Curiosity concerning so remarkable a man at once beset the minds
of certain ladies at court, who either feared or expected much
from the future, and were anxious to peer into such secrets as it
held concerning themselves. But dreading the notoriety their
presence would naturally cause in the vicinity of Tower Street, a
spot to them unknown, they, acting with a prudence not invariably
characteristic of their conduct, sent their maids to ascertain
from personal experience if the astrologer's wisdom was in truth
as marvellous as reported. Now, when these appeared in fear and
trembling before the great Alexander Bendo, the knowledge he
revealed concerning themselves, and their mistresses likewise,
was so wonderful that it exceeded all expectation. Accordingly,
the maids returned to court with such testimonies concerning the
lore of this star-reader, as fired afresh their mistresses'
desires to see and converse with him in their proper persons.
It therefore came to pass that Miss Price and Miss Jennings,
maids of honour both--the one to the queen, the other to the
Duchess of York--boldly resolved to visit Doctor Bendo, and learn
what the future held for them. Miss Price was a lady who
delighted in adventure; Miss Jennings was a gentlewoman of
spirit; both looked forward to their visit with excitement and
interest. It happened one night, when the court had gone to the
playhouse, these ladies, who had excused themselves from
attending the queen and the duchess, dressed as orange girls, and
taking baskets of fruit under their arms, quickly crossed the
park, and entered a hackney-coach at Whitehall Gate.
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