The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 271: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

204 THE COURT OF LONDON it is for a reason which will be satisfactorily explained should the honour of an audience be granted.’’ ‘JT really do not see, Miss Owen,” said the princess, with a voice and look of gentle though grave remonstrance, ‘‘ that you were justified in coming to so rapid and uncharitable a conclusion relative to the writer of this note. ‘There is nothing on the face of it which should have led you to sup- pose that she wished to obtain access to me for mendicant purposes.”’ “Your Royal Highness must surely be aware,’ answered Agatha, with the coolest effrontery, ‘that the writers of begging letters adopt all kinds of subterfuges and de- vices — ”’ ‘“ But I do not think this is a case in point,’’ interrupted the princess, still in a tone of rebuke. ‘ At all events — ” “Heaven forbid that I should venture to interpose my humble opinion, well meant though it be, in a manner dis- agreeable to your Royal Highness!’’ And as Agatha thus spoke with an assumed tone of deep humiliation, she affected also to be hurt by her royal mistress’s manner toward her, and the crocodile tears trickled down her cheeks. ‘“ My dear girl,’’ exclaimed the generous-hearted princess, touched by Agatha’s apparent grief, ‘‘ not for a moment did I intend to wound your feelings. I have no doubt that you acted for the best.” ‘As I always do, in my love and devotion toward your Royal Highness,” said Agatha, now pretending to cheer up. “ But if you have resolved, madam, to see this lady, permit me, at all events, to go and satisfy myself that she is a person who may with propriety be introduced into your royal presence.”’ ‘‘ Whoever she may be, I will see her,’ said the princess, again speaking in a tone of decision. Then addressing the page, she said, ‘‘ Go and bring that lady hither. I will see her here.”’ Agatha, Emma, and Julia exchanged quick glances with each other, to imply their fear that something was wrong, but these looks were so swiftly interchanged that they were not noticed by either the princess or Bergami. Her Royal Highness now placed herself on one of the elegant garden seats, made of iron and painted green, which were ranged at intervals along the walks. Agatha stood GOmMiichboo Ss (E(0) im