Edward was standing, with many
others of the suit, behind the chair of the king, amusing himself with
the presentations as they took place, and waiting for the arrival of
his sisters--Chaloner and Grenville were not with him, they had
obtained leave to go into the country, for the object we have before
referred to--when his eyes caught, advancing toward the king, Mr.
Heatherstone, who led his daughter, Patience. That they had not
perceived him was evident; indeed her eyes were not raised once, from
the natural timidity felt by a young woman in the presence of royalty.
Edward half concealed himself behind one of his companions that he
might gaze upon her without reserve. She was indeed a lovely young
person, but little altered, except having grown taller and more
rounded and perfect in her figure; and her court-dress displayed
proportions which her humble costume at the New Forest had concealed,
or which time had not matured. There was the same pensive, sweet
expression in her face, which had altered little; but the beautiful
rounded arms, the symmetrical fall of the shoulders, and the
proportion of the whole figure was a surprise to him; and Edward, in
his own mind, agreed that she might well be the reigning toast of the
day.
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