In this suspense love had almost entirely
vanquished all his resentments, and had nearly induced him to
throw himself upon his knees, and entreat pardon for the injury
he had done her, when she desired him to retire, and leave her in
repose, at least for the remainder of that night, without
offending those who had either accompanied him, or conducted him
to her apartments, by a longer visit. This impertinent request
provoked and irritated him to the highest degree: he went out
abruptly, vowing never to see her more, and passed the most
restless and uneasy night he had ever experienced since his
restoration."
Next morning, his majesty sent orders to the Duke of Richmond to
quit the court, and never appear again in his presence. His
grace, however, stayed not to receive this message, having
betaken himself with all possible speed into the country. Miss
Stuart, who likewise feared the king's resentment, hastened to
the queen, and throwing herself at her majesty's feet, entreated
forgiveness for the pain and uneasiness she had caused her in the
past, and besought her care and protection in the future.
She then laid bare her intentions of marrying the Duke of
Richmond, who had loved her long, and was anxious to wed her
soon; but since the discovery of his addresses had caused his
banishment, and created disturbances prejudicial to her good
name, she begged the queen would obtain his majesty's consent to
her retiring from the vexations of a court to the tranquillity of
a convent.
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