You may a little judge of this, when I tell you a short speech that escaped Miss Planta. Mr. Turbulent said he must go early to town the next morning, and added, he should call to see Mrs. Schwellenberg, by order of the queen, “Now for heaven's sake, Mr. Turbulent,” she cried, eagerly, “don't you begin talking to her of how comfortable we are here!—it will bring her back directly!”
This was said in a half whisper; and I hope no one else heard it. I leave you, my dear friends, to your own comments.
TEA ROOM GAMBOLS.
Mr. and Mrs. Smelt and Mrs. Delany came to us at teatime. Then, and in their society, I grew more easy and disengaged.
The sweet little Princess Amelia, who had promised me a visit, came during tea, brought by Mrs. Cheveley. I left every body to play with her, and Mr. Smelt joined in our gambols. We pretended to put her in a phaeton, and to drive about and make visits with her. She entered into the scheme with great spirit and delight, and we waited upon Mrs. Delany and Mrs. Smelt alternately. Children are never tired of playing at being women; and women there are who are never tired, in return, of playing at being children!
In the midst of this frolicking, which at times was rather noisy, by Mr. Smelt's choosing to represent a restive horse, the king entered! We all stopped short, guests, hosts, and horses; and all, with equal celerity, retreated, making the usual circle for his majesty to move in. The little princess bore this interruption to her sport only while surprised into quiet by the general respect inspired by the king. The instant that wore off, she grew extremely impatient for the renewal of our gambols, and distressed me most ridiculously by her innocent appeals.
“Miss Burney!—come!—why don't you play?—Come, Miss Burney, I say, play with me!—come into the phaeton again!—why don't you, Miss Burney?”
After a thousand vain efforts to quiet her by signs, I was forced to whisper her that I really could play no longer.
“But why? why, Miss Burney?—do! do come and play with me!—You must, Miss Burney!”