HOW THE CROWN PRINCE WOOED THE PRINCESS ROYAL

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2602, 16 March 1889, Page 2 (Supplement)

HOW THE CROWN PRINCE WOOED THE PRINCESS ROYAL

Not having the fear of Prince Bismarck before his eyes, an Austrian gentleman has contributed to a Vienna newspaper some interesting reminiscences of the late Emperor Frederick. One chapter, a London correspondent says, relates to the year 1875, at which time the Crowu Prince—as he then was—was paying a visit to Carlsbad. Travelling incjijnito, he gratified his fancy by taking up his resideucn in the house of a quiet old German lady, with whom he was very fond of gossiping. He heard daily from his wife, t.ho Crown Princess, then in Berlin, anil liked to talk with his landlady about her. Here is one of the conversations which has been garnered for the Vienna newspapers: —"What a dear good woman my wife is," ha said one day, iifter perusing the daily packet, "aud how warmly she loves mo. She is an excellent housewife, careful of everything, superintending the kitchen as woll as the ball-room. It is now fifteen years siuce I married her, aud every year has made us happier. But I must tell you how I won her. I was only 21 at the time, aud Count Moltke accompanied me to England as my adjutant. Vicky was a inero child, but so clever, so good aud true! Her father anil mother, too, were the best parents I have ever known. After a few days I was in love up to my ears. I could not resist her. I confessed ray infatuation to the Prince, who goodnaturedly encouraged me. But the mother was not so kind-hearted, and decided that Vicky should know nothing of my suit until after her confirmation. However, tho Fates worked in my favour. Late ono afternoon, shortly before my departure, we were riding together in the shadv lanes of Windsor. I was at Vicky's side." Field daisies grew aloug the way, which Vicky said were indicative of good luck. I plucked one and offered it to hor, trembling as I did so, uncertain of its rocoption. She took it, blushed, and gavo mo courage to stammer my confession. My trembling ceased as she gave me her hand, her oyes filled with tears, and iu my eyes came tears too. But they wore rears of joy, which alone have been shed since the happy day on which we took one another for better and for worse."