To a king for whom the burden of a crown
would have hardly been supportable without the partnership in joy and sorrow which an ideal married life created there succeeds for the -first time in English history since Charles 11 a king without a consort. The single throne that sto< .d in the House of Lords on Tuesday where two thrones had stood before is a visible reminder of the loneliness of the new King's lot. Much will depend for him, and for the nation, on the part Queen Mary may con- tinue to take in public affairs. At this moment of bereavement the profound and respectful sympathy of all the nation is directed towards her. 'But she is capable of a courage that triumphs .over grief. Her journey on foot through sleet and darkness behind her husband's coffin to Sandringham Church on Tuesday was charac- teristic of a spirit which even widowhood will not daunt.• Her experience and tact are calculated to make the way of King Edward smoother in many fields so far as he may choose to avail himself of them. That is for him alone to decide. His mother is now his subject. She may be counted on to give her service ungrudgingly wherever it is sought, and the first claim on her comes from the King, both as son and sovereign. To the Privy Council on Tuepday King. Edward gave the pledge which of all! others the :nation and the .world would desire of him, that in all things he would follow in his father's footsteps: No better confirmation could be sought of the assurance given to the dying King, " All is well, Sir, with the Empire."
