The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-09-04
vict0ria.

Grace Greenwood furni shes to the Advance
the new Congregational paper of Chicago,
pleasant chapter of gossip about Queen Vic
toria from which we take two anecdotes illus
trating the one her true kindness of heart
the other her good sense in the management
of her children. Grace Greenwood SAYS: (.
When was In England heard several an
ecdotes of the Queen and her family, from a
lady who received them from her friend, the
governess of the royal children. This COVER
ness, very interesting young lady, was the
orphan daughter OF Scottish clergy man.
During the first year of her residence at
Windsor, her mother died. When she first
received news of her serious illness, she APP
piled to tbs Queen for permission to resign
her situation, feeling that to her mother she
owed a more sacred duty than even to her
Sovereign. The Queen, who had been much
pleased with her, would not hear of her max
ing this sacrifce-but said, in tone of the
most gentle sympathy, Go at once to your
mother, child; stay with her as long as she
needs you, and then come back to MS. will
keep your place for YOU. Prince Albert and
will hear the childrens lessons; SO in any
event let your mind be at rest in regard to
your pupils" .-JiF H07 faolI.ld i7'
The soverness went, and had severA weeks
OF sweet, mournful communion with her dy-
ing mother; then, when she had seen that
dear form laid to sleep ud1er the daisies in
the old kirk yard, she returned to the palace,
where the loneliness of royal grandeur would
have oppressed her sorrowing heart beyond
endurance, had it not been for the gracious.
wolnaDly sympathy of the Queen, who came
every day to her ELECTROMAGNETIC the con-
siderate kindness OF her young pupils. A year
went by; the first anniversary Of her great
loss dawned upon her, and she was overwhelm-
ell as never before by the utter loneliness of
her grief. She felt that no enc in all that great
household, knew how much goodness and
sweetness passed out of mortal life that day a
year ago-or could give with her one tear. one
thought to tina. grave under the Scottish dais-
les. Every morning before breakfast, which
the elder children took with their father and
mother, In the pleasant crimson parlor look
ing out on the terrace at Windsor. her pupils
came to the school-room for brief religious
exercise. This morning, the voice of the gov
erness trembled in reading the scripture for
the day ;-some words OF divine tenderness
were too much for her poor, lonely, grieying
heart-her strength gave way, and LAYING her
mead on the desk before her, she burst into
tears-murInuring "Oh. Mother Mother,''
One after another The children stole out OF
the room and went to their mother, to tell
her how sadly their governess was feeling;
and that soft-hearted monarch, exclaiming.
On poor girl! it is the anniversary of her
motners death" hurried to the schoolroom,
where she found Miss - struggling to re-
gain her composure "Afy poor child, she
said--'I arm sorry the children disturbed YOU
TINS morning, meant TO have given orders
that you should have this day entirely to
yourself. Take it as a sad and sacred holiday
L will hear the lessons of the Children
And then she added, "To show you that I
have not forgotten this mourniul anniversary
will bring you this gilt" clasping on her
arm beautiful mourning bracelet, attached
TO which was locket for her mothers hair.
marked with the date of that mothers DEATH
what wonder that the orphan kissed with
Tears TINS gilt and the more than royal hand
that bestowed it! This was Victoria. fifteen
years ago.-and don't believe she has NOR
ally advanced backward" since then.
Another anecdote illustrating Victoria's adj
mirable good sense and strict domestic disci-
pine, came to me directly fiom one who wit
nessed the occurrence. One day, when the
queen was present at military review. the
frincesss Royal, then rather wilIful Girl Of !
about thirteen sitting on the front seat. seem
ca disposed TO be rather familiar and coouet-
usn with some young officers. of the escort.
neT majesty gave several reproying looks.
without ayall-"winfsed at her but she WoilJI..
Mt stay winked." AT length, In flirting her
handkerchief over the side OF the carriage, she
dropped it-too evidently not accidentally.
instantly two or three young heroes sprang
from their saddles to return it to her fair hand
but the awful voice of royalty stayed them,
stop, gentlemenw exclaimed the Queen
leave just where it lies. Nor my daueh-
er, get down from the carriage, and pick up
your handkerchief" There was no help for
II. The royal footmen let down the steps for
me little, royal lady, who proceeded to lift
nom the dust the pretty piece of cambria
and lace. She blushed a good deal, though
she tossed her head saucily, and she was
, aonotiess angry enough, but the Notifying
impulse ! towards coquetry. 1t was hard, but
IL was wholesome. How many American
mothers would be equal to such piece of
Spartan discipline ,1.,s.5 -,