TOO FAMILIAR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 50, 12 December 1891, Page 691

TOO FAMILIAR.

One may not, according to the etiquette of loyalty, speak too familiarly cf kings and queens. As a subject was once reminded, who wished to give his sovereign a pair of stockings, * The Queen of Spain has no legs.’ She must not be supposed to walk, talk, or eat like ordinary mortals, and if one cannot escape the inference that she really is like the rest of humanity, surely nothing need be said of it. When Queen Victoria visited Salisbury Cathedral, thirty years ago, there was, of course, a flutter of curiosity and loyalty throughout the town. Even the humblest houses had hung out some sign of rejoicing, and at the White Hart Inn, where the Queen intended to lunch, the landlady was fluttering about in her best silk, while the servants were gay with white waistcoats and flowers in their button-holes. But that this show of devotion was not merely skin-deep may be guessed front an occurrence of the late afternoon, when the Queen had departed. In the coffee-room of the inn were two young men, who were complaining to the waiter because they were not given eels for dinner, although the dish had been promised them. The waiter apologised profusely and remaiked, in the way of excuse :

• Her Majesty has been here to day.’ ‘Did Her Majesty eat the eels?’ was the too familiar -query, and at tins the waiter's loyal soul revolted. • It’s no business of yours or mine, sir, what Her Majesty eats,’ was his dignified reply.