The San Francisco call., 1906-09-02
Builds New Bathroom for Ming Who
Is to Pay Her a Visit
By Lady Mary.

II ONDON. Aug. lit is moth
ing new to Mrs. Cavcndsh
IL Bcntinck (AIiss Livingston
of New York she was before
her marriage) to entertain the King;
she has done it repeatedly at he.
house in Richmond Terrace. When,
however, bis Majesty goes to High
cliff Castle on his return from
Maricnbad, it will be the first time
that he. has spent night under the
Cavcndish Bcntinck roof. Although
they are only renting the place, they
arc spending tremendous amount or
money in preparation Tor the royal
visit. Mrs. Cavendsh Bentinck's
ambition is to outde every other host
ess, American or otherwise, who has
entertained King Edward. In place
of the unpretentious motor car Ill
which the King usually proceeds
from railway station to the house
OF his host, Mrs Cavendish Bentinck
has arranged that he is to drive TO
Highciiff Castle in senli-state with
four dashing stceds and outriders:
She has succeeded in getting the chef
OF the Carlton at all enormous cost
10 compose the dinner on the night
of his Majesty's arrival.
a new bathroom is being added to
the suite of rooms his Majesty Will
occupy. the one previously in use be-
ing like other parts Of the castle, dis
tinctly antiquated. The King has a
few weaknesses In luxuries, and one
is fancy for an elaborate bathroom.
Although of late the King has shown
that he prefers bridge after dinner to
music, Mrs. Cavcndish Bentinck in
tends having some music. and there
is mention of Nine. Ella Russell being
included in the artistes. II his Males
ty cares to take his first experience
in ballooning, he will have an oppor-
tunity of doing at Highcliff as
baHooning will be one of the pastimes
afforded.
An American heiress from New
York, Miss Babcock, is attracting con-
siderable attention over here. She is
a very good looking and exceedingly
emancipated young woman. and appar-
emily has no thought of seeking
titled husband. Her array of motor
cars (two OF which she brought with
her from New York;, her excellent
driving-for she is her own chauffeur
ard can take any motor car to pieces
her independence and her daring
have all qualified her for notoriety,
whether she seeks 1t or not. She re-
Gently motored to Harrogate and is.
making a tour up to Edinburgh
through the Cathedral towns. The
fact is much commented upon in Eng
land that it is only the middle class
American of limited means who takes
a really intelligent interest in travel
ing and wants to find out all that is
to be known about centers of historic
or literary interest. or her class, Miss
Babcock is decidedly an exception, for
she is doing England thoroughly
When she has finished here she is
going to the Continent with a Similar
intention.
Although an American, she is ex
ceedingly reserved. and at hotels, at
all events, refuses introductions on
all sides. The other day she was the
subject of a bet. certain we'll
known man wagered that before forty
eight hours were over he would sit be-
side her in her car, or else she in his.
This is. how he planned to win his
wager. He knew Miss Babcocks hour
for departing for her drive in the
morning, and getting into the garage,
removed a screw from her motor
which was bound to bring about slight
trouble before she had proceeded far
ahead. In due course she entered her
car, the man who had made the bet
following in his own. When some dis
tance in the country, Miss Babcocks
motor became troublesome ana ner
pursuer, who had hitherto kept we'll
out Of sight, now came dashing along.
Discounting he bowed effusively, max
ing offers of help. She was all polite
ness, thanked him cordially, but de-
clined assistance. Meanwhile she had
removed from a drawer in the car
box full of tools, and in the most
workmanlike manner made the neces-
sary readjustments and affixed new
screw. He had never dreamed of
finding a woman capable of this That
was why he lost his wager.
Consuelo Duchess of Manchester was
the only. woman not of royal blood
who was present at the dinner party
given by the King and Queen of Spain
on board the Giralda. She was, of
course, invited through the influence
of King Edward. for she is a compar-
ative stranger to the young King and
Queen.
Notwithstanding the practical jokes
and pranKs of Alfonso, he has a fine
appreciation of magnificence and when
he entertains, 1t is done in the most
splendid fashion The dinner on board
his steam yacht was In maEnificence