there is one matter that must be spoken of: this little principality lying on the shore of the Mediterranean is independent and possesses its own sovereignty. But there is a law providing that if its prince does not marry and beget children, the principality then becomes a part of France.

For this reason it is natural that the people of Monaco should rejoice and make holiday, and that gladness should enter every heart, for they will remain free, enjoying their fundamental rights, exempt from taxes and compulsory military service.

Nor was this gladness confined to Monaco alone; it passed beyond to America, where Grace lives with her parents. It is the first time in the history of America that a girl of the common people has been called to occupy the heart of a reigning prince!

A word on the engaged pair:

It is, truth to tell, a marvelous story! He? Of the royal line of the Grimaldis.

And she of Irish stock — her father is one of the holders of immense fortunes and owns several skyscrapers in the United States.

As for Grace herself, she is a model of gentleness and femininity. Never in the history of her film career

has she stirred any uproar over her conduct. It is enough to say that she is twenty-six years of age and has never once married — and that suffices to award her a certificate of good behavior!!

Glimpses of the engagement of the Prince of Monaco:

On December 25 Prince Rainier spent the Christmas holiday at Grace's home, and he concluded his engagement to her on the 31st, placing on her finger a diamond ring engraved in colors with Monaco's national flag!

• The engagement ceremonies were attended by some one thousand five hundred persons from among the various American notabilities, at the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York, each of whom paid the

equivalent of nearly one hundred Lebanese lira for an admission card.

• It happened, as the prince was leaving the hotel in his fiancée's company, that a lady came up to him and congratulated him with a kiss on his cheek, which aroused Grace's anger. When the lady was asked by the journalists whether she had known him before, she answered at once: “No — but that is our custom in offering congratulations, we Latin folk!”

• As a result of that kiss the prince presented Grace, to appease her, with a luxurious automobile worth twenty thousand Lebanese lira.

• Besides the thirty representatives of the foreign states in Monaco who will be invited to attend the wedding ceremonies next spring, cards will also be sent to all the kings and princes and to the friends of the bride and her family.

• The wedding ceremonies begin with the firing of a twenty-one-gun salute. Then the prince and princess, with their guests, proceed toward the palace on foot, the road leading to it being carpeted with red velvet. And upon their arrival at the palace door, Grace Kelly becomes Her Highness Princess Gracia Patricia de Monaco!