TOO MANY “MARY’S.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 68, 3 November 1911, Page 2

TOO MANY “MARY’S.”

Apropos of the Royal visit to Scotland, a good story is told of the Queen’s stay at Balmoral. One day the Royal party, consisting of the Queen, the Princess Mary, the Marquess da Several, Lord Rosebery, and several others, motored to Stoneyhaven. Putting up the motors at an hotel, without any attendants, they carried their lunch basket down to the beach, and people passing remarked that it was the jolliest picnic party they had seen for many a day. Later on they motored out to Dunnottan Castle, and, on leaving, the old caretaker requested them to sign the visitors’ book.

The Queen took the pen and signed “Mary.”

The Princess also signed “Mary.” Seeing this, the caretaker said : “It is usual for visitors to sign their full name—there are hundreds of Marys in the country.” Then Lord Rosebery turned and said : “But you must know you have the Queen with you to-day.” At first the old man was sceptical, thinking it was a party of wags that he had to deal with; but at last he was convinced, and nearly fell through the floor!

In the evening he hastened to Stonehaven and told the townsfolk. Then everyone remembered the jolly picnic party, and, annoyed that they had not recognised it, they watched all evening for its return. To the disappointment of the good folks of Stonehaven, however, another way was chosen for the return journey.