and through her means the Duke had some occasional correspondence
with Queen Caroline, much interrupted, however, since the part he had taken in
the debate concerning the Porteous mob, an affair which the Queen, though
somewhat unreasonably, was disposed to resent, rather as an intended and
premeditated insolence to her own person and authority, than as a sudden
ebullition of popular vengeance. Still, however, the communication remained open
betwixt them, though it had been of late disused on both sides. These remarks
will be found necessary to understand the scene which is about to be presented
to the reader.
    From the narrow alley which they had traversed, the Duke turned into one of
the same character, but broader and still longer. Here, for the first time since
they had entered these gardens, Jeanie saw persons approaching them.
    They were two ladies; one of whom walked a little behind the other, yet not
so much as to prevent her from hearing and replying to whatever observation was
addressed to her by the lady who walked foremost, and that without her having
the trouble to turn her person. As they advanced very slowly, Jeanie had time to
study their features and appearance. The Duke also slackened his pace, as if to
give her time to collect herself, and repeatedly desired her not to be afraid.
The lady who seemed the principal person had remarkably good features, though
somewhat injured by the small-pox, that venomous scourge which each village
Esculapius (thanks to Jenner) can now tame as easily as their tutelary deity
subdued the Python. The lady's eyes were brilliant, her teeth good, and her
countenance formed to express at will either majesty or courtesy. Her form,
though rather embonpoint, was nevertheless graceful; and the elasticity and
firmness of her step gave no room to suspect, what was actually the case, that
she suffered occasionally from a disorder the most unfavourable to pedestrian
exercise. Her dress was rather rich than gay, and her manner commanding and
noble.
    Her companion was of lower stature, with light brown hair and expressive
blue eyes. Her features, without being absolutely regular, were perhaps more
pleasing than if they had been critically handsome. A melancholy, or at least a
pensive expression, for which her lot gave too much cause, predominated when she
was silent, but gave way to a pleasing and good-humoured smile when she spoke to
any one.
    When they were within twelve or fifteen yards of these ladies, the Duke made
a sign that Jeanie should stand still, and stepping forward himself, with the
grace which was natural to him, made