'It remains to be proved,' added he, 'whether her
lingering affection for the memory of an old woman will yield
readily to her dawning attachment for her future husband.'
"Another suspicion sometimes crossed my mind, but in so uncertain a
form, that I could scarcely myself resolve the nature of the evil I
apprehended. I observed that Theresa constantly and anxiously
watched the eye of the king, whenever she formed a part of the royal
suite; and if she perceived his attention fixed on herself, or if he
chanced to approach the spot where she stood, she would turn
abruptly to me, and enter into conversation with an air of
_empressement_, as though to confirm his opinion of our mutual good
understanding. Upon one occasion as I passed through the gallery
leading to the Queen's apartments, I found His Majesty standing in
the embrasure of a window, in earnest conversation with Miss
Marchmont. They did not at first perceive me; and I had leisure to
observe that Theresa was agitated even to tears. She turned round at
the sound of approaching footsteps, but betrayed no distress at my
surprising her in this unusual situation. In reply to some
observation of the King's, she answered with a respectful
inclination, 'Sir, I will not forget;' and left the gallery; while
Charles, gaily taking my arm, led me into the adjoining saloon, and
informed me that he had been pleading my cause with my fair
tormentor, as he was pleased to term her.
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