When he was at home he was an indefatigable
worker; he managed all his Tuscan properties
(the Grand Dukes were great landowners and
some of their Italian estates are still in the
family), but since his death they are under
the jurisdiction of the Emperor, who now sees
to nearly everything in connection with them.
Papa was up and about every morning at four;
he worked all day, and only allowed himself
the relaxation of a walk or drive. He had a
strong constitution and an iron will, though



44 MY OWN STORY

his temperament was emotional and excitable,
and he was adored by his seventy-five servants,
for he was a just master who entered into all
their personal interests and did not know the
meaning of false pride.
Religion, as practised in Roman Catholic
Courts, was regarded by my father with good-
humoured contempt. "Religion," he used to
say, "est settlement religion d'fetiquette. " He
lived in a world of his own ideals, but was,
with all his imaginative tendency, a very prac-
tical man, orderly and punctilious to a fault,
and quite as business-like as any banker or
lawyer. He liked to know how every detail in
his household arrangements was carried out,
from the decoration of the State apartments
down to the management of the kitchens; he
was at home everywhere- — and he made his
presence felt. He and I were absolutely in
sympathy with each other; we were not demon-
strative, but a perfect understanding prevailed,
and all I know that is useful I learnt from him.
