The Strand Magazine, Vol. 05, Issue 28, April 1893: An Illustrated MonthlyVarious
History
The Strand Magazine, Vol. 05, Issue 28, April 1893: An Illustrated Monthly
Various
English literature -- Periodicals; Short stories, English -- Periodicals
I have heard down there of a former organist, who was _not_ a great
musician, and, in fact, was more at home in the village shop, of which
he was proprietor. Sunday after Sunday he made the most awful mistakes,
and, in consequence, was continually warned of his probable dismissal.
The Princess, with her invariable kindness, had been the cause of his
staying so long as he had; but one Sunday the climax was reached and the
Royal patience fairly exhausted. Mr. Gladstone (then in office) was on a
visit, and his solemn, grim countenance as he stood in the church quite
frightened the poor man, inasmuch as he lost his head completely. The
organ left off in the chants, persisted in playing in the prayers, and
altogether acted in such an erratic manner, that it was no wonder that
anger was depicted on one countenance, sorrow on another, and amusement
on a few of the more youthful ones! The old institution had to give way
to a new, however, and a repetition of such performances was thus
avoided.
[Illustration: H.R.H. PRINCESS VICTORIA AND H.R.H. PRINCESS MAUD OF
WALES.
_From a Photo. by W. & D. Downey._]
The Sunday afternoon is quietly spent in the house or grounds; then in
the evening some may, perhaps, drive to West Newton or Wolferton
Church--the Prince, Princess and family often do--while others may
prefer to stay in for music or reading.
On your way to either place you cannot but notice the prosperous look of
the villages and villagers, pointing unmistakably to the certainty of a
good landlord. Had you longer time here, you would hear many an anecdote
of the kindness and generosity of the Prince and the goodness of the
Princess and her daughters. Hardly a cottager but has some anecdote to
tell you of the family: how the Princess visits the sick and afflicted,
talking to them, reading to them, and helping them in their needs. Every
child seems to know and to love the "beautiful lady," and every man and
woman seems almost to worship her; and if you heard the anecdotes I have
heard there, you would not wonder at it. "Think o' they R'yal
Highnesses"--they would say--"making o' things wi' their own 'ands fer
sich as us! Did yew ever heerd tell o' sich, says I; none o' yer frames
and frimmirks (airs and graces) wi' they." And then they would go on
with their "says I" and "says she," and tell you all about summer flower
shows for villagers, treats on Royal birthdays, invitations to see
sights in the park, how the family have given a wedding present to this
one, what they have brought or sent the other one when ill; and so on,
and so on, until you come to think what a pity it is a few land-owners,
with their wives and families, cannot come here for the lessons so many
need, and see how well this family interpret the words: "Am I my
brother's keeper?"
[Illustration: THE DUKE OF YORK.
_From a Photo. by W. & D. Downey._]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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