The Strand Magazine, Volume V, Issue 28, April 1893 | Page 3

King of Spain to the Prince. There is also
a magnificent display of plate, much of it presentation. The tables are
oblong, the Prince and Princess facing each other at the centre; the
floor--as are most of them--is of polished oak, this one being freely
scattered with costly Turkish rugs. I may here mention that adjoining
this saloon is a spacious ante-room, containing a fine collection of
tigers' skins, elephants' tusks, etc.: a good record of the travels of His
Royal Highness, of much interest to travellers and sportsmen.
[Illustration: THE DINING-ROOM, WITH TABLE SET FOR
LUNCHEON.
From a Photo. by Bedford Lemere.]
When you presently adjourn to the drawing-rooms--of which there are
a suite of small ones in addition to the large one--you will find there is
no lack of entertainment and amusement; such, indeed, as must suit the
most varied tastes. First, however, we will take some note of the rooms
themselves. These (the drawing-rooms) are all connected with the
entrance-hall by a broad corridor, which is ornamented with pieces of
armour, ancient china, stuffed birds, etc.: they face the lakes, and are on
the western or front of the building, opening on to the terrace.

The large drawing-room is of beautiful construction, fitted with
windows reaching from ceiling to floor. The walls are panelled with
pink and blue, with mouldings of gold and cream. The furniture is
upholstered in pale blue, with threads of deep crimson and gold; the
hangings are of rich chenille; the floor of polished oak, with rich Indian
rugs distributed here and there. A plentiful scattering of music and
books gives it a home-like appearance, while hand embroidery,
sketches, painting on china, and feather screens show the variety of
talent and skill of the ladies of the family. In the very centre of the
room is a large piece of rockwork, with a tasteful arrangement (carried
out under the care of the Princess herself) of choice ferns and beautiful
roses in bloom, while rising out of the midst is a marble figure of
Venus. The principal conservatory opens from this room. It is rich in
palms and ferns, and contains a monument of art to Madame Jerichau,
the sculptress, in the shape of a group of bathing girls.
Meanwhile, whatever amusement is to be the order has by this time
commenced: perhaps it is music--the ladies of the family are all good
musicians--perhaps it is tableaux vivants, or possibly a carpet dance. If
your tastes do not lie in these directions, or after you have enjoyed
them for a sufficient time, you have the choice of using the
billiard-room, the American bowling alley, or the smoking-rooms. The
billiard-room will interest you vastly: it is literally lined with arms of
all descriptions. The tables, of course, are of the best.
[Illustration: THE DINING-ROOM, WITH TABLE SET FOR
DINNER.
From a Photo. by Bedford Lemere.]
[Illustration: WITHDRAWING-ROOM.
From a Photo. by Bedford Lemere.]
Another room you may perhaps find your way to to-night is the
"Serapis" room; it is half library and half smoking-room; in it you will
see the entire fittings of the cabin the Prince occupied on his journey to
India, in the vessel of the above name. One thing you may rest assured

of--that neither on this evening nor at any other time while at
Sandringham will you know a dull moment.
[Illustration: THE CORRIDOR.
From a Photo. by Bedford Lemere.]
In the morning you will find breakfast served at nine o'clock in the
dining saloon. As, however, the Prince and Princess generally take
theirs in their private apartments, there is no formality, and you do not
feel bound to the punctuality imperative when you meet their Royal
Highnesses.
Perhaps you have letters to write; and I may as well here remark that
the postal arrangements are first-rate. There is a post-office inside the
house, which is also a money order office. Three deliveries per day
come in that way, while mounted men meet the trains at Wolferton
Station. There is also telegraphic communication with Central London,
King's Lynn, and Marlborough House; and telephone to Wolferton
Station, the stud farm, agents, bailiff, etc.
Before proceeding to outdoor sights--which will not be possible very
early, as your host has a multiplicity of business to get through--you
had better take the opportunity of seeing some of the rare and beautiful
treasures indoors. Of course, all are aware of the extensive travels of
the Prince in many countries, and will, therefore, expect to find many
mementos of the same in his home; but I think few are prepared to find
them so numerous and so valuable. Not only does one see them here
and there in various directions, but one room of considerable
dimensions is set apart altogether for them, and a day could be
profitably spent