intricate French timepiece, and over it an exquisite silver-framed
mirror. An inlaid mosaic table is a feature here. The worth of it must
be fabulous; the design is marvellously executed. Pope Pius IX. was the
donor. This room is really the tea-room for the Royal ladies when in
residence. Music is again to the fore, and here Steinway is the
favourite, one of his grand pianos occupying the place of honour.

Now I go downstairs for a brief survey of the private apartments of the
late King. I shall not attempt to describe them in detail, but content
myself with mention of one or two things I specially noticed. I started
with the billiard-room, a good-sized room and well fitted; but obscured
by the covers denoting non-usage. One curious article I must note. It is
a clock and musical-box combined, giving out a variety of twenty-seven
tunes. The visible part of it is a pure alabaster representation of the
tomb of our Henry II, supported by lions couchant. Rather a strange
model for a musical-box containing lively airs, is it not?

[Illustration: THE LATE KING'S SITTING-ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]

Then I pass on through the King's dining-room, a stately and
richly-appointed apartment. On through the Ministers' room, and so into
His Majesty's private sitting-room. Here I cannot but linger, there are
so many treasures rich and rare, the chief of which consists in the
elaborate cabinets and other furniture, all of tortoiseshell and silver,
quite the best I have seen of its kind. Some of it looks as though
crammed with secret drawers, and I stand before it wondering whether
Queen Wilhelmina will be as anxious to discover and overhaul them as _I_
should be.