"Then you think the senses of the Queen irrecoverable?" asked the Duke of Essex, addressing Dr. Hardman.
"Not irrecoverable, I hope, my lord duke," replied the doctor; "though I own her delirium is alarming."
"What does she rave about," asked Lord Doodle; curiosity being the only mark he ever gave of his being a rational animal.
"It is a delicate subject," returned the doctor; "and if your lordships will excuse me—"
"Oh, no! you must tell us," said Lord Doodle.
"Thinking as I think, and as I am sure every one else ought to think," said Lord Gustavus; "concealment in this case would be a crime."
"Since your lordships command me," replied the doctor, "however reluctant I may be to betray her Majesty's secrets, it is my duty to obey. The Queen raves incessantly of Prince Ferdinand."
"I feared as much," said the Duke of Essex.
"And do you think if she recovers she'll want to marry him?" asked Lord Doodle.
"I fear it cannot be doubted, my Lord:" returned the doctor.