Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 6).djvu/13
rest, and in front of this is situated the daïs. Here the Royal Family sit for the performance, and at this end of the room space is kept for the Royal quadrilles. Some enjoyable dances the youthful members have had, too, entering into the spirit of it as much as anyone there.
On the left of the ball-room is a promenade known as the "Annexe Gallery"; this was built some time back at the suggestion of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, and is useful not only for the purpose I have named, but it also improves the atmosphere of the ball-room; it is 72ft. in length, fitted with electric light, decorated in cream and gold, and furnished in crimson and gold. There are two mythological busts on pedestals, and also pedestals to carry plants and flowers.
This has been out of our route, but we return to it now by crossing the upper end of the ball-room in front of the daïs. Now we are faced by the "crush barriers," the first of a series at the entrance to each room until we reach the Throne. These are only placed for Drawing Rooms, and will presently be guarded by "Gentlemen-at-Arms." The rails are burnished brass, with plush-covered hand-rail, and through the gate it is only possible for one at a time to pass. Ourselves passing through, we are now in the "West" or "Approach Gallery."
This has ceiling and walls each painted, the latter having floral centres to panels framed in gold; the carved gold-framed furniture is upholstered in rich crimson, the doors being imitation satinwood with glass panels, and over them some excellent statuary carving. About half-way down are doors leading into the "Cross Gallery," the other end opening into the "East Gallery." It is only a slight deviation, so we will just take a brief survey.
It is handsomely decorated in cream and gold, with hand-painted enrichments of Indian corn-stalk. There are some beautiful mirrors in massive panelled gold settings, and hangings and furniture of crimson and gold.
State Dining-Room.
From a Photo. by H. W. King.
Returning to the West Gallery we are again in the order of procession, and presently find ourselves in the "State Dining Room." This is capable of seating a large number, being 75ft. by 34ft. It was in this room that the wedding breakfast was laid for the Duke and Duchess of Fife; and it may, ere long, be used for another event of even greater interest—one that will celebrate the nuptials of a future king and queen.
Each room as we enter it now seems more