ROYAL HUMOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4508, 5 October 1882, Page 4

ROYAL HUMOUR.

The German sporting paper, the Baer, reoently published the following interesting anecdote, delightfully illustrative of the amiability and readiness of wit for which tho late' Queen Louise, the Emperor" William's mother, one of the moit beautiful and accomplished women of her time, was bo justly celebrated. One day Fredeiiok William 111., npon entering his consorts beudoir at the breakfast hour, as was his went, caught tight of a new cap upoD the queen's work-toblo, and laughingly enquired how much sho had paid for it. "Very little," wob the reply; " I chose one of the cheapest in the shop. It coat only four thalers " (about twelve shillings). "Only four thalers!" rejoinod the king. " A great deal too muoh money, I should saj, for suoh a thing as that." 86 saying he walkod across the room to a window overlooking the Sohloss- Plats, and happening to perceive an old pensioned Guardsman passing by, called him up to the room, and pointing to th« queen, exclaimed : "That lady sitting on the sofa has more money than she knows what to do with. Now tell me, my old comrade, how much do you think she gave for that cap lying there on the table?" After taking a good look at the cap, the puzsled veteran shrugged his shoulders and replied : " I dare say it cost a few groschen !" (about sixpence). " Groschen, indeed !" cried the king, casting a triumphant glance at his smiling consort. " I tell you she paid four thalers for it ! Go to her ; I'll answer for it, she'll give you just as muoh as the cap coßt." Taking out her purse, the queen counted ou 4 ; four brand-new thulera, and dropped them ono by one into the soldior's outstretohed hand, saying : " You see that tall g«ntleman , standing by the window. He has much more money than I ; indeed, everything I possess, comes to me from him. Now go to him ; I feal certain that he will give you just twice as muoh as you have had from me." The king, caught in his own trap, produced eight thalera with an affected reluctance that elicited a burst of happy laughter from the queen, and handed them to the stout old pansioner, who went on his way rejoicing.