The Queen, Maria Beatrice, or Mary, as the English called her, Celia thought a most fascinating woman. She resembled her son in height and form, being very tall,[[20]] and slender.[[21]] Her face was oval,[[22]] her complexion clear and fair, but very pale;[[23]] her mouth rather large,[[24]] but her smile to Celia perfectly enchanting; her hair, eyebrows, and eyes were black. The eyes were very large, clear, and brilliant;[[25]] though when they smiled, as they were doing now—
"It was as if remembering they had wept,
And knowing they should some day weep again."[[26]]
"And now tell me all about it, my dear," the Queen was saying to Lady Ingram. "Sophia gave you my message about the Bishop?"
"Yes, Madam; and I am quite delighted to think of it. Your Majesty is aware that the Tories are in greater power than ever?"
"Dean Atterbury said so in his last note," replied the Queen, opening her desk, and apparently searching for the letter. "He has written often lately, and very kindly."
Celia listened in much surprise, to hear that an unsuspected Protestant dignitary was in constant and familiar correspondence with the Court of St. Germains.[[27]]
"Your Majesty has not heard from the Duke?"
"From Blenheim? no, not since I saw you: but the Duchess of Tyrconnel[[28]] was here not long ago, and she tells me that there seems no hope of the Duke's return to power."[[29]]
Celia's astonishment grew.
"Does your Majesty fear that the Princess"—suggested Lady Ingram.