Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XX Palace Life and Royal Entertainments THE stately ceremonials of Court functions were largely modified in the simple and unaffected life led by her Majesty at home, and when receiving guests and visitors. While ever and always Queen, in calm dignity and grace, she had the happy faculty of becoming a gracious hostess, and setting her "commanded " guests at their ease. She was exceedingly punctilious about the minor courtesies of life, and thoughtfully careful of the comfort and pleasure of those who waited upon her. The solemn etiquette and formal functions prescribed by rigid rule in many Continental Court circles largely disappeared in the freer and more genial atmosphere of the Queen's home life. State ceremonies, drawing rooms, levees, and receptions have necessarily their forms and regulations; but at home, at Windsor Castle, and more notably at Balmoral or Osborne, Her Majesty, while ever dignified, as befitted her exalted position, unbended and showed herself a model hostess. Many who had won appreciation by noble deeds or distinguished service, and had thus been honored with a command to visit the Queen, have put on record how greatly they were impressed by the combined kindliness and dignity of their reception by their Sovereign. GENERAL GORDON'S BIBLE. It may not be void of interest to give the following fact which we have lighted upon in a course of a series of articles on the treasures and splendors of the State apartments at Windsor Castle: --"More than the big diamond, the silver and the gold, and the rare china, does her Majesty prize the plain Bible bound in limp leather, and with over-flapping edges, that belonged to her faithful servant, General Gordon, and which was brought to her by his sister sometime after...
