A few weeks later the news of the insurrection at Aldershot and its suppression were flashed over the cable. The King, so the subsequent despatches said, was supposed to be concealed in London, and a large reward had been offered for his apprehension. The good people of Boston were somewhat surprised, therefore, one morning to hear that the incoming steamer from England had a royal freight. When the King was asked what luck he had had in fishing, he blinked his watery eyes and answered, mysteriously, "You will know presently." This was his reply to the friends who met him as he walked down the plank of the vessel. A moment after all eyes were directed to the beautiful woman who emerged from the cabin and entered the carriage with the ex-sovereign. All doubt of her identity was removed when the Court Circular of the following morning announced the arrival of Mrs. Oswald Carey. Apartments had been engaged for her contiguous to those occupied by his Majesty.
One evening, about four weeks subsequent to the return of the royal party, the King was disturbed by the entrance of the Princess Henrietta into his cabinet de travail. He was engaged in footing up his gains and losses at whist during the week, and the interruption caused him to glower slightly at his daughter. But she was far too excited to observe his manner.
"Father," she said abruptly, "I can endure it no longer."
"Endure what, your Royal Highness?"
"The presence of that woman. Either she must leave the court or I will." The eyes of the Princess flashed angrily.
"I am at a loss as to your meaning, Henrietta. Do you refer to the Lady Muriel Howard?"
"You know that I do not. There can be only one to whom such language is applicable. Mrs. Carey is not a proper person to remain at court."
The King scratched his chin thoughtfully. "What has she done?"
"Done, father? Is not her reputation in the past evil enough to disqualify her for the society of your daughter?"
"You have been misinformed, Princess. Mrs. Carey is a long-suffering and much-abused woman. I do not speak at random. I know her intimately."