Eighty

The flags of London fluttered. The guns in Hyde Park boomed. At Windrsor cannon roared salute and bells rang out right merrily through the day. Visitors flocked to Marlborough House to sign the guest book. Couriers--that is postmen and telegram lads--rushed with greetings. At Sandringham, surrounded by her royal relatives, the Queen Mother, Dowager Alexandra, passed a festive 80th birthday in the best of health and spirits.