New-York tribune., 1901-09-28
tCANADA'S ROYAL VISITORS.
] a TORONTO WOMAN'S IMPRESSIONS OF
THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL AND
YORK INCIDENTS OF
THE TOUR.

"a great part of the success of the present royal
tour through the British dominions is undoubtedly
due 10 the personality OF the future Queen Con-
sort Victoria Mary. Duchess of Cornwall and
York" said q woman from Toronto 10 a Tribune
reporter Yesterday. The duke has made a most
favorable impression. but people do not, as rule,
run into superlatives in speaking of him With
the duchess it is different is difficult, in fact.
70 use any language with reference TO her royal
highness which would not inadequate 10
those who had seen her. and perhaps absurd 70
those who had not.
In person her royal highness is tall-taller than
the duke, in fact-slight erect, with clear pale
complexion delicate pink cheeks, deep blue eyes,
and soft brown hair arranged in the manner which
seems to be peculiar TO the women Of the English
royal family. She dresses with extreme plalnhess
end corresponding elegance. As the court Is now
IN mourning, her gowns are always black, ana she
1vails herself but little of the latitude allowed by
half mourning. Her pictures give little idea Of her
appearance her distinguishing characteristic being
an indehnable something which only a great artist
could convey In portrait. She Is royal TO the
core stately and grave. even to sadness, yet
gracious simple and sweet
so far from being bored by the monotonous
round of cheering crowds and formal addresses
which have been her daily experience for the last
six months she appears genuinely pleased with
the demonstrations OF loyalty which greet her hus
band and herself wherever they go, and she mani
tests the greatest interest in the efforts made for
sheir entertainment ~
Like the late Queen, to whom she was related
by blood well as by marriage. the duchess seems
70 notice and think of everything During the
route TO Ottawa the wife of the Mayor too i'll
to take part In the festivities and the first words
addressed by her royal highness 10 his worship
were an inquiry after the health OF his wife.
little American girl was the heroine of another
pretty incident which happened at the same time
The little maiden, who has only seen three or four
summers. occupied a place of vantage on the
shoulders Of a male relative when the visitors We're
passing and having provided herself with flag
and a horn she waved the vigorously and
blew the other almost into the royal carriage. The
duchess smiled and bowed her and then said
something to the duke. who also smiled The next
day the little girl was in the same place, and the
duchess recognized her before she had time to
THE romantic life of the Duchess of Cornwall
and York adds something to the interest which at
OF sadness on her face. Every one remembers the
tragic death, nearly ten years ago. Of the Duke OF
the bridal garland fell upon the bier and the
shadow Of the crown that Ger him hung vanished
would have married his cousin. victoria Mary Of
Teck. Duchess OF Cornwall and York She is
year afterward she gave her hand to his brother
George, Duke Of York he then That this
expected, but the Queen had set her heart upon it,
and, with the lifelong affection which existed be
1t is not strange that she should have had her
pao,. %ag The match was extremely popular with the
Princess May English by birth and breeding
wed an heir to the throne-but because she was the
tanghler Of the popular Princess Mary of Cam
Gctlose. Dpchess OF Teck, and granddaughter Of
Previous 10 her marriage the princess was a
fnost obscure parsonage, from a royal standpoint
No one talked to her or wrote to her and probably
20 20 one unless ii were the wise Victoria, ever
thought of her as the future Queen Consort The
aecks were poor for their position and were
ebLged to 1--we quietly. spending several years
rroIoao az one time Tor the purpose of keeping
Penses within their income"