consequent accession of Wilhelmina, the present child-Queen. Virtually
this seat is unoccupied, as five years must elapse ere the coming of age
and coronation of her youthful Majesty. Meanwhile her mother is
Queen-Regent, governing wisely and well, and endearing herself to the
people in every way; but more especially in the care she manifests in
the training of their future ruler to the proper regard of the important
position she will have to fill, and the faithful observance of duties
appertaining to such a position.

[Illustration: THE QUEEN-REGENT.
_From a Photo. by W. G. Kuijer, Amsterdam._]

Accomplishments are imparted as a matter of course, but very much
attention is given to formation of character, and many stories reached
me of the wise method displayed, and the already promising result,
giving much hope for a bright future. As most of my readers are aware,
the Queen Regent and our Duchess of Albany are sisters, and all who know
anything of the sweet-faced widow of our beloved Queen's youngest son
will at once comprehend much of the sister whom she so nearly resembles.

Perhaps you would like a description of the throne. The chair is
beautifully burnished, covered with ruby velvet, and edged with ruby and
gold fringe; the back is surmounted by a crown containing sapphires,
with lions in support; another crown and the letter W being wrought on
the velvet immediately underneath. In front of the chair is a footstool
to match. The canopy is curtained in ruby velvet, with lining of cream
silk--in token of the youth of its future occupant--with fringe, cord,
and tassels of gold. It is surmounted by crowns and ostrich plumes, on
the inner centre being worked the Royal Arms, with the motto "Je
Maintiendrai" standing out in bold relief. On either side the canopy may