I could not, however, bear to give up going to church, for I knew that
the thanksgiving was to be that morning for the preservation of the king
from assassination: and to let pique at this unaccountable behaviour,
after all the apologies just passed, prevent my hearing and joining in a
prayer of such a nature, in which now I am peculiarly interested, would
have been ill worth the while. I therefore--proposed to Miss Planta that
we should go by ourselves, and desire one of the servants to show us at
once into Mr. Hagget's pew: for that we had already heard offered to
the use of Miss Vernons, as Lord Harcourt's was reserved for their
majesties. She agreed; and we proceeded, following such stragglers as
shewed us our way: the servant to whom we applied having soon deserted
us.
The church is in a very beautiful situation in the park, and built in
the form of a Grecian temple. I admired it very much for its plainness
and elegance. When we got to it, the very first step we took in it
shewed us the Miss Vernons, very composedly seated in a large pew at the
entrance. I now led the way, and took a place next to Miss Vernons, as
much without apology as without invitation.
Mr. Hagget both read and preached. I was a good deal touched by the
occasional thanksgiving, chiefly from knowing how much it must affect
the queen and the princesses. Cause enough, indeed, is there for
thanksgiving and rejoicing the safety of so mild and exemplary a
sovereign.
When the service was over, and the royal family were gone, I thought it
but right, in such a place, to subdue my proud feelings so far as to say
to the Miss Vernons, I hoped we had not disturbed them.
I was very glad I took this little step down, for Miss Vernon,
colouring, apologised for not waiting for us, which she said was owing
to the fear of not getting into the chapel before the royal family. And
then she asked if we should like to look at the altar-piece, which was
the work of Mr. Mason.