Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 6).djvu/16

round denoting a procession of warriors, the outer edge depicting trophies and arms; the base is a shield with spears for pedestal. This room is hung with rich crimson velvet curtains, with furniture of burnished gold and crimson silk. The floor is carpeted in rich Saxony, leaving an ample border of inlaid satinwood of pattern to match ceiling. The proportions of the saloon are 50ft. by 29ft., and it, of course, takes its name from the shape.

The next room, called the "White Drawing Room," is the most beautiful of all. Not long since it was redecorated at enormous cost, and presents an appearance so grand, so imposing, yet so graceful and artistic, that words cannot adequately describe or portray it, and unfortunately no photograph has been taken since these renovations. A number of syenite pilasters, with gilded bases and capitals, support a ceiling exquisitely decorated in relief; the rose, shamrock, and thistle, in pure white and gold, having an especially brilliant appearance. Under it are some sculptured reliefs illustrative of pleasure. Magnificent ormolu chandeliers diffuse electric light; the curtains are gold silk; the walls panelled in gold with gold frames, and an abundance of plate glass; the furniture upholstered in gold with burnished frames showing splendidly carved lions and crowns on backs and supports. The floor, richly carpeted in gold and white Brussels, has a costly bordering of satin and holly wood, with inlaid devices of tulip and rose wood. The marble chimneys are rare examples of sculptured figures and borderings, and on the mantels are French clocks, Sèvres china, and ormolu "horns of plenty" candelabra; while in the fireplaces are some fine ormolu fire-dogs, with gold screens standing near.

There are some costly cabinets (16th century), one having inlaid doors of ebony, ormolu, and pebbles in relief; the drawers of tulip-wood, the back surmounted with some exquisitely chased ormolu figures. On one or two cabinets stand Roman candelabra, and inside, seen through glass, is Sèvres china, some of it jewelled. An Italian-case grand piano is a special feature, showing hand-painted flowers and grotesque figures; the interior is an Erard, and very sweet is its tone.

Now note these two immense Indian vases on gilded pedestals; they have hand-painted battle-scenes upon them, not named, but one looking to me very much like the field of Waterloo; a tree, a farm, and the uniforms. These vases giving colour to this idea. were presented to Her Majesty on her marriage by the Emperor of Germany. They are at opposite ends of the room, and between them stands a marble pedestal supporting a costly French timepiece. There are three full length paintings: Peter the Great (Sir Godfrey Kneller), Archbishop Fenelon (Rigaud), and Anne Hyde, Duchess of York (Sir P. Lely).

There is something that you would not think of looking for in the top left-hand corner of the room. It is faced by a cabinet, and above it is a massive mirror; one touch, however, with the hand of the initiated, and mirror and cabinet open intact into the room, and you have immediate entrance to the "Royal Closet."

The Royal Closet.
From a Photo. by H. W. King.