January 31 Sunday – Fatout lists a dinner for Poultney Bigelow, where Sam told a story or gave a talk. Among guests were Lord Young, Chief of the Judiciary of Scotland; Sir William Vernon Harcourt, leader of the Opposition, House of Commons; and Herbert Gladstone, son of the former prime minister [MT Speaking 665]. Note: Fatout does not mention Armitage and gives no source, but it’s likely the following notebook entry. And, it’s doubtful it was anything formal, or if Sam did talk, it was not a prepared speech. Sam’s notebook entry shows this event, a rare outing for this period of mourning:

Jan. 31, Sunday. Went with Poultney Bigelow & dined with Mr. Armitage. Present, Lord Young, Chief of the Judiciary of Scotland, Sir Wm Vernon Harcourt, leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons, & Herbert Gladstone (son of his father. Mr. A. is a bachelor of about 70, & has a fine house which is up against St. James’s Palace. He has been a good part of his life in Parliament & a close friend of Mr. Gladstone. I remembered Harcourt very well; saw him several times with Lord Houghton & Robert Browning, 1873 [NB 41 TS 8].