The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-01-17


fused to receive a widows pension, pro
iesslng always firm belief that her hus.
band was yet living.
Month after month went by, till two
long years had passed and brought her
no word from her beloved George--and
still she did not despair.
1t was said that she was kent I'm bv
happy dreams--that her husband often
came to her in her sleep, and told her to
oe OF good cheer, and all would yet be
well. However that may have been, it is
certain that she never wholly lost heart.
The Queen kindly offered Lady Mary
apartments at Hampton Court, and she
gladly accepted, for she was poor, and
then, she felt that she should like the
melancholy quiet Of the old palace far
better than the gaiety and hustle of the
town. And so she came to Hampt,n
Cout to live, and wait for my husband" :"
she said, smiling sadly, while her friends
shook their heads, and whispered among
themselves that "the poor dear creature
was hardly in her right mind"
The lonely Lady Mary soon became f
great iavorite with the guards and SER
v'tors at Hampton Court. They all felt
Tor her tender, respectful pity, and
wonid do anything i'll their power to serve
her. Being very shy, she never liked to
VISIT the show apartments Of the palace,
at hours when she might meet strangers.
SO, the kind porter would often let her
go in by herself, and sometimes even give
her the keys, that she might stay as long
As she pleased IN any of the halls or gal
lerieS.
She was romantic and poetical. and
loved much To visit the grand old hail,
on summer evenings, and see the rich sun.
set light pour in and then fade softly out
through the gorgeous stained windows.
Sometimes, she would linger here till the
long twilight WAS over, and the starlight
and moonlight struggled through the
stained glass, and family lit up the hall
--slIver'ng over the faded tapestry and
banners-gIis,en ng on the old arms and
arInor. Strolling up and down the hall,
or seated under one Of the great windows,
she would think and dream, and try TO
forget the sorrows of her humble life in
remembering the misfortanes of the great
and royal ones, who had so often walked
where she walked, and sat where she sat.
Once, old Roger, the porter, asked her
u she were not afraid to stay there, al
alone by herself, so iate.
why, no." she answered, "wl. at should
| be afraid of"
lie shrugged his shoulders, hut said no
more; | suppose because he did not know
what to say, to such a simple, childlike
question.
One lovely August evening, the Lady
Mary stayed later than usual in "Woi
seyS HALL"
The sunset glory faded and faded away
tile twilight deepened and deepened
into night-the moon and stars looked in
upon her through the great window
She was weary and sad, and the lonely
stiffness of that place seemed to suit her
she seemed to feel the calm moonlight
in which she sat, bathing her like soft,
soothing food. She leaned her head
against the tapestried wall, closed her
eyes, and thought, and thought of the
great days and splendid festivals long
gone by-of kings and queens, brave
knights, and beautiful ladies. and-when
all at once, that vast hall was lighted up
as thoLgh by magic Music sweIIvd
through the arches, and splendid court
came slowly sweeping in First walked
stout, red.faced man, all velyets and
jewels, with n dark, sorrowfuI-looking
lady on his right-and on his left, an ell.
derly man, with bold, naughty face, and
rich dress Of scarlet velvet and ermine
The Lady Mary recognized these as
Henry the Eighth, Queen Catharne, and
Cardinal WoIsey.
They were followed by maids Of honor,
gentlemen, priests and pages.
Soon there was a liveler peal Of music
and the dance began. The king danced
with the most beautiful Of the maids ot
honor, whom he smiled lovingly upon
while the poor queen looked very unhap-
py. So the Lady Mary knew that this
fair maid must be Anne Boleyn.
When the dance ended, the gay court
passed out but again there was music,
and another swept in. This was headed
by n proud stately woman, with golden
H"fJ anu co'u ulue eyes. one wore
sparkling diadem-her dress was Of still
brocade, thickly bestrewn with pearls and
diamonds, while about her neck was a
ruff so prodigious, that it alone would
keep everybody at a very respectful dis.
tance. On her left, walked handsome
noblo, most royalty dressed, and behind
came q brilliant host Of beauties, paoes
cavaliers, poets, and statesmen.
The Lady Mary now recognised Queen
Elizabeth, the Earl OF Essex and the court
The queen took her place upon the
throne, and graciousIy desired her cour
TO 10 seated. Before them was stage
they were 10 witness play. Tn,
queen signified that she was ready, ane
tho play began. It was "Henry VIZ
or Me fall of Wotsey"
The queen seemed Interested, and ap
plauded occasionally, though the actor
played badly. They were half fighten
ed to death at appearing in that angus
place, before her august majesty !; all bu
one, who went through with his part il