The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-11-08
The Queen and the Ouakers.

In the autumn of 1918, her late
Majesty, Queen Charlotte, visited Bath,
accompanied 10y the Princess Elizabeth.
The waters soon effected such respite
from pain in the royal patient that she
proposed an excursion to o park of
some celebrity in the neighborhood,
the estate of a rich widow belonging to
the Society of Friends. Notice was
given of the Queens intention, and u
message returned that she would be
welcome. Our iliustrious traveller had
perhaps never before held any personal
intercourse with member'of the per-
suasion whose votaries never volun-
tarily paid taxes to "the man George,
called King by the vain ones" The
lady and gentleman who were to attend
the august visitants had but feeble ideas
of the reception to be expected. 1t
was supposed that the Quaker would
at least say thy Majesty, or thy High
ness, or Madam. The royal carriage
arrived at the lodge of the park, pune
tual to the appointed hour. No prep
arations appeared to have been made,
no hostess nor domestics stood ready to
greet the guests. The porter's bell
WIS III III AASllDtlhbC
with his broad-brimmed beaver on and
unbendingly accosted the Lord in wait
ing with, What's thy will, friend? 2"
This was almost unanswerable.
Surely" said the nobleman, your
lady is aware that her Majesty Go
to your mistress and say the Queen is
here" "No, truly" answered the man,
1T needeth not; L have no mistress nor
lady, but friend Rachel Mills expecteth
thin; walk in. The Queen and
Princess we're handed out and walked
up the avenue. At the door of the
house stood the plainly attired Rachel,
who, without even a courtsey, but with
cheerful nod, said: "How's thee do,
friend? 1 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 a person? Some con-
descensions were attempted, implying
that her Majesty came not only to view
the park, but to testify her esteem for
the society to which Mistress Mills be-
longed. Cool and unawed, she an
swered, "Yea, thou art right there; the
Friends arc well thought of by most
folk, but they need not the praise of
the world; for the rest, many strangers
crafty their curiosity by going over
this place, and it is my custom to con-
duct them myself; therefore, shall do
the like TO thee, friend Charlotte; more
over, l think well of thee as a dutiful
wife and mother. Thou hast had thy
trials, and so had thy good partner. L
wish thy grandchild well through hers"
she alluded to the Princess Char
lotte.
1t was so very evident that the Friend
meant kindly, nay, respectfully, that
oflense could not be taken. She escort
ed her guest through her estate. The
Princess Elizabeth noticed in her hen
house breed of poultry hitherto I'M
known to her, and expressed n wish to
possess some of those rare fowls, i'm
agining that Mrs. Mills would regard
her wish as law; but the Quakeress
merely remarked, with characteristic
evasion, "They are rare, as thou sayest;
but if any are To he purchased, in this
land or in other countries, l know few
women likelier than myself to procure
them with ease" Her Royal Highness
more plainly expressed her desire 70
purchase some of those she now beheld
II do not buy and sell" answered
Rachel Mills. Perhaps you will give
me pair?" persevered the Princess,
with conciliating smile. "Nay, verify"
replied Rachel, Il have refused many
friends; and that which L denied to
mine own kinswoman, Martha Ash, it
becometh me not TO grant to any. We
have long had it TO say that these birds
belonged only to our own house, and L
can make no exception in thy favor. -
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