He told me that to please the Queen anything I did
had to be done quickly. In answer to my question, how will I hail her,
he said: 'In addressing Her Majesty, you must say first, Your Majesty.
After that you can continue the conversation with the word madame.'
Well that won't be very difficult thought I, and I can get through with
it all right. Before leaving the Captain, I requested him to send down a
few men in the morning to help me get traps aboard. Returning to my
hotel I spent most of the afternoon writing. I was interrupted by a
waiter, who informed me that General Ponsonby, Private Secretary to the
Queen, and two ladies desired to see me. I ordered them shown right in.
The General, a fine, dignified old gentleman came in followed by two
very handsome ladies. He introduced himself and the ladies
saying: 'Captain, this is the Hon. Lady Churchill and this is the Hon.
Lady Plunkett. The ladies curiosity was so great to see you that we
came down from the Castle to have a little talk.'
I invited them to sit down and consider themselves at home. The General
then put a number of questions in regard to my former life and Irish
coast adventure. In a brief manner I gave them a story in the best way I
could. It seemed to entertain them considerably as the ladies often
laughed heartily.
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