and chairmen and footmen were alike out of the way.

My fright lest the queen should wait for me was very serious. I
believe there are state apartments through which she passes, and
therefore I had no chance to know when she retired from the
ball-room. Yet could I not stir, and was forced to return to the
room whence I came, in order to wait for John, that I might be
out of the way of the cold winds which infested the hall.

I now found a young clergyman, standing by the fire. I suppose
my anxiety was visible, for he instantly inquired if he could
assist me. I declined his offer, but walked up and down, making
frequent questions about my chair and John.

He then very civilly said, "You seem distressed, ma'am; would you
permit me the honour to see for your chair, or, if it is not
come, as you seem hurried, would you trust me to see you home?"

I thanked him, but could not accept his services. He was sorry,
he said, that I refused him, but could not wonder, as he was a
stranger. I made some apologising answer, and remained in that
unpleasant situation till, at length, a hackneychair was procured
me. My new acquaintance would take no denial to handing me to
the chair. When I got in, I told the men to carry me to the
palace.

"We are there now!" cried they; "what part of the palace?"

I was now in a distress the most extraordinary : I really knew
not my own direction! I had always gone to my apartment in a