The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-03-17

queens uncle, received her young god
daughter very affectionately, but plainly
told her she must not reckon on her infiu-
ence with the queen, because the Earl OF
Clarendon was in disgrace on account of
being suspected of carrying on CORE
spondence with King James, his brother
in-law therefore she dared not solicit the
queen on behalf of her friend, Lord Pres
ton, against whom her majesty was so
deeply exasperated that she had declared
she would not show him any mercy.
90" said the little girl, ''if | could
only see the queen myself, would not
wish anyone to speak for ME, for should
plead so earnestly to her for my dear faith
erss life that she could not refuse me, |
am sure.
Poor child what would you say to
the queen ?" asked the countess compass
sionately.
''Only let me see her, and you shall
hear" said Lady Lucy.
"Well, my love, it were pity but that thou
shoulds't have the opportunity" said Lady
Clarendon ''but much [ fear thy little
heart will fail thee when thou seest the
queen face to face, and thou wilt not be
able to utter sy llble.
''God will inspire me with courage, and
direct the words of my lips" said the lit
tie girl, with tears in her eyes
The countess was impressed with the
piety and filial tenderness of her young
god-daughter, and she hastened to rise
and dress that she might, without further
delay, conduct the child into the palace
gallery, where the queen usually passed an
hour in walking, after her return from
Chapel which she attended every morning.
Her Majesty had not left the Chapel
when Lady Clarendon entered the gallery,
and her ladyship endeavored to divert the
anxious impatience of her little friend by
pointing out to her the portraits with
which it was adorned.
Il know that gentleman well, said the
child, pointing to noble whole-length por-
tarit of James the Second.
"That is the portait of the deposed King
James, Queen Mary's father" observed
the countess, signing, ''and a very striking
likeness of that unfortunate monarch. But,
hark here comes the queen, with her
chamberlain and ladies from Chapel. Now,
Lucy, is the time I will step into the
recess yonder, but you must remain alone,
standing where you are, and when Her Ma
jesty approaches near enough, kneel down
on one knee before her, and present your
fathers petition. She who walks little
in advance of the other ladies is the queen.
Be of good courage and address yourself
to her"
Lady Clarendon then made hasty re-
treat Lady Lucy's heart futtered vio-
lently when she found herself alone, but
her resolution did not fail her; and while
her lips moved silently in fervent prayer
to the Almighty for His assistance in this
trying moment, she stood with folded
hands, pale, but composed and motionless
as a statne, awaiting the queens approach !;
and when Her Majesty drew near the spot,
she advanced step forward knelt, and
presented the petition.
The extreme beauty of the child, her
deep mourning, the touching sadness of
her look and manner, and, above all, the
fast flowing tears which bedewed her in
nocent face, excited the queens attention
and interest; she paused, spoke kindly to
her, and took the offered paper; but when
she saw the name of Lord Preston, her
color rose, she frowned, cast the petition
from her and would have passed on, but
Lucy, who had watched her countenance
with a degree of anxious interest that
amounted to agony, losing all awe for roy
alty in her fear for her fathers life, put
forth her hand, and grasping the queens
robe, cried in an imploring tone
"Spare my father-my dear, dear father
royal lady
Lucy had meant to say many persuasive
things, but she forgot them all in her sore
distress, and could only repeat the words
0Mercy, mercy for my father, gracious
queen !'' till her vehement emotion choked
her voice, and throwing her arms around
the queens knees, she leaned her head
against Her Majesty's person for support,
while her rich profusion of faxen ring
let's, which partly concealed her fair face,
1oated over the queens dress she sobbed
aloud in the uncomfortable anguish of her
heart.
The intense sorrow of a child is always
peculiarly touching; but the circumstances
under which Lucy appeared were more
than commonly affecting
1t was daughter not beyond the sea-
son of infancy, overcoming the timidity of
that tender age, to become suppliant of
an offended sovereign for the life of a
father.
Queen Mary pitied the distress of the
L i ii
death of Lord Preston a measure of po-
litical expediency, she told Lucy, mildly
but firmly, that "she could not grant her
request. -
"And will you kill my dear father, who
is so good and kind to every one?" said
Lucy, raising her blue eyes, which were
swimming in tears, to the face of the
ooon