Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1838-06-01


Amy had provided as the most suitable
garb for daughter whose only surviving
parent was under the sentence of death.
The servants, who had been informed Of
their young lady's intention to solicit the
Queen for her fathers freedom, we're as
sembled in the entrance hall 10 SEQ her dc
part; and as she passed through them,
leaning on her nurses arm, and attended
by her fathers confidential secretary, and
the old butler, they shed tears, and babe
God bless her, and prosper her in her de-
sign.
Lady Lucy, arrived at Hampton Court,
was introduced into the Countess Of Clar-
endon's apartment, before her ladyship was
out OF bed, and having told her artless tale
with great earnestness, delivered her faith
er's letter. Lady Clarendon, who was
wife to the Queens uncle, was very kind
to her young god'daugbter, but plainly
told her she must not reckon on her infu-
ence with the Queen, because the Earl Of
Clarendon was in disgrace on account of
being suspected Of carrying on a correspon
dence with King James his brother-in law
therefore she dared not solicit the Queen
on behalf Of her friend. Lord Preston,
against whom her majesty was go deeply
exasperated that she had declared she
would not show any mercy.
'Oh' said the little girl, If | could only
see the Queen myself, l would not wish
any one to speak for me, for should plead
SO earnestly for my dear popa's life, that
she could not refuse me, I'm sure.
Poor child, what could you say to the
Qucen?' asked the Countess, compassion.
atcly.
only let me see her and you shall hear
rejoined Lady Lucy.
We'll, my love. it were a pity but what
you then should have an opportunity said
Lady Clarendon; but much fear thy little
heart will fail thee, and when thou scest
the Queen face to face, thou wilt not be
able to utter q syllable,
God will direct the words of my lips, )
said the little girl, with tears in her eyes.
| The Countess was impressed with the
piety and fiial tenderness Of her little god :
daughter; and she fastened 10 rise and
dress, that she might conduct the child into
the palace gallery, where the Queen usu
ally passed on hour in walking, after her
return from chapel which she attended
every morning. Her majesty had not left
the chapel when Lady Clarendon and Lady
Lucy entered the gallery; and her lady.
ship endeavored TO divert the anxious impa
thence Of her little friend, by pointing out
to her the portraits with which it was
adorned.
i know that gentlemen WE'LL said the
child pointing TO noble whole length por-
trait Of James the Second. That is the
portrait of the deposed King James Queen
Mary's father obseervd the Countess,
signing; and very striking likeness it is
Of that unfortunate monarch.-but bark,
here comes the Queen, with her chamber.
lain and ladies, from chapel; now, Lucy,
is the time. will step into the recess
/ yonder, you must remain alone, standing
where you are, aud when her majesty ap
T proaches near enough, knecl down on one
knee before her and present your fathers
petition. She who walks little in ad'
vance Of the other Indies is the Queen. Be
, of good courage, and address yourself Il
, her."
Lady Clarendon then made a hasty re-
treat. Lucy's heart flul,ered violently
when she found herself alone, but her res
e oution did not fail her and while her lip;
moved violently in fervent prayer to the
j Almighty for his assistance in this trying
b moment, she stood with folded hands. pale
r composed, and motionless as q statue
awaiting the Queens approach; and whev
q her majesty drew near the spot, advanced
2 a step forward, knelt and presented thu
. petition.
The extreme beauty Of the child. he
o deep mourning, the touching sadness OF he
e look manners, and, above all, the stream
l ing tears which believed her face, excite
;, the Queens attention and interest, sh
O paused, spoke kindly 10 her, and took tn
d offered paper; but when she saw the nam
: of Lord Preston, her color rose. Sh
II frowned, cast the petition from her, an
n would have passed on, but Lucy. who ha
watched her countenance with a degree c
], anxious interest that amounted to agony
+. losing all awe Of royalty in her fears for he
o father, put forth her hand, and graspiD
y the Queens robe, cried in On implorin
t, tone, Spare my father-my dear, dea
y father, royal lady! Lucy had meant
y say many persuasive things, but forgC
III them all in her sore distress, and could on
,e repeat the words "mercy, mercy, for m
h father, gracious Queen! Till her vehemeI
g, emotion checked her voice and THROWN
I'll her arms around the Queens neck, 81
leaned her head against her majestys pc
t. son for support, and sobbed aloud.
= The intense sorrow ofa child is pcculia
e ly touching; but the circumstances und
Or which Lucy appeared were more thu
commonly affecting. 1t was daughte
y, not beyond tho season Of infancy, overma
c. tering the timidity of that tender age,
become tho suppliant to an offended sove
at eign for the life of father. Queen Ma
ng piled the distress of her young pet'tlont
on but she considered the death Of Lord Pre-
a ton as a matter of political necessity s
IN therefore told Lucy mildly, but firmly, Ii
Ia. she could not grant her request.