The journeys, advertised in the Press, attracting enthusiastic crowds, and involving official receptions, took on the air of royal progresses.

Addresses were presented by loyal citizens, the delighted Duchess, swelling in sweeping feathers and almost obliterating the diminutive Princess, read aloud, in her German accent, gracious replies prepared beforehand by Sir John, who, bustling and ridiculous, seemed to be mingling the roles of major-domo and Prime Minister.

Naturally the King fumed over his newspaper at Windsor.

"That woman is a nuisance!" he exclaimed.

Poor Queen Adelaide, amiable though disappointed, did her best to smooth things down, changed the subject, and wrote affectionate letters to Victoria; but it was useless.