ITALY: Prince’s Cruise

For more years than she likes to remember, the undisputed leader of the Anglo-U. S. set in Italy has been gracious grey-haired Principessa San Faustino, formerly Jane Campbell of New York. The Princess Jane has a palace in Rome and one in Venice. She used to give tremendous dinners, balls and routs that were faithfully reported by the smartcharts of four countries. Knowing visitors to Italy placed an introduction to Princess Jane beside a visit to the Catacombs and a gondola ride by moonlight as items not to be missed.

To Italy three years ago came flashing dark-eyed Mrs. John Work Garrett, wife of the U. S. Ambassador. Younger and richer than Princess Jane, she eclipsed her with even bigger parties and never charged admission, even for charity.

Last week came Princess Jane’s chance to stage a comeback. Down to Venice flew two old friends, the most eligible bachelors in Europe. Edward of Wales and Prince George on their way to review the British Mediterranean fleet at Corfu. Because of Depression her Venetian palaceis closed, but Princess Jane gave a large dinner for the Princes at the Grand Hotel. The Prince of Wales did not bother to dress. He wore gray flannels, brown suede shoes. After dinner Princess Jane ferried her guests out to the ornate pink brick Excelsior Palace at the Lido for a dance.

To this dance was invited one Cecile Kraus, a shapely 25-year-old widow from Turin, described by the Associated Press as “partly of Hungarian ancestry.” Right under the eyes of the Princess Jane, the Widow Kraus removed the Prince of Wales. They danced four dances in succession, two foxtrots and two tangos. Then they went out on the terrace and down to the beach. They remained out 45 minutes by Princess Jane’s wristwatch after which H. R. H. returned to the bar, calling for beer. At this point Princess Jane went home to bed without pausing to say goodnight to her royal guests. Next morning the Widow Kraus swam with the Princes, waved goodbye as they boarded a plane for Corfu where they were received by the ship’s company of H. M. S. Queen Elizabeth.