HOW SHE SAW THE KING

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 12, 21 March 1907, Page 37

HOW SHE SAW THE KING

. Young King Alfonso, of Spain, is very fond of automobiling, and frequently acts as his own chauffeur, , or driver. Shortly before his recent marriage, he was - returning alone in his motor car to Madrid one day, wihen, at some distance from the • dity, he overtook an old woman who was trudging alcmg in the middle of the road. The King stopped his automobile and cried out : ' Look out there, good mother, or you'll be run over ! Where are you going ?' "To Madrid, to see my son, who is sick in the military hospital.' ' Well, then, get in here with me. I, too, am going to Madrid.' The traveller gladly accepted the invitation, and the conversation soon became quite friendly. The old woman spoke about her past misfortunes,' her fears for the future, and her actual needs. Then, all at once, she exclaimed : 1 I wisih I knew the King ! They say he is so good to the poor !' ' I will take you to see him when we get to~ Madrid,' said Alfonso XIII., with a smile. A few moments later the automobile entered the capital of Spain. Hats were raised as it passed along the streets, and there were frequent shouts of ' Lone live the King !' The old lady looked about her cm all sides. 1 But where is -the King ?' she asked her companion. ' I can't show him to you here,' he replied, « the crowd is too big.' On reaching the hospital, his Majesty got down, helped the sick soldier's mother out of the car, and said : _^r , "■ 1 Now, can I do anything else for you ?' ' Nothing, sir , thank" you ! You ,are a charming young -man, and the good God will bless you. But you promised to show me the King.' 1 Well," 1 said Alfonso, pointing his finger at his' - breast, c here he is.' " • ' You the King ! ' cried the old woman* ' Oh, what kindness !' ' Yes, the King, who is gcdng to free your son from- military service. As soon as he is' cured, you'll have him back with you. And here,' handing her a purse, 'is something to live on until his. return.' Then Alfonso, jumping, into his. automobile, sped away, leaving the good woman overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It -vrtlll be seen, says the 'Toulouse Semaine,' from ■which" we borrow this account of a real incident, that the young monarch takes after his ancestor, Henry ■■ IV., and knows how to imitate his chivalrous acts. — The * Aye Maria.' " ~