The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-10-12

This Coveted Position in Queen Victo-
ri;t's Household 10 Be Given to Il
Former New York Beauty.

The news comes from England that an
American girl is soon to be appointed as
one of the maids of honor to QUEEN Vic
toria, and that this master stroke OF for
tune will fall upon fhe head Of the Count
ess of STAFFORD. who was before her last
marriage Mrs. Colgatc, widow Of 4 New
York millionaire.
The appointment IS to be given 20 the
Countess of STAFFORD in honor Of the sig
nal services performed by her late hui-
band and his family To the royal family
of Great Britain The Earl of Stranord,
it VIII be remembered, was ll ed almost
Year ago by train, some say by accl-
dent others claim by design.
A COVETED POSITION.
Few women even those high il social
circles, know the requirements OF a maid
of honor 10 the Queen. Every one knows,
however, that it is srand-soundlng tue.
and one greatly sought after, since the
advantages of such an app ointment, indie
pendent of tn l.cnor. are many.
Two thousand dollars seems q coodiy
return for three months service in the
year, and the privilege to enjoy for life
the courtesy title of Honorable 50 one
can readily understand why the number
OF applicants is so great Whenever 4 va
cancy occurs among her Maiesty's eight
maids.
Yet. it is quite a mistake to suppose
that the duties are merely nominal. The
d mauds on the patience and bodily
strength Of a Notwithstanding are lnces-
SAINT. Perhaps it will be interesting to
follow he day through. and 50 judge for
ourselves.
Only two maids are in waiting at time
and these divide the duties between them
in obedience to the Queens wishes.
TO q nervous girl the first days service
in the royal apartments is indeed an
1 , ~
secretary is dismissed she is summoned
TO read aloud selections from the morning
| Often the choice is left to herself. and
great discrimination and tact are nsceS-
sary in q Gliding those paragraphs which
VII interest and not bore her gracious
| listener.
Then comes drive of one or two hours
| often Very dreary driye--in which abso-
lutte silence reigns, unless her Majesty
| presents a question or desires to engage
; in conversation.
The maid OF honor generally. takes
| Iuucheon with the llous hold, but is often
| called upon TO join the royal party, where
| even eating becomes duty OF state.
| The customs Of court etiquette are very
| trying to a naturally hgh-sprited woman
| She is not permitted to speak unless
| SPOKEN TO.
TRYING AT TIMES.
His' Is tiie i1t'i ''eSt H|NS =. " 80
| preston OF hef own !houshts anu opl,f
! 1ons the SupdulhS Oh impulses ana ch ,
acierlstc TRAITS: TO De nothillS otll d til,lie1
| in the royal court anu an eefoei OIL royal
remarks.
After luncheon her Majesty rests for an
| nHur ana II IS the lna5d outy 20 Sc ma
she is undisturoed, anu ma a"solu'e pulet
fe-shS IN ahu AROUND the loyai ap'ii :
ments.
When her sefVicsS are no jonSoT required
she retres 70 ner own suite OF rooms
"nsfe she is expected TO remain WITHIN
call
Permiss,on must be first obtained before
mad OF honor can celVe q irlenc or
re!3''Ve, aho on no "ecou,11 may 9iie
absent hefSstf from the castle whist hef
Majesty IS WIN II.
Inc queen IS EeSE particular Win reSa.o
10 dress anu mas preference Tor p'aih'
dark eoiors or morning use.
Hef 1haaS' ds RUE. are tdiei u. ~
cofSldef iei t3atS III al ils1LseIa "iiciS
tneif appearance .t.t NIttSS Stl'S C'iiNS'Ait-