THE KING'S AMUSING ADVENTURE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 11 June 1907, Page 4

THE KING'S AMUSING ADVENTURE.

REFUSED ADMISSION TO A CHURCTi IN NAPLES. Naples, April ±l. King Edward and Queen Alexandra land cd after luncheon to-day and proceeded in a motor-car to the church of S.S. Francesco and Paolo, which faces the. Royal Palace. Their Majesties were received by the Royal Chaplain, and inspected the numerous statues and pictures by Italian masters as well as the high altar which is inlaid with lupis hmili. On leaving the church their Majesties drov to the basilica of Santa Chiara, where an unusual incident occurred. The church, which was founded in 1310 by Robert the Wise, was closed, as the monks who are entrusted with its keeping were taking their midday meal. The royal party knocked at the door, and the sacristan behind it, thinking that they were beggars, replied, ''Go in peace, there is nothing for you." King Edward was greatly amused, and laughed heartily. One of the suit* again knocked, explaining that the party wished to see the church, but the sacristan, even more irritated, said, "Don't bother; this is not the time for sight-

seeing." Fortunately, General Salsa happened to be passing, and, recognising their Majesties, called upon the sacristan to open the door, which the latter did immediately. The poor monk, on discovering the real situation, could not find wordß to express himself. On learning who their visitors were all the other monks hastened up and attended them through the church, pointing out its various features and attractions, including the two columns which are said to have belonged the temple of Solomon, and which were given by Charles of Anjou. and the tomb of Maria Christina of Bourbon, whose life and the miracles connected with it led to her <feautification.