Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1854-02-11
The Queen and the Quakeress.

In the autumn of 1918, her majesty Queen
Charlotte, visited Bath, accompanied by the
Princess Elisabeth. The waters soon effec-
ted such respite from pain in the royal
patient that she proposed all excursion to a
park of some celebrity in the neighborhood,
belonging to the society of Friends. Due
notice was given of the Queens intention,
and a message returned that she would be
welcome.
Our ilustrious traveller, had, perhaps
never before held intercourcourse with
member of the persuasion whose votaries
never voluntarily paid homage to "the man
George, called King by the vain ones"
The lady and gentleman who were to at
tend the august visitant, had but feeble
ideas of the reception to be expected. 1t
was supposed that the quaker would at
least say thy majesty thy higher or madam.
The royal carriage arrived at the lodge of
the park, punctually at the hour appointed
No preparations seemed to be made. no
hostess or domestic stood ready to greet the
guests.
The porter's bell was rung; he stepped
forth deliberately, with his broad brimed
beaver on, and unbendingly accosted the
lord in waiting with
sSurely," said the nobleman, "your lady
is aware that her majesty-go to your mis-
tress and say the Queen is here7
"No, truly" said the man, " it needeth
not, have no mistress nor lady but friend
Rachel Mills excepting thine-walk in"
The Queen and Princess were handed out
and walked up the avenue.
At the door of the house stood the plainly
o&firoI Rochol 1uho without courfocv hnf
with the cheerful nod, said
How does thee do, friend am glad to
see thee and thy daughter wish thee
well! Rest and refresh thee and thy people
before show thee my grounds
What could be SAID to such person
Some condescension was attempted, imply
ing that her majesty came not only to view
the park. but to testify her esteem for the
society TO which Mistress Mills belonged.
Cool and nnawed dhe answered.
"Yea, thou art right there. The Friends
are well thought Of by most Of folks; but
they heed not the praise of the world; for
the rest, many strangers crafty their curio-
sity by going over this place, and il is my
custom TO conduc. them myself; therefore,
lotte! Moreover think we'll Of thee as a
had thy trials, ard so has thy good partner.
| wish thy grandchiId well through hers"
(She allnded 10 the Princess Charlotte.)
1t was SO evident that the Friend meant
kindly, nay, respectfully, that offence could
not be taken.
She escorted her guest through her es-
tate The Princess Elisabeth noticed a
breed Of poultry hitherto unknown to her !;
and expressed a wish to posses some Of these
rare fawls, imagining that Mrs. Mills would
regard her wish as law; but the Quakeress
quietly remarked with characteristic eva
sion, ''They are rare, as thou sayest but
if they are to be purchased in this land or
in any other countries, know few women
likelier than thyself 10 purchase them with
ease'
Her royal highness more plainly ex-
pressed desire 10 purchase some Of those
Of those she now beheld.
g I do not buy and sell,' answered Rachel
Mills. .[s. ...rs e. 5.s... .s5
!" Perhaps you will give me pair" per-
severed the princess with conciliatory
smile. z. ss .syssl.s
sNay verify" replied Rchael, / have
denied many friends: and that which have
denied my own kinswoman, Martha Ash"
it becomes me not to grant any. We have
long had it to say that these birds belonged
only to our house, and we can make no ex-
ception in favor Of thine. ....=s-....
This is fact Some friends indeed. are
less stifly starched, but old Quaker families
families still exist, who pique themselves
| on their Independent Indifference to rank,
and respect their fellow mortals only in pro-
portion to the good they have done in their
generation.