CHAPTER CCXVIII.
[Chapter 235]
THE PALACE GARDEN IN ST. JAMES'S.
It was certainly a very ingenious speech which the lady on the wall had
given utterance to, and sufficiently exemplified how inclination was
struggling with prudence. It was just the sort of speech which suited those
to whom it was addressed.
After the laughter had subsided a little Charles spoke, —
"By the help of the ladder we have," he said, "you can easily leave where
you are, and as easily return, but I perceive you lack the strength to lift it
over this side so as to descend."
"Just so, "said the lady, in a low voice.
"Well, I think that by the aid of my friend Smith here, I can get up to
the top of the wall, and assist you."
Charles, by the aid of Rochester, contrived to scramble to the top of the
wall, to the assistance of the two damsels who were so fearful, and yet so
willing, to risk a little danger to their reputations, for the purpose of
enjoying a walk in the king's garden at St. James's.
The idea came across me of doing some mischief, but I did not just then
interfere as I wanted to see the result of the affair. The ladder was duly
pulled over by the monarch after both the ladies had got on the top of the
wall, and while Rochester steadied it below they descended in perfect safety,
and the party walked hastily from the place in the direction of St. James's.
I followed them with great caution, after having removed the ladder to
the all of a garden several doors from the proper one. They went on talking
and laughing in the gayest possible manner, until they reached Buckingham
house, and then they took a secluded path that led them close to the gardens
of St. James's.
Some overhanging trees shed such an impervious shadow upon all objects
that I found I might as well be quite near to the party as far off, so I
apporached boldly and heard that the ladies were beginning to get a little
alarmed at this secret and strictly private mode of entrance to the garden.
"Gentlemen," said one, "don't go into the garden if you have no proper
leave to do so."
"Oh, but we have," said the king. "Lately I have had proper leave I
assure you; it did happen that for some time the leave was taken away, but I
have it again along with a few other little privileges that I wanted much."
"You need fear nothing," said Rochester.
They all four stood in a group by the little door, while the king fumbled
about with a key for some few minutes, before he could open the lock. At
length, however, he succeeded in doing so, and the door swung open. The king
dropped the key and was unable to find it again; so leaving the door as close
as they could, the party passed onwards, and I soon followed in their
footsteps.
The place was profoundly dark.
I could feel the soft grating of fine gravel under my feet, and feeling
that such a sand might betray me, I stepped aside until I trod upon a border,
as I found it to be, of velvet turf. The odour of sweet flowers came upon my
senses, and occasionally as the night wind swept among the trees, there would
be a pleasant murmuring sound quite musical in its effect.
The soft soil effectually prevented my footsteps from being heard, and I
soon stood quite close to the parties, and found that they were at the
entrance of a little gaudy pavilion, from a small painted window in which
streamed a light.
The ladies seemed to be rather in a flutter of apprehension, and yet the
whole affair no doubt to them presented itself in the shape of such a charming
and romantic adventure, that I very much doubt if they would have gone back
now, had they had all the opportunity in the world so to do.
Finally they all went into the pavillion. I then advanced, and finding a
window, that commanded a good view of the interior I looked in and was much
amused at what passed.
The place was decorated in a tasteful manner, although a little
approaching to the gaudy, and the pictures painted in fresco upon the walls
were not precisely what the strictest prudery would have considered correct,
while at the same time there was nothing positively offensive in them.
A table stood in the centre, and was covered with rich confectionery, and
wine, while the lamp that had sent the stream of light through the painted
window was dependent from the ceiling by three massive gilt chains.
Take it for all in all, it certainly was a handsome place.
The king and Rochester were urging the ladies to drink wine, and now that
for the first time I had an opportunity of seeing the countenances of the
different persons whom I had followed so far, I confess that I looked upon
them with much curiosity. The ladies were decidely handsome, and the youngest
who had fallen to the lot of the king was very pretty indeed, and had a look
of great innocence and sweetness upon her face. I pitied her.
The king was a small, dark, sharp-featured man, and I thought that there
was an obliquity in his vision. As for Rochester, he was decidedly ugly. His
face was rather flat, and of a universal dirty looking white colour. He
certainly was not calculated to win a lady's favour. But then for all I knew,
he might have a tongue to win an angel out of heaven.
Such a capacity goes much further with a woman who has any mind than all
the physical graces, and women of no mind are not worth the winning.
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