efused to sit for a very small portrait and
that she would like a life-size one. When Her Majesty saw the canvas she
appeared to be very much disappointed, as in her opinion even that was
not large enough. We placed the tables ready for Miss Carl, and Her
Majesty asked her to choose the position in which she wished to paint.
I knew that Miss Carl would have great difficulty in choosing a good
position on account of the windows being built so low, there being very
little light except low down near the ground. However, Miss Carl finally
placed the canvas near the door of the room. Her Majesty told Mrs.
Conger and the rest to sit down for a while as she wanted to change into
another gown. I followed her into her bedroom. The first question Her
Majesty asked was how old I thought Miss Carl was, as she herself could
not guess her age, her hair being extremely light, in fact almost white.
I could hardly refrain from laughing outright on hearing this, and told
Her Majesty that Miss Carl's hair was naturally of a light color. Her
Majesty said that she had often seen ladies with golden hair, but never
one with white hair, excepting old ladies. She said: "I think that she
is very nice, however, and hope she will paint a good portrait."

Turning to one of the Court ladies, she ordered her to fetch a yellow
gown as although, as she put it, she did not like yellow, she thought it
would be the best color for a portrait. She selected one from a number
which the Court lady brought, embroidered all over with purple wisteria.
Her shoes and handkerchiefs matched. She also wore a blue silk scarf,
embroidered with the character "Shou" (long life). Each character had
a pearl in the center. She wore a pair of jade bracelets and also jade
nail protectors. In addition she wore jade butterflies and a tassel on
one side of her headdress, and, as usual, fresh flowers on the other
side. Her Majesty certainly did look beautiful on that occasion.

By the time she came out from her room Miss Carl had everything
prepared. When she saw how Her Majesty was dressed, she exclaimed: "How
beautiful Her Majesty looks in this dress," which remark I interpreted
to Her Majesty, and it pleased her very much.

She seated herself on her throne, ready to pose for the picture. She
just sat down in an ordinary easy position, placing one hand on a
cushion. Miss Carl explained: "That is an excellent position, as it is
so natural. Please do not move." I told Her Majesty