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 approached 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 pavilion. 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 decidedly
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.