THE LION'S TAIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15175, 14 December 1912, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE LION'S TAIL.

healing of a diplomatic sore AT THE TEA TABLE.

Lady Primrose gives the following reminiscence in Vanity Fair : _ f About thirteen years ago, one winter s afternoon, tho late M. de Lessar, the celebrated Russian diplomatist at the Court or St. James's, cams to tea at my house. In a few minutes the door opened and the late Sir Richard Temple (formerly Governor of Bombay) was announced. I introduced them, and was puzzled at the look of astonishment on their faces. M. de Lessar, somewhat hesitatingly.' held out his hand. Sir Richard put both of his hands behind, his back, made M. de Lessar a profound bow, and, turning to me, said : "This is the gentleman who attempted to twist the British • Lion's tail and nearly sent England and Russia to war over the Pamirs. Lady Primrose, I wish you ggod-day." It was a most embarrassing moment. M. de Lessar then proposed that he should leave, but I persuaded them that they were both my friends, and that my drawing■room was neutral ground; and as I was entirely ignorant of the political quarrel, I suggested that they should tell me the story of the Tamils. Harmony was restored arid they both fell in with my suggestion,, and, seated around my tea table, talked in the most amicable way of their political differences —of the policv of Russia and England on the Indian frontier and elsewhorel being a eilent listener all the time.