After descending from the tower we filed off to the proper quarter, to show our orders for the private rooms.  The state apartments, which we had been looking at, are open at all times, but the private apartments can only be seen in the queen’s absence, and by special permission, which had been procured for us on this occasion by the kindness of the Duchess of Sutherland.

One of the first objects that attracted my attention when entering the vestibule was a baby’s wicker wagon, standing in one corner; it was much such a carriage as all mothers are familiar with; such as figures largely in the history of almost every family.  It had neat curtains and cushions of green merino, and was not royal, only maternal.  I mused over the little thing with a good deal of interest....

In the family breakfast room we saw some fine Gobelin tapestry, representing the classical story of Meleager.  In one of the rooms, on a pedestal, stood a gigantic china vase, a present from the Emperor of Russia, and in the state rooms before we had seen a large malachite vase from the same donor.  The toning of this room, with regard to color, was like that of the room I described in Stafford House—­the carpet of green ground, with the same little leaf upon it, the walls, chairs, and sofas covered with green damask.

The whole air of these rooms was very charming, suggestive of refined taste and domestic habits.  The idea of home, which pervades everything in England, from the cottage to the palace, was as much suggested here as in any apartments I have seen.  The walls of the different rooms were decorated with portraits of the members of the royal family, and those of other European princes.

After this we went thro the kitchen department—­saw the silver and gold plate of the table; among the latter were some designs which I thought particularly graceful.  To conclude all, we went through the stables.  The men who showed them told us that several of the queen’s favorite horses were taken to Osborne; but there were many beautiful creatures left, which I regarded with great complacency.  The stables and stalls were perfectly clean, and neatly kept; and one, in short, derives from the whole view of the economies of Windsor that satisfaction which results from seeing a thing thoroughly done in the best conceivable manner.

Blenheim [Footnote:  From “Famous Homes of Great Britain and Their Stories.”  A.H.  Malan, Editor.  By arrangement with the publishers, G.P.  Putnam’s Sons.  Copyright, 1899.]

By the duke of Marlborough.