A GRACEFUL COMPLIMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 4021, 15 January 1876, Page 2 (Supplement)

A GRACEFUL COMPLIMENT.

One of the most graceful compliments ever paid by a wife to her husband was the erection of a monument to Mr Disraeli's father by the late Viscountess Beaconsfield. The idea'was entirely her own, and the momiment was to be a surprise to Mr Disraeli. The deceased lady took an intimate friend of the family into her confidence. An architect was consulted, and, after due consideration, his design was approved. » Tenders were privately obtained, and a suitable site upon the estate was discovered on a hill within view of Hughenden. As soon as the statesman and his wife had left their country seat for the opening of Parliament, workmen began to prepare the foundations If Mr Disraeli had returned to Hughenden for the Easter recess the secret would have been discovered. Lady Beaconsheld was equal to the occasion and filled the house with house painters. All through the spring and summer the work went on steadily, until, in August, an obelisk of 120 feet or 130 feet high had reared its lofty, varied, and graceful outline against the horizon When the prorogation enabled husband and wife to return to their country retreat, the surprise of Mr Disraeli may be conceived. The obelisk, surrounded by a palisading of stone pillars and iron rails, •at the deceased lady upwards of L6OO.