Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-08-16
The Wrong Kind Of a Hotel.

The MISTAKE or Az ENGLlSHMAN.
The Brussels Echo a., Parliament tells a
pleasant story Of an Englisman and bis wife
who. not knowing a word of German, but
being able to express themselves well in
French. resolved to visit Berlin and Dresden.
At Berlin they had been recommended to a
hotel, whittier they were riding in a hack,
when all at once the lady espied an imposing
edifce upon which were inscribed in large
letters the words "IIotel Radzleyill." She
cried out. There is a beautiful hotel, and
the situation is splendid" Suppose We 90
therc?' suggested the husband. "Ali
! right 1t was done as soon as said. The
driver was stopped. There were several
ladies about the hotel, but none of them
spoke either English OF French. However
| the servants were made to understand by
gestures that they were to take in the luggage,
and the travellers were tremendously con-
Quoted into an apartment The lady asked
by signs for a sleeping room, 10 which she
was led, and on her return said to her hus-
band: Il never saw in all my life a hotel
so admirably furnished. Come and see the
chamber and sleeping room - Having
dressed, our English folk lunched and an
nounced to the servant that they would dine
at ). They went 10 walk. On their return
a gentleman Of distinguished appearance
entered their room, saluted them and said
something in German which they did not
understand. The Englishman thinking him
Q little familiar, replied carelessly in Eng
lish, Good morning. How do you do?'
And the stranger withdrew. y delicious
dinner was served. When the servants had
gone, MY dear, said the gentleman to his
wife. '.all this is excellent. This is evident
" first class. But it must be very dear,
and az a matter of prudence it will be well
to ask for the bill tomorrow morning"
But he neglected to do so, and two days
more passed like the fret. At last the bill
was asked for, but it was not brought. II
am beginning to be little uneasy, my
dear said the husband. Surely no one
could be better cared for than we are here,
hut | am persuaded the charges will be
lrightful." At that moment the gentleman
Of distinguished appearance entered, and the
following dialogue took place
The Stranger-''l am Prince Radzievill."
The Englishman (rising and bringing
chair) TO what may | attribute the
honor Of this visit ?''
The Prince-''lou have evidently taken
this house for public hotel"
The Englishman-"Certainly."
The Prince-'W this is my private
house, my hotel"
The Englishman was so astonished that he
could make no reply and could not explain
the mistake Of his wife, who, In the greatest
began to tell the Prince in
English that the word ''hotel" over the door
had caused her error The urince who saw |
their confusion, politely expressed his salts
faction, at having given hospitality to Eng
fish people, and begged them to remain
few days longer that he might enjoy their
society. Of course the invitation was polite
ly declined. The Englshman succeeded in
making the servants accept few presents
and the prince insisted upon accompanying
them to a real "hotel'' in his own carriage.
Prince Radzievill is the Russian Ambassador
at Berlin.