The story is told that in the Piccadilly days, when fourteen players were taking part in short games under John Roberts's management, the rumour got about that, owing to the success of the experiment, the fees to the players were to be increased, and Harverson was deputed to interview the principal on the point. Roberts was writing and did not look up. The following then occurred:—"Mr. Roberts, there is an impression among the players that our fee for winning a heat is to be increased from two to three guineas!" "Harverson, that impression will soon wear off!"
The late Duke of Edinburgh once induced Queen Victoria to visit the billiard room, and explained the game with some enthusiasm. He then went out for a shot and missed everything. He was naturally annoyed, and this feeling was accentuated when the calm inquiry came from Her Majesty,—"And what do you score, Alfred, when you do not touch a ball at all?"