r
sex. The unfortunate queen and her tragical end inspires me with a
feeling bordering upon hate towards the author. As women we must feel
it, but as women we must forgive."

Thus was the matter viewed by her ladyship, who now looked forward with
happy anticipation to the approaching and brilliant pageantry. The
"Sailor King" sat peacefully on the throne of England. In the days of
her childhood Lady Rosamond loved to climb upon the knee of a handsome
nobleman--in truth a gallant prince. Lovingly did she nestle against his
manly breast with eager, childish confidence, throwing her beautiful
silken ringlets over his shoulders in gleeful pride. Many times had she
kissed the lips of her royal patron, while he playfully designated her
his "White Rose of England." Among the many beautiful trinkets she had
received at his hands none were more valuable or precious than the
jewelled locket bearing the simple inscription "William," appended to a
miniature chain, which she had always worn around her neck in grateful
remembrance. The kind-hearted prince had won the lovely child. Kind
memories can never be obliterated from kind hearts.

Lady Rosamond in after years never forgot the sailor prince of her
childhood days. The old admiral was proud of the attachment thus formed
in his early career. He had entertained towards the generous prince a
warm regard. In naval cruises they were often thrown in company, while
on more than one occasion Sir Thomas had granted leave to obtain the
service of his young friend for a lengthened cruise.

It is not, therefore, a matter of surprise that Lady Rosamond hailed
with rapturous delight the accession of the sailor prince as William the
Fourth of England. Her hopes beat high as she thought of the approaching
ceremony when she would once more be recognized by her old friend. Has
she outgrown his memory? or has he kept her still in view through each
successive stage of life? Many were the speculations formed within the
mind of her ladyship as she made the elaborate preparation necessary for
the intended reception. The day at length arrived. The king and queen
were to receive the nobility of the realm. Dukes, earls, viscounts,
marquises, baronets, with all the titled members of their families, were
to pass in array before the conscious glance and smile of majesty.

The royal reception chamber blazed with dazzling splendour. Titled
courtiers in costly dresses of crimson, purple, and violet velvet,