As they were about to leave the thought occurred to
me, 'these are my guests, I ought to offer some hospitality. So backing
up to the fire-place I took hold of the bellrope saying; 'General and
ladies I hope you will mention what you will take.'
At this both the ladies laughed merrily and the General said: `No,
Captain, thank you. The ladies and myself have already been
entertained handsomely.'
By the twinkle in the ladies' eyes I think they would have accepted my
invitation and taken a drink if it had not been for the austere presence
of the General. During the conversation I confided to them my
trepidation about meeting the Queen, but they assured me that Her
Majesty was a very kind lady and that I need have no fear, whatever,
of any breach of court etiquette. After a warm handshaking, they bade me
good-bye and said they would see me on the morrow.
After their departure I resumed my writing when I was again interrupted
by the re-appearance of the General, who explained to me in behalf of
the ladies that much as they would have liked to accept my hospitality,
I must not feel hurt by their refusal. They were ladies of Honor to Her
Majesty and it would be a terrible scandal if they accepted any
hospitality in the hotel.
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