Page:St. Nicholas (serial) (IA stnicholasserial321dodg).pdf/557

1905.] royal couple prefer to take their meals quietly with their children, without the presence of servants. Of course there are great state dinners, but these are given in the large dining-room in another part of the palace, and are served with much magnificence. These are not the times when the King and Queen have most pleasure. It is when they are alone, with their two little daughters and baby, the new little heir to the throne, that they feel and enjoy the beauty of home life.

Both the daughters bear names of Savoyan princesses who lived long ago and were noble and courageous women. The first-born,, is nearly four years of age. The second, called (a name which is an old Italian form for Matilda), is now more than two years old. Little Humbert, Prince of Piedmont, was born September 15,1904. Both the little princesses have sweet faces, dark eyes, and gentle expressions. When they drive out with their nurses, gentlemen take off their hats and ladies bow, and the bugler of the King's guard at the barracks toots loudly as they pass by.