Coin and coin collectors may also discover chain pennies, flowing hair dollars, and draped bust dollars. To explore more about such auctions, see the auction previews of auction daily.

 Media source: Auctiondaily

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Keep Us from Wounding Christ

by Rev. Frederick T. Keeney

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." - 1 John 4:12

Heavenly Father, write Thy new, best name of Love upon our hearts this morning. Help us to remember Jesus Christ. During the busy hours bring Him often to our thought. When the mind is free from some set task may it revert to Him, as the needle turns to the pole. Keep us from wounding Him in thought or word. Make our communion with Him sweet. Give us of His strength, of His wisdom, of His winsomeness. Forgive the professions which have been but empty words. Forgive the sins which have brought a reproach upon Thy church. Forgive us if we have made it difficult to distinguish between the church and the world.

Save us from the sin of despair. Light the lamp of hope in every heart. Fill us with the spirit of expectancy. Teach us that ruined lives may be rebuilt, and that in Christ is sufficiency for all our needs. We are thankful that Christ is the way to our Father’s house, that there is forgiveness for all, the bread of life for all, and a welcome. Cleanse us from the defilement of the way; blot out the memories of the far country; clothe us with the garment of righteousness, and give us the joy of knowing that Thou dost own us as Thy sons and daughters. Amen.

[greenwichlivingantiques]

Tiffany & Co.- Rich History & American Staple of Quality

Widely regarded as the “Diamond Authority,” and today’s trusted location for luxury gift-giving, Tiffany & Co. is responsible for a lot of firsts for America. The brand would change standards and traditions for years to come. The brand has a rich history of impacting both the jewelry and design worlds, inspiring tastemakers today with over 200 stores worldwide.

Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young first established their New York City Stationary and gift shop in 1837, with a small loan from Charles’ father of only $1000. They deemed it a “Stationery and Fancy Goods Emporium,” selling stationary, glassware, porcelain, cutlery and clocks. In 1841 the shop began to expand, and would specialize in Bohemian glass and porcelain. The two quickly gained a lot of prestige for their work, often credited as selling the finest quality goods. 

Eventually the two would enter the world of jewelry manufacturing. Their style was simple, clean and sophisticated, a departure from the classic Victorian style, which boasted a lavish and opulent appearance. By 1850, the company's continued expansion prompted a name change to Tiffany & Co., the brand we know and love today. They opened branches in London and Paris and relocated their New York City location to 5th Avenue.

The Atlas clock was installed above the 5th Avenue location in 1853 to accompany the Art Deco style of the building. The clock itself is represented as the world upon the shoulders of Atlas. It was credited as being the most accurate clock in New York City and the term “New York minute” is a reference to its exactness. People all over New York would set their watches to match, proof that Charles Tiffany had established himself as a distinguished watchmaker. In 1873 he opened an 80,000 sq ft. factory in Geneva, Switzerland, combining his simple clean American style with luxury Swiss craftsmanship.

Charles Tiffany was known for his silver work as well. During the 1867 World Fair in Paris, Tiffany & Co. was prized with the gold medal for silver craftsmanship and was the first American company to apply the British Standard of metal work, using 92% pure metal. Tiffany fought to make this the norm in America, even working to enact a Federal Law that requires a 925/1000 standard for items to be eligible to be marked “sterling silver.” Tiffany & Co. silverware and silver products are all authenticated with a Tiffany & Co. stamp and date, indicating the time period. 

Another of the brand’s celebrated commodities is their extremely detailed and finely crafted lamps. The very first Tiffany’s lamp was displayed in 1893, designed by one of their master designers, Clara Driscoll. The lamp shades are made of glass and the base is typically made of brass. In some rare cases, the base is either enameled or mosaic. These finely crafted pieces of home decor are all made by hand, in an arduous process with a painstaking attention to detail, carefully selecting each piece of glass from thousands of sheets. The bases and lamp shades are interchangeable. The Pondi Lamp, pictured below, was made in the early 20th century and originally retailed for $400. In December of 2018 it sold for $3,372,500.

Although Tiffany & Co. is known for it’s silverware and handmade lamps, they are best known for their jewelry, pairing timeless luxury design with the hue of their infamous Tiffany Blue. In 1845, the first Tiffany Blue Book was published. It was the first product catalog to be distributed in the United States. The cover was embellished with what is now the iconic Tiffany Blue®. They copyrighted the color and use it for all their advertising and branding. Boxes, shopping bags and catalogs would all be draped in the color. The hue was meant to symbolize the importance of the experience and create a unique source of recognition between the consumer and the brand. Receiving a light blue turquoise box signified a moment of joy and anticipation. The color added significant depth to the shopping experience. One could oftentimes expect an engagement ring in the light blue box. In 1886 Tiffany introduced the Tiffany setting. The concept was to lift the diamond high off the finger, allowing the light to shine and the diamond to glimmer.  

The brand was at the forefront of Jewelry making and acquiring precious gems. The most noted purchase being the French Crown Jewels and the famous yellow Tiffany Diamond. The Tiffany Diamond is the world's largest yellow diamond. The 287.42 carat stone was cut to 128.54 carats with 82 facets by gemologist Dr. George Frederick Kunz. This rare gem cost $18,000 and garnered Charles Tiffany the title “King of Diamonds.” It was only worn by only 3 people, the first being Mary Whitehouse, who wore the diamond for the Tiffany ball in 1957.

Audry Hepburn was the second to wear the diamond in the heavily acclaimed romantic comedy, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” In 1961 she was adorned with this gem, set in a ribbon style necklace sparkling with white diamonds for the promotion of the film. The latest public figure to wear the diamond was singer/songwriter, Lady Gaga, during her 2019 Oscar debut.

Whether it be silverware, handmade lamps, or fine Jewelry, if it has the Tiffany & Co. branding, it’s sure to stand out. What was once a stationary gift shop is today an international brand. Shop our gallery’s selection of Tiffany & Co. goods in both the “Decoration” and “Jewelry” sections of our website!

[rivet-ing-titanic]

April 25th, 1912 - American Inquiry Day 7

(Pictured: Titanic crew survivors in New York)

Day 7: Testimony on the seventh day was actually taken on the evening of the sixth day. For purposes of staying true to the original Inquiry which listed this testimony as the seventh day, so will I.

“Day 7”, if you will, was handled differently than the previous days of inquiry. Six senators: Smith, Burton, Perkins, Fletcher, Newlands and Bourne, each took testimony from 24 members of Titanic crew. Below I will list the each senator and the men they interviewed. Due to the fact there are so many testifying, I have opted to make additional posts that link back to this one. The link with each senator’s name will take you to each post with the notable quotes, lines of questioning, or summaries of testimony.

WITNESSES:

Senator Burton:

George T. Rowe, Quartermaster, RMS Titanic;

Alfred Olliver, Quartermaster, RMS Titanic;

Frank Osman, Able Seaman, RMS Titanic;

Senator Newlands

Edward Wheelton, Saloon Steward, RMS Titanic;

William H. Taylor, Fireman, RMS Titanic;

George Moore, Able Seaman, RMS Titanic;

Thomas Jones, Able Seaman, RMS Titanic;

Senator Perkins

George Symons, Lookout, RMS Titanic;

George A. Hogg, Lookout, RMS Titanic;

Walter J. Perkis, Quartermaster, RMS Titanic;

Symons, Hogg, Perkis – then questioned as a group.

Senator Fletcher

John Hardy, Chief Second Class Steward, RMS Titanic;

William Ward, Saloon Steward, RMS Titanic;

James Widgery, Bath Steward, RMS Titanic;

Edward J. Buley, Able Seaman, RMS Titanic;

Senator Bourne

George F. Crowe, Saloon Steward, RMS Titanic;

C.E. Andrews, Assistant Steward, RMS Titanic;

John Collins, Assistant cook, First Class Galley, RMS Titanic;

Frederick Clench, Able Seaman, RMS Titanic;

Ernest Archer, Able Seaman, RMS Titanic;

Walter T. Brice, Able Seaman, RMS Titanic;

Senator Smith

Albert Haines, Boatswain’s Mate, RMS Titanic;

Samuel S. Hemming, Lamp Trimmer, RMS Titanic;

Frank O. Evans, Able Seaman, RMS Titanic

SEE American Inquiry Day 6 post here.

[bad-at-names-and-faces]

A Family Dinner

Chapter 12

[painting by John Finnie, 1864]

There was a knock at the door. "Yes?" Anna asked groggily. She had fallen asleep after lunch, and the sun coming in told her it was late afternoon.

"Can I come in?" Elsa asked, opening the door a little.

"Elsa! I was starting to wonder!" Anna exclaimed as Elsa opened the door the rest of the way.

Elsa left the door open, and quickly made her way to the edge of her sister's bed and sat down.

"When did you get here?" Anna asked. 

"About an hour ago. How are you doing?" Elsa asked, putting her hand on Anna's. 

"I'm ready to get back to normal. Or, well, close enough to normal. I'm not sleeping as it is, so that won't make a difference," Anna laughed. 

Her sister frowned a little. "Really?" 

"I'm fine," Anna sighed. “Now, can we talk about something else?"

Elsa looked at her sternly for a moment, then softened. "Fred has grown again, hasn't he?"

"I think they're all going to end up taller than me," Anna smirked. “Though I feel bad for Inga, she keeps worrying that she's still growing, but I'm pretty sure she's barely grown at all since last year."

"I had always heard the nobles describing height as a good feature in a wife," Elsa teased. 

"I don't remember hearing that," Anna glared at her. “Anyway, don't go teasing Inga about it. She's gotten it into her head that she's destined to be married off, and then that idiot ambassador from Corona makes the invitation to their coronation sound like it's for matchmaking…"

"What?  That's absurd."

Anna shifted herself over to sit next to her sister. "The young man, whatever his name is, the kids will tell you, he seemed to think the ambassador wildly misrepresented the whole thing."

"That's good," Elsa mumbled, stopping to think. "I believe I met him right after I got here this afternoon, the private secretary? I take it you haven't met him, then?"

"No, but everyone else has. It almost feels like I know him already, from all their talk. Even Kristoff took an immediate liking to him," she smiled.

Elsa returned the smile, then looked at the clock. "Do you have any plans for dinner?"

Anna laughed. "Nothing official, you know that, but I think we can get a family dinner together in an hour. Nanny should be getting dinner to the little ones right now, but I'll find out where the others are. Does that sound good?"

"Always," Elsa smiled.

Anna rang for Gerda, who arrived a moment later. “Your Majesty?” Gerda announced as she approached the open door.

“Gerda, could you see that the small dining room is prepared for dinner? I believe that Nanny is already preparing dinner for the younger children, but could you find everyone else and let them know we’ll have dinner soon?”

“Certainly,” Gerda replied, “will there be anything else?”

Anna thought for a moment, glancing at her sister.

“Oh, I’m fine,” Elsa assured them.

“Very well, then,” Gerda responded as she left the room.

“Oh! I heard you got here today!” Kristoff nearly shouted as he came into the room, narrowly missing Gerda on her way out. He gave Elsa a hug, then went around and sat on the other side of the bed to take off his boots.

“We’re going to have dinner soon, in the small dining room,” Anna told him. “Gerda just went off to find the older children.”

“She’s in luck,” he laughed. “I just left them in the courtyard, so she might actually find them all. Their friend just had to leave because he’ll be having some kind of dinner with the ambassadors and a few other colleagues.”

“I suppose I’ll meet him at some point,” Anna smirked. “Even Elsa has met him by now, though Olaf told me he only spoke to him once and the poor man hasn’t gotten over the scare.”

Elsa smiled. “Anna, are you going to change for dinner? Would you like me to get anything for you?”

“The dress over there,” Anna requested, as her sister walked across the room, “No, the one to the left.  Thank you!” Elsa laid the dress carefully on the bed.  Kristoff was already helping Anna untie some laces on the gown she already had on.

“I think I’ll go find Kai,” Elsa told them. “I was thinking of something I wanted to ask him.”

“See you at dinner,” Anna waved cheerfully as Elsa left the room.

Elsa gently closed the door behind her and walked down the hall, briskly but calmly.

"Kai, there you are!" Elsa proclaimed happily as he was emerging from the room where the visiting dignitaries and their staff were having dinner.

"Ah, Elsa," he smiled.

"How are those dignitaries doing in there on their own?" Elsa asked with a smirk, glancing at the door he had just closed behind him.

"There are discussions, but nothing of particular interest," Kai replied, raising an eyebrow.

"I assume you're familiar by now with the new ambassador from Corona?" 

"Ah," Kai chuckled lightly, "the one who believes he was slighted at a party when he was stationed here ten years ago. Yes, I'm familiar with him."

"I… I hadn't heard about that."

"Your sister was not in attendance," he replied dryly.

"Hm," Elsa nodded, "If she wasn’t there, she had a good reason, I’m sure.”

Kai nodded in agreement.

Elsa took a slow breath. “So, I actually wanted to ask you about the young man, the ambassador's secretary?"

"Mr. Nilsen?" Kai asked vaguely, "I've spoken with him a few times. Was there anything in particular?"

"Did you know that his mother is Margit Nilsen?"

"That…" Kai stuttered, and continued quietly, "that is something I was not aware of, but it… makes sense."

"Do you think-" Elsa paused as she saw a servant emerge from the dignitary's dining room. "Thank you, Kai,” she announced in a slightly louder voice. ”The family will be eating in the small dining room tonight. Good evening." 

Kai bowed slightly as Elsa walked toward the dining room, and he turned his attention to the servant standing by the door. 

Elsa continued on her way to the dining room.  Inga was already there, sitting quietly staring out the window. She looked at Elsa as she walked in, and she seemed ready to ask a question when the twins ran in and argued loudly about who got to sit where.  Frederick arrived more quietly than his brothers, but was still quite emphatic about being hungry, and wondering when Mother and Father would get there so they could go ahead and eat.  He was certain he had been there a half hour by the time they arrived. Elsa glanced at the clock, and noticed that it had only been an extra five minutes, but kept silent. 

Once dinner began, Elsa listened to competing stories from Anton and Peder over their latest antics and adventures.  Inga answered her aunt’s questions about her studies and what she had most recently been reading, as she didn’t seem interested in talking about much else.  Frederick did his best to prove to the adults that he had, in fact, done some studying this week. Sofia had seen Gerda walking down the hall looking for her older siblings, and the girl decided that she wanted to eat with them rather than be made to have the dinner Nanny was serving. She was welcomed to join in, even though she did her best to butt in to every conversation topic.  

After dinner, there was some discussion of playing games in the library, but Anna was feeling tired, and so she wished everyone good night, and Kristoff went with her back to their room, planning to stop by the nursery to wish the youngest two a good night.  Frederick insisted that the rest of them go to the library and play a game. Olaf was excited to play, and Elsa decided that she would come along, since they all wanted her to play, too.  

After an hour, Sofia was starting to doze off, so Elsa excused herself and walked with her to the nursery.  Nanny was watching the two little ones sleep as she sat reading next to a small lamp. Sofia protested a little at having to go to bed, but gave in fairly quickly. Elsa wished her a good night, and wished Nanny a good night as well.

Elsa walked toward the library, and heard the older children laughing at something Olaf was doing.  She silently debated going in or not, and ultimately walked on, deciding that she should get to sleep on the early side, just in case.  She found Gerda, and made sure that she would be alerted if anything changed.  Gerda assured her that she would come get her right away if she heard anything from her sister, so Elsa went to her room and straight to bed. 

When Elsa fell asleep that night, her dreams were scattered and felt anything but restful. 

“Oh, thank goodness you arrived so quickly,” Gerda gasped, rushing into the courtyard, “the doctor said the danger has passed, and the babies are with the wetnurse.”

“Wetnurse? What wetnurse?” 

“Anna is resting now, and I hope Kristoff is, too,” Gerda told her as they rushed upstairs to the bedroom. The doctor was packing up his bag.  Anna was on the bed, asleep and very pale.  Kristoff had passed out in the chair next to the bed.  Elsa made the mistake of asking the doctor what had happened, and got much more medical detail than she had wanted. She stayed after the doctor had left, fitfully alternating between sitting by the bed and walking around the room, trying to stay quiet.  She thought she heard something outside the door, and opened it to find little Inga sitting there quietly.  Kristoff was starting to wake up when she got back inside, so she ordered him to go out and see his daughter. 

The other dreams weren’t much better, but at least she could quickly separate them from reality when she woke up.  Elsa got up a few times during the night to look out at the sky.  It was starting to be truly dark again in the middle of the night. She reminded herself that she had arrived early this time, and that they were being careful this time, though she wondered. There was a lot to wonder about, but there was no point in thinking about too many of them at once.  She went back to bed and tried to sleep some more.

She had no idea how long she’d been asleep when there was a knock at the door.  She walked over and opened it.  Gerda was standing there in her nightgown and robe, and calmly told her it was time. No one else in the castle was awake aside from them, and the doctor was on his way. 

Anna was standing holding a bedpost with her back toward the door when Elsa came into the room. Kristoff was next to her, looking more groggy than anything.  

“I hope I’m not interrupting,” Elsa attempted to joke. Kristoff turned around and rolled his eyes at her. 

“Oh! Good!” Anna exclaimed, breathing heavily, turning a little to see her. “I hope you don’t mind that I had Gerda wake you up.”

“No, no, that’s fine,” Elsa told her, coming to take her hand. “I had asked her to come get me.”

The doctor arrived, and Anna sat back down on the bed. Elsa led Kristoff over to the window while the doctor performed his examination. 

"How is she, Kristoff?" Elsa whispered. "Be honest."

"She's been fine. Believe me, I'd tell you if I didn't think so."

"Good," she sighed in relief. "I don't need to tell you…"

Kristoff nodded, glancing over to the bed. The doctor waved them over.

"I think it will be soon," he told them cheerfully. 

[early20thcenturynerd]

Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent by George Hayter, 1833

“Today is my birth-day. I am to day fourteen! how very old!! I awoke at ½ past 5 & got up at ½ past 7. I received from Mamma, a lovely hyacinth brooch & a china pen tray. From Uncle Leopold a very kind, letter also one from Aunt Louisa & sister Feodora. I gave Mamma a little ring. From Lehzen, I got a pretty little china figure, & a lovely little china basket. I gave her a golden chain & Mamma gave her a pair of earrings to match. From my maids, Francess & Caroline, I also got little trifles of their own work. At ½ past 8 we breakfasted. After breakfast we went into the room where my table was arranged. Mammagave me a lovely bag of her own work, a beautiful bracelet, two love féronières, one of pink-topaz, the other turquoise, two dresses, some, prints some books, some handckerchiefs, & an apron. From Lehzen, a beautiful print of the Russell Trial. 

From Spèth a glass & plate of Bohemian glass. From Sir Robert Gardiner a china plate with fruit. From Victoria, & Emily Gardiner, two screens & a drawing done by them. From the Dean, some books. My brother Charles's present was not ready. At about ½ past 10 came Sir John & his three sons. From Sir John I received a very pretty picture of Dash, very like; the size of life. From Jane, Victoire, Edward, Stephen, & Henry, a very pretty enamel watch chain. From Lady Conroy a sandlewood pincushion, & needle-case. From Victoire alone, a pair of enamel earings. 

The Duchess of Gordon sent me a lovely little crown of precious stones, which plays “God save the King”, & a china basket. At 12 came the Duchess of Northumberland, (who gave me an ivory basket filled with the work of her nieces) Lady Charlotte St: Maur, (a beautiful album with a painting on it.) Lady Catherine Jenkinson (a pretty night lamp.) Lady Cust, a tray of Staffordshire china). Sir Frederick Wetherall, (two china vases from Paris.) Doctor Maton (a small cedar basket.) Lady Conroy, Jane, Victoire, Sir George Anson, Sir John, & the Dean, came also. Lady Conroy, brought Bijou (her little dog) with her, & she gave me a little sweet smelling box. They stayed till ½ past 12. Victoire remained with us. I gave her a portrait of Isabel, her horse. At 1 we lunched. Victoire stayed till ½ past 2. 

At ½ past 2 came the Royal Family. The Queen gave me a pair of diamond earings from the King. She gave me herself a brooch of turquoises & gold in the form of a bow. Aunt Augusta gave me a box of sandal-wood. From Aunt Gloucester, Aunt Sophia, & Uncle Sussex, a féronière of pearls. From Aunt Sophia alone, a bag worked by herself. From the Duke of Gloucester a gold inkstand. From the Duke & Duchess of Cumberland, a bracelet of Turquois; & the Duchess brought me a turquois pin from my cousin George Cumberland. From Princess Sophia Mathilda, a blue topaz watch-hook. From George Cambridge, a brooch in the shape of a lilly of the valley. Lady Mayo, who was in waiting on the Queen, gave me a glass bottle. They stayed till ½ past 3 & then went away. 

I had seen in the course of the day, Sarah, my former maid, & Mrs: Brock. Lady Emma & Georgiana Herbert sent me a sachet for handckerchiefs worked by themselves. Lady Sarah & Clementina Villiers sent me some flowers as combs & a brooch. Mr: Collen sent me a little painting for my album. At a ¼ to 6 we dined. 

At ½ past 7 we went with Charles, the Duchess of Northumberland, Lady Catherine Jenkinson, Lehzen, Sir George Anson, & Sir John, to a Juvenile ball that was given in honour of my birth-day at St: James's by the King & Queen. We then went into the closet. Soon after the doors were opened & the King leading me, went into the ball-room. Mad. Bourdin was there as dancing-mistress. Victoire was also there, as well as many other children whom I knew. Dancing began soon after. I danced first with my cousin George Cambridge, then with Prince George Lieven, then with Lord Brook, then Lord March, then with Lord Athelone, then with Lord Fitsroy Lenox, then with Lord Emlyn. 

We then went to supper. It was ½ past 11. The King leading me again. I sat between the King & Queen. We left supper soon. My health was drunk. I then danced one more quadrille with Lord Paget. I danced in all 8 quadrilles. We came home at ½ past 12. I was very much amused. I was soon in bed & asleep.”

- Victoria’s diary, 24th May 1833