ily intimate with His Royal Highness. Improperly
applied, it was supposed to designate a rather fast and very "smart" set
of wealthy social magnates. In this latter guise it had really no
existence. Those who were familiar with the Prince of Wales' career and
character knew that mere wealth was the last thing which ever attracted
him, and the one thing which was a most certainly uncertain basis upon
which to gain his patronage; to say nothing of his friendship. Many
disappointed millionaires can speak with accuracy upon this point--if
they wished to. On the other hand, honest love of racing, or shooting,
or yachting; brilliancy of conversation in man or woman and conspicuous
beauty or charm of manner in the latter; knowledge of the world and
capacity to do the right thing in the right way at the right time were
conspicuous factors in obtaining the friendship of the Prince of Wales.
Achievements in art, or distinction in the Army and Navy, or great
philanthropic interests and undertakings, were always elements of
recognized importance.

Deer-stalking in the Highlands made friends and hosts such as the late
Dukes of Sutherland and Hamilton, Mr. Farquharson of Invercauld and Lord
Glenesk. During his annual visits to Homburg, for many years, and in the
rest and liberty which he allowed himself there, the Prince's favourite
companion, as he was his most devoted friend, was the late Mr.
Christopher Sykes. Lord Brampton--the clever, witty and eccentric Judge
who was better known as Sir Henry Hawkins--the Right Hon. "Jimmy"
Lowther, M.P., Lord Charles and Lord William Beresford, and Sir Allen
Young were also special friends of the holiday season. Admiral Sir Henry
Keppel was a very old friend of the Prince and his family and this
intimacy also included Mr. and Mrs. George Keppel. Lord Rosebery, Lord
Beaconsfield, Lord Randolph Churchill and the late Lord Derby could all
claim the Royal friendship, while Lord and Lady Farquhar were delightful
and favourite hosts of both the Prince and his wife. Colonel Oliver
Montagu was a very old and dear friend, and the Earl of Aylesford, Lord
Cadogan, General Lord Wantage, Colonel Owen Williams, Earl Carrington,
Lord and Lady Dudley and Lord Russell of Killowen ranked in the category
of friendship. Lord and Lady Alington had the rare distinction of giving
dances to which the Princess of Wales used to take her daughters when
they were young girls.

Amongst hostesses other than those already