In June they
celebrated the Jubilee of Queen Victoria, and owing to her husband's
illness, nearly all the arrangements fell upon Lady Burton. It was
she who drew up the address which was sent to Her Majesty, and she also
prepared the speech to deliver in case her husband was too unwell to
attend the public dinner in celebration of the event. As Lady Burton
has been accused of being such a bigoted Roman Catholic, it is only
fair to mention that on this auspicious occasion she accompanied her
husband to the official service in the Anglican Church. Her loyalty
to her Queen was unswerving. She was not required to make the speech,
as Burton was well enough to be carried down to the dinner, and he
delivered the oration. It was the only occasion on which he ever wore
his Order of St. Michael and St. George. The effort was so great that
he had to be carried upstairs again the moment his speech was over.
The rest of 1887 was chiefly taken up by a dreary record of failing
health. The Burtons went away for a summer holiday as usual, and during
their absence from Trieste many English Royalties arrived there with the
squadron; but they were unable to receive them. On their return Dr.
Leslie had to leave them, and his place was supplied by another doctor.
It became more than ever necessary that a medical man should be in
attendance, for Lady Burton seemed to suffer in sympathy with her
husband, and as he got worse she became worse too.
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