A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1221, 24 July 1885, Page 3

A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

The Rotten Howitea had a sensation and a genuine surprise recently. It was about three o’clock, and though this is not the hour to see the Ladies Mile in its glory, or the Drive in its magnificence, it is a fair calculation that there were 3000 cavaliers and amazons, and perhaps 500 equipages, within the circuit of Hyde “Park. Aristocrats, male and female, on horseback or on wheels, moved in perpetual procession within the enclosure, whilst lounging idlers, hanging limply over the iron rails, scowled rudely at beauty, rank, and fashion. All uf a sudden an open carriage enters at the gate next Apaley House on Constitua tion Hill. Two outriders in royal livery proclaim the royal presence,and the noble and gentle forthwith rein in, andjpassing the word “ The Queen,” the sig ial runs along the Row, and pioduces its - effect as it runs; for everyone draws back upon each side, leaving a clear space in the middle down which the royal carriage leisurely passes. Hats are doffed as the vehicle goes by, the Queen and Princess Beatrice bowing and smiling to each side and greeting acquaintances with subtle variations of the general recognition. It was so many years since the Sovereign had shown thus openly among the lieges that the royal apparation took everybody by surprise. Her Majesty looked remarkably well. The Princess has grown rather stout, buther face has lost none of its amiable expression and great charm. The Queen remained in the Park over an hour.