It will be a surprise to many Americans to learn that the Queen of England is very lovely to look at.  So much emphasis has always been placed on her virtues, and so little has been written of her charm, that this tribute is only fair to Her Majesty.  She is tall, perhaps five feet eight inches, with deep-blue eyes and beautiful colouring.  She has a rather wide, humorous mouth.  There is not a trace of austerity in her face or in any single feature.  The whole impression was of sincerity and kindliness, with more than a trace of humour.

I could quite believe, after I saw Her Majesty, the delightful story that I had heard from a member of her own circle, that now and then, when during some court solemnity an absurdity occurred, it was positively dangerous to catch the Queen’s eye!

Queen Mary came up the long room.  As she paused and held out her hand, each lady took it and curtsied at the same time.  The Queen talked, smiling as she spoke.  There was no formality.  Near at hand the lady-in-waiting who was in attendance stood, sometimes listening, sometimes joining in the conversation.  The talk was all of supplies, for these days in England one thinks in terms of war.  Certain things had come in; other things had gone or were going.  For the Queen of England is to-day at the head of a great business, one that in a few months has already collected and distributed over a million garments, all new, all practical, all of excellent quality.

The Queen came toward me and paused.  There was an agonised moment while the lady-in-waiting presented me.  Her Majesty held out her hand.  I took it and bowed.  The next instant she was speaking.

She spoke at once of America, of what had already been done by Americans for the Belgians both in England and in their desolated country.  And she hastened to add her gratitude for the support they have given her Guild.

“The response has been more than generous,” said Her Majesty.  “We are very grateful.  We are glad to find that the sympathy of America is with us,”

She expressed a desire also to have America know fully just what was being done with the supplies that are being constantly sent over, both from Canada and from the United States.

“Canada has been wonderful,” she said.  “They are doing everything.”

The ready response of Canada to the demand for both troops and supplies appeared to have touched Her Majesty.  She spoke at length about the troops, the distance they had come, the fine appearance the men made, and their popularity with the crowds when they paraded on the streets of London.  I had already noticed this.  A Canadian regiment was sure to elicit cheers at any time, although London, generally speaking, has ceased any but silent demonstration over the soldiers.

“Have you seen any of the English hospitals on the Continent?” the Queen asked.

“I have seen a number, Your Majesty,”