But presently, when
supper was announced, his majesty was missing, and on inquiry it
was discovered he had left the house for Lady Castlemaine's
lodgings, where he spent the evening. Such an insult as this so
openly dealt the queen, and such an indignity put upon the
hostess, caused the greatest agitation to all present; and
subsequently afforded subject for scandalous gossip to the town.
It moreover showed that the monarch was yet an abject slave of
his mistress, whose charms entangled him irresistibly. At least
four times a week he supped with her, returning at early morning
from her lodgings, in a stealthy way, through the privy gardens,
a proceeding of which the sentries took much notice, joked
unbecomingly, and gossiped freely.
Now in order to avoid further observation at such times, and
silence rumours which consequently obtained, his majesty removed
the countess from her lodgings in that part of the palace divided
by the road leading to Westminster from the chief block, and
furnished her with apartments next his own chamber. The poor
queen, who had sought by every means in her power to win his
affection, was sorely grieved at this action, and moreover
depressed by the neglect to which she was continually subjected.
Sometimes four months were allowed to pass without his deigning
to sup with her, though the whole court was aware he constantly
paid that honour to her infamous rival. But knowing how
unavailing reproach would be, she held her peace; and feeling
how obtrusive her sorrow would seem, she hid her tears.
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