The Portland daily press., 1897-06-22

lady of the household he may be hidden
probably receives a visit from Sir John
Cowell. About half past seven it is time
to prepare for the queens dinner party,
as it is indispensable to appear at the
royal table in full dress. The old and
ugly, Windsor uniform is usually worn by
those who have right to it. Soon after
eight O'Clock the visitor finds his way
company assemble. Shortly after half
past eight the Queen enters from her own
private apartments, followed by Princess
Beatrice. Her Majesty speaks word or
two to the visitors, and then all 90 10
dinner.
The private dining room which opens
from the corridor. is most comfortable
apartment. The Queen always lunches
in this room, and dimes there when her
party does not exceed sixteen. The fur
Their side is almost all window, looking
into the quadrangle; the walls on each
side OF the door are covered with splendid
tapestry, which was presented to William
Nv by Louis Philippe. There are only
two pictures-the Queen (by Angeli) at
one end, and the Duchess of Edinburgh
he tIle otIler Inc dinner is always very
good, the carte being well conceived and
well executed, and the diners excellently
served. On the menu the name of the
cook who is responsible for each dish is
| written opposite to it, so that praise and
blame can be equitabiy dispensed. Cham
payne and claret are the wines usually
| taken. There is a large cellar of very
fine old port at the castle, but very little
| is now consumed, nor is sherry (Which
was the favorite wine of William IV) in
| great request. In Prince Albert's time
Tokay always appeared, as he invariably
drank one glass after dinner; and as
supply was sent every Christmas by the
could be had. The royal dining room is
quite spectacle, and the first time
visitor has the honor of dining,' he is
very likely to lose his dinner while look
ing round the room. John Brown, in
fuu Highland dress, is stationed behind
the Queens chair, and occasionally the
other personal servant" Lohlein, who
was Prince Albert's confidential valet is
to be seen lowering about. There are
footmen in their respective uniforms, and
the clerks of the kitchen, who carve at
| the side table. On ordinary occasions
! they are in plain black, with knee breech-
| es, but at large dinners they appear in
| their uniforms.
| While the Queen is dining the ladies
and gentlemen of the household are tax
ing their meal in the large dining room.
under the presidency of Sir John Cowell.
This room opens into the first of the three
principal drawing. rooms and is at the
northeast corner of the castle, and the fin
est view from the whole place is obtained
| from it's windows The Queen dimes here
when she has party of from twenty to
| thirty. On the very rare occasions when
the number is still larger, and it becomes
an affair of a state banquet, St. Georges
Hall is used. The Queen leaves the room
with the ladies and in two or three
minutes the gentlemen follow, and then
comes the only personal intercourse that
takes place between a guest and the
hostess, as Her Majesty remains in the
corridor for perhaps half an hour, and
converses for a few minutes with each
visitor in succession, after which She
| bows to the circle and retires. The cues is
and household then adjourn into the
crimson or green drawing room (thero is
some wonderful Chippendale work in this
room, which would be the despair Of or
binary dllettanti if they could see ii, and
the evening closes with music asd Whist.
Good Housekeeping.