Queen can command the State balls, she will have commenced to feel the
cares of her position; and will look back with real regret to the
assemblies here, when she had merely to enjoy herself, a devoted mother
observing the graver duties, her own greatest trouble, perhaps, being
the acquirement of the tasks assigned by the governess and masters.

[Illustration: THE LARGE DINING-ROOM.
_From a Photo by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]

The large dining-room has some fine family portraits on its walls. The
first you will notice is that of William II., on horseback, leading an
attack; the artist (Keirzer) has produced a first-rate work of both man
and horse. Underneath this picture stands the favourite horse of William
II., one which carried him through numerous engagements, and earned from
his Royal master a gratitude and affection that caused him to wish for
his preservation in a position where he would constantly be reminded of
him.

[Illustration: FAVOURITE HORSE OF WILLIAM II.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]

The ceiling of this room shows some beautiful relief carving of fruit
and flowers, also some fine fresco work; the chandeliers here are
massive, as is the furniture and other appointments. The room is long
and of not much width, but lofty and well-lighted.

The buffet adjoining the dining-room has some very costly and, at the
same time, some very interesting contents. The Empire furniture is
draped in rich crimson silk, the walls being covered with silk brocade
of the same colour. The chimney-piece of sculptured marble, with an