The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-06-17

tress Of the robes. and is sent from the
royal news for her conveyance to the
palace when her presence is required at
the drawing rooms, etc. AmCIg many
distinguished women who have held the
office, which appears to have existed for
many centuries, may be mentioned the
Countess of Suffolk. Duchess of Dorsett,
Lady Harvey and the Duchess OF
Marlborough, who held not only the
post of mistress of the robes but also of
groom Of the stole and keeper of the privy
purse. IL appears that the Office of
mother of the maids was eventually
merged into the higher one, though of
late years the mistress of the robes has
been only associated with state ceremo-
malls and has not any authority or re-
sponsiUility connected with other ladies
OF the household. Formerly the mistress
of the robes wore gold key as badge of
Office, the same as is still worn by the
Lord Chamberlain, and very unseemly
quarrels are recorded when Sarah,
Duchess of Marlborough, was requested
10 deliver up the key to her successor, the
Duchess of Somerset.
The duche SIS of Sutherland was APP
pointed mistress of the robes on Queen
Victoria's accession, and held the office
for many years. The Duchess of Man
chester, Duchess of Bedford, Duchess Of
Wellington and the Duchess of Roxburgh
have also been mistresses of robes during
her majesty's reign.
Eight ladies Of the bedchamber, who
are usually called ladies in waiting. at
tend personally on the queen during their
waits. and during that time reside in the
royal palace. These ladies drive or walk
with her majesty and are always in at
tendance TO fulfill any duties which are
required. Many letters and requests of
all kinds are sent to these ladies which
have to be acknowledged, and they often
write letters for the queen. During
their attendance the ladies in waiting are
always at hand, but If her majesty drives
or walks with any members of the royal
family and does not require the attend
ance of one of the ladies they are free to
20 out, and carriage is always at their
disposal at Osborne and Windsor and Bal
moral.
In her majesty's published "Diary of
Life in the Highlands we see on what
intimate terms these ladies are treated,
and no one but peeress can hold the Of
fee
Bedchamber women do not now fulfill
the duties which apparently fell TO their
share when the Office was created, or, in-
deed as late as the reign Of George H.,
when we know that the queen s bedcham-
Der women had to attend her ma. esty's
toilet at morning and evening. AT present
the duties are very Jflulng, anu Tue elSut
ladies are only required to attend any
court ceremony or receptions which may
occur during the time of waiting APP
pointed TO each during the year. Her
ma esty has of late appointed several ex-
ira LADIES and women Of the bedchamber
without salary.
The eight unmarried ladies who hold
office as maids OF honor have some privi-
leges. They are given the prefix Of "hon-
orable" and on marrying receive from the
queen the gift of II 900. One of two
maids of honor reside for fortnight at a
time at Windsor or Osborne, but her
majesty seldom takes more than one TO
Scotland.
The distinctive badge worn by maids of
honor is a bow of scarlet ribbon on the
shoulder, while the ladies in waiting
wear white bow with the queens cameo
portrait.
The dowry Of maid Of honor has been
given for at least $50 years, but is ac-
cording TO her ma estys pleasure, and in
1868 it was refused TO one lady who en-
ga red herself in maria % without the
consent of her royal mistress. In the
domestic ARRANGEMENTS for the comfort of
the roya suite a bed and sitting room Is
apportioned TO each lady. and the house
hold dinner includes all who have not
been specially commanded ~ Join the
royal circle.