rks--"Marcus Curius Dentatus"--is at one end: at the other,
one of Ferdinand Bol's--"Fabricius in the Camp of Pyrrhus." Facing the
windows is one by Wappers and Eeckhout: one that irresistibly appeals
to the hearts of all Hollanders. It is called the "Self-Sacrifice of Van
Speyk," and depicts the brave admiral of that name blowing up his vessel
rather than surrender.

Van Speyk was educated in one of the public schools for which Amsterdam
is famous. Quite early in life he entered the navy, where his career was
brilliant and his promotion rapid, but never did he so gain the devoted
admiration of his countrymen as when he had nothing before him but death
or defeat, and chose the former, calling on his men to jump and swim, if
they cared to; if not, to remain and share his fate. Only one jumped:
the others stood by their commander, faced death calmly, and won a
never-dying renown for their heroism.

There is a wonderful chandelier from the ceiling centre, made of copper
and ormolu, burning seventy-two lights, and of such enormous size that
one wonders how many floors it would crash through if it were to give
way; then I learn that it is supported by concealed cross-beams hidden
away under the ceiling. After that information, it is a great deal more
comfortable to walk about under it than hitherto, as the men in
uncovering it had moved it, and it was still swinging backwards and
forwards in anything but a reassuring manner. Some fine marble columns
and a sculptured chimney-piece are worth attention, as are the costly
hangings and carpet. Here I may say that the greater part of the
furniture in this Palace is "First Empire" style, and of the costliest
description.

[Illustration: A CORNER OF THE QUEEN'S SITTING-ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]

What will, no doubt, greatly interest you is the accompanying photograph
of small furniture specially made for her youthful Majesty, and used
exclusively by her. The frames are of the finest over-burnish, the plush
upholstery being decorated with the rarest specimens of art needlework.
On one of the little tables you will note a battledore and shuttlecock,
with another thrown upon the floor, as though the player had been
suddenly interrupted in the midst of her play. Very ordinary make and
shape are these toys, such as you may see in any middle-class English
home, and each of them looking like favourites--judging from the signs
of much use they present.

Play-d