PULLING THE STRINGS.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 15112, 22 December 1921, Page 2

PULLING THE STRINGS.

WOMEN BEHIND THE SCENES. Still under a veil of anonymity not too concealing, "A Woman of No Importance r-ias written "Recollections and Reflections," which is published by Eveleigh Nash and Grayson. Some of the "recollections are startling, but the reflections are-never unkind. "A Woman of No Importance" knows her world thoroughly, and sees its bright side. In the' prevailing fashion, politicians are not spared. Gladstone, we are told, had a "pretty taste in women." "I once accidentally surprised him kissing Mrs Cornwallis-West, - quite a harmless little affair, but it impressed itself on my memory, for she was pretty, soft, and round, while he looked alike a hungry hawk, with fierce eyes and beak, pecking at her." MR. BALFOUR.

Mr Balfour is dismissed with the remark that he has "disappointed many," and that: "I gather that the public trust Mr Balfour more or less, and many believe that when he is frying fish it is for the country's eonsumption. They do not trust Mr Lloyd George when he is frying fish, and do not respect him." Mr Asquith is ticketed at "another of our lawyer politicians, and lawyer's tricks do not make statesmen." After Mr Churchill's departure from a big house in which he had been staying his hostess said: He spent his time painting a picture of the place. He has gone now. I am so glad he did not leave the picture behind. KITCHENER AS A DANCER. Kitchener as a dancer is new: After a turn or two I suggested sitting down for a rest, and having a chat. He agreed, being in a profuse perspiration, but said, with a beaming smile and stiff little bow, "That was fine! I felt sure I could dance with you." I think I must surely be the only woman on the face of the eai'th with whom he ever danced, or thought he had danced, a waltz. Someone the other day asked "A Woman of No Importance" who among the women at the present times has the "most influence in political circles, who pulls the strings." Lady Curzon is a clever woman, has some experience in the management of men, and enjoys the confidence of many. It will be interesting to note which strings she pulls. Lady Essex is another woman whom I expect to see coming to the front in political influence. . . . Lady Juliet Duff, who in 1903 married Mr Vivian, of the 2nd Life Guards, is very much ,in the know, and always has been . . Lady Pembroke is another who knows most things in connection with everyday affairs. No one has been able to take the place of the late Theresa Lady Londonderry. THE POPULAR PRINCE. Not very long ago somebody said to me, We have seen the last King of England, and at that moment it seemed quite possible, but England has been more or less saved by the -Prince of Wales. It is not yet. fully realised what he has done for~.the country, how much he has appealed to it with his youthfulness, sporting instincts," and homely, natural speeches. It is a book written by a happy soul who is anxious to make others happy and to share the fun and jollity of human life with some who have not been so fortunate.