CHAPTER III.

Waikato Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2048, 22 August 1885, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHAPTER 111.

But the Princess— the gentle, fjracio'is, beautiful Ptincass— what can I say of her Highness? I can only cay that Bhe enchanted

I had been a little discouraged by tho reception thai I met with from b/jr fitdor. Strictly confining himself within the lnniU of politeness, he bade me welcome to hi* Court in the fewest possible word?, an.i then paßßed mo by without further notice. Hi afterwards informed the Englnh Muister that I had bpen so unfortunate ai to try hia temper: " Tour new eocretavy irritates mo, sir — he is a person in an offensively perfect state of heaHh." Tho Prince's charming daughter way not of her father'fi way of thinking; it ia impossible lo say how graciously, how sweetly I was received. Sho honoured me by speaking to me in my own langusge, of whicti she showed herself to bo a perfect mietres*. I was not only perm. Pod, but encouraged, to talk of my lamily, and to dwell on my own tastes, amusements, &nd pursuits. Even when her Ilighnems'n attention w*» claimed by other persons waiting to be presented, I was not firgottoc. The Baroness was instructed to invite me for the next evening to the Princess's tea-table ; and it was hinted that I should be especially welcome if I brought my music with me, and Ban ft. My friend the secretary, standing noar us at the ti;ne, looked at me with a mysterious smile. Hfj had suggested that I should make advances to the B ironess — and hera wai tli9 B jroness (under royal instructions) making advances to Me 1 " We know what that means," ho whi3psred. In justice to myself, I must declare that I failed to understand him. On the occasion of my cecond reception by bhe Princes*, at her little evening party, I detected tho Baroneis, more than once, in the act of watching her Highness and myedf, with an appearance of disapproval that puzzled me. When I had taken my leave, she followed mo out of the room. " I have a word of advice for you," she said. " The best thing you can do, sir, is to mike an excuse to your Minister, and to go back to England." I deolara again, that I failed to underatind tho Baroness.