WehavementionedafewofthemosteminentofthosewhopaidtheirhomagetotheauthorofEvelina。ThecrowdofinferioradmirerswouldrequireacatalogueaslongasthatinthesecondbookoftheIliad。InthatcataloguewouldbeMrs。Cholmondeley，thesayerofoddthings，andSeward，muchgiventoyawning，andBaretti，whoslewthemanintheHaymarket，andPaoli，talkingbrokenEnglish，andLangton，tallerbytheheadthananyothermemberoftheclub，andLadyMillar，whokeptavasewhereinfoolswerewonttoputbadverses，andJerninghamwhowroteversesfittobeputintothevaseofLadyMillar，andDr。Franklin，not，assomehavedreamed，thegreatPennsylvanianDr。Franklin，whocouldnotthenhavepaidhisrespectstoMissBurneywithoutmuchriskofbeinghanged，drawnandquartered，butDr。Franklintheless，AiasMeionoutitodosgedsosTelamoniosAiasAllapolumeion。
Itwouldnothavebeensurprisingifsuchsuccesshadturnedevenastronghead，andcorruptedevenagenerousandaffectionatenature。But，intheDiary，wecanfindnotraceofanyfeelinginconsistentwithatrulymodestandamiabledisposition。Thereis，indeed，abundantproofthatFrancesenjoyedwithanintense，thoughatroubledjoy，thehonourswhichhergeniushadwon;butitisequallyclearthatherhappinesssprangfromthehappinessofherfather，hersister，andherdearDaddyCrisp。Whileflatteredbythegreat，theopulent，andthelearned，whilefollowedalongtheSteyneatBrighton，andthePantilesatTunbridgeWells，bythegazeofadmiringcrowds，herheartseemstohavebeenstillwiththelittledomesticcircleinSaintMartin’sStreet。Ifsherecordedwithminutediligenceallthecompliments，delicateandcoarse，whichsheheardwhereversheturned，sherecordedthemfortheeyesoftwoorthreepersonswhohadlovedherfrominfancy，whohadlovedherinobscurity，andtowhomherfamegavethepurestandmostexquisitedelight。
Nothingcanbemoreunjustthantoconfoundtheseoutpouringsofakindheart，sureofperfectsympathy，withtheegotismofabluestocking，whopratestoallwhocomenearheraboutherownnovelorherownvolumeofsonnets。
ItwasnaturalthatthetriumphantissueofMissBurney’sfirstventureshouldtempthertotryasecond。Evelina，thoughithadraisedherfame，hadaddednothingtoherfortune。Someofherfriendsurgedhertowriteforthestage。Johnsonpromisedtogiveherhisadviceastothecomposition。Murphy，whowassupposedtounderstandthetemperofthepitaswellasanymanofhistime，undertooktoinstructherastostageeffect。
Sheridandeclaredthathewouldacceptaplayfromherwithoutevenreadingit。Thusencouraged，shewroteacomedynamedTheWitlings。Fortunatelyitwasneveractedorprinted。Wecan，wethink，easilyperceive，fromthelittlewhichissaidonthesubjectintheDiary，thatTheWitlingswouldhavebeendamned，andthatMurphy，andSheridanthoughtso，thoughtheyweretoopolitetosayso。HappilyFranceshadafriendwhowasnotafraidtogiveherpain。Crisp，wiserforherthanhehadbeenforhimself，readthemanuscriptinhislonelyretreat，andmanfullytoldherthatshehadfailed，thattoremoveblemisheshereandtherewouldbeuseless，thatthepiecehadabundanceofwitbutnointerest，thatitwasbadasawhole，thatitwouldremindeveryreaderoftheFemmesSavantes，which，strangetosay，shehadneverread，andthatshecouldnotsustainsocloseacomparisonwithMoliere。Thisopinion，inwhichDr。Burneyconcurred，wassenttoFrances，inwhatshecalled\"ahissing，groaning，catcallingepistle。\"Butshehadtoomuchsensenottoknowthatitwasbettertobehissedandcat—calledbyherDaddy，thanbyawholeseaofheadsinthepitofDruryLaneTheatre:
andshehadtoogoodaheartnottobegratefulforsorareanactoffriendship。Shereturnedananswer，whichshowshowwellshedeservedtohaveajudicious，faithful，andaffectionateadviser。\"Iintend，\"shewrote，\"toconsolemyselfforyourcensurebythisgreatestproofIhaveeverreceivedofthesincerity，candour，and，letmeadd，esteem，ofmydeardaddy。
AndasIhappentolovemyselfmorethanmyplay，thisconsolationisnotaverytriflingone。This，however，seriouslyIdobelieve，thatwhenmytwodaddiesputtheirheadstogethertoconcertthathissing，groaning，cat—callingepistletheysentme，theyfeltassorryforpoorlittleMissBayesasshecouldpossiblydoforherself。YouseeIdonotattempttorepayyourfranknesswithanairofpretendedcarelessness。But，thoughsomewhatdisconcertedjustnow，Iwillpromisenottoletmyvexationliveoutanotherday。Adieu，mydeardaddy，Iwon’tbemortified，andIwon’tbedowned，butIwillbeproudtofindI
have，outofmyownfamily，aswellasinit，afriendwholovesmewellenoughtospeakplaintruthtome。\"
Francesnowturnedfromherdramaticschemestoanundertakingfarbettersuitedtohertalents。Shedeterminedtowriteanewtale，onaplanexcellentlycontrivedforthedisplayofthepowersinwhichhersuperioritytootherwriterslay。Itwasintruthagrandandvariouspicture—gallery，whichpresentedtotheeyealongseriesofmenandwomen，eachmarkedbysomestrongpeculiarfeature。Therewereavariceandprodigality，theprideofbloodandtheprideofmoney，morbidrestlessnessandmorbidapathy，frivolousgarrulity，supercilioussilence，aDemocritustolaughateverything，andaHeraclitustolamentovereverything。Theworkproceededfast，andintwelvemonthswascompleted。ItwantedsomethingofthesimplicitywhichhadbeenamongthemostattractivecharmsofEvelina;butitfurnishedampleproofthatthefouryears，whichhadelapsedsinceEvelinaappeared，hadnotbeenunprofitablyspent。ThosewhosawCeciliainmanuscriptpronounceditthebestnoveloftheage。Mrs。
Thralelaughedandweptoverit。Crispwasevenvehementinapplause，andofferedtoensuretherapidandcompletesuccessofthebookforhalf—a—crown。WhatMissBurneyreceivedforthecopyrightisnotmentionedintheDiary;butwehaveobservedseveralexpressionsfromwhichweinferthatthesumwasconsiderable。Thatthesalewouldbegreatnobodycoulddoubt;
andFrancesnowhadshrewdandexperiencedadvisers，whowouldnotsufferhertowrongherself。Wehavebeentoldthatthepublishersgavehertwothousandpounds，andwehavenodoubtthattheymighthavegivenastilllargersumwithoutbeinglosers。
Ceciliawaspublishedinthesummerof1782。Thecuriosityofthetownwasintense。WehavebeeninformedbypersonswhorememberthosedaysthatnoromanceofSirWalterScottwasmoreimpatientlyawaited，ormoreeagerlysnatchedfromthecountersofthebooksellers。Highaspublicexpectationwas，itwasamplysatisfied;andCeciliawasplaced，bygeneralacclamation，amongtheclassicalnovelsofEngland。
MissBurneywasnowthirty。Heryouthhadbeensingularlyprosperous;butcloudssoonbegantogatheroverthatclearandradiantdawn。EventsdeeplypainfultoaheartsokindasthatofFrancesfollowedeachotherinrapidsuccession。Shewasfirstcalledupontoattendthedeathbedofherbestfriend，SamuelCrisp。WhenshereturnedtoSaintMartin’sStreet，afterperformingthismelancholyduty，shewasappalledbyhearingthatJohnsonhadbeenstruckbyparalysis;and，notmanymonthslater，shepartedfromhimforthelasttimewithsolemntenderness。Hewishedtolookonheroncemore;andonthedaybeforehisdeathshelongremainedintearsonthestairsleadingtohisbedroom，inthehopethatshemightbecalledintoreceivehisblessing。
Hewasthensinkingfast，andthoughhesentheranaffectionatemessage，wasunabletoseeher。Butthiswasnottheworst。Thereareseparationsfarmorecruelthanthosewhicharemadebydeath。
ShemightweepwithproudaffectionforCrispandJohnson。ShehadtoblushaswellastoweepforMrs。Thrale。
Life，however，stillsmileduponFrances。Domestichappiness，friendship，independence，leisure，letters，allthesethingswerehers;andsheflungthemallaway。
Amongthedistinguishedpersonstowhomshehadbeenintroduced，noneappearstohavestoodhigherinherregardthanMrs。Delany。
Thisladywasaninterestingandvenerablerelicofapastage。
ShewasthenieceofGeorgeGranville，LordLansdowne，who，inhisyouth，exchangedversesandcomplimentswithEdmundWaller，andwhowasamongthefirsttoapplaudtheopeninggeniusofPope。ShehadmarriedDr。Delany，amanknowntohiscontemporariesasaprofoundscholarandaneloquentpreacher，butrememberedinourtimechieflyasoneofthatsmallcircleinwhichthefiercespiritofSwift，torturedbydisappointedambition，byremorse，andbytheapproachesofmadness，soughtforamusementandrepose。DoctorDelanyhadlongbeendead。Hiswidow，noblydescended，eminentlyaccomplished，andretaining，inspiteoftheinfirmitiesofadvancedage，thevigourofherfacultiesandtheserenityofhertemper，enjoyedanddeservedthefavouroftheroyalfamily。Shehadapensionofthreehundredayear;andahouseatWindsor，belongingtotheCrown，hadbeenfittedupforheraccommodation。AtthishousetheKingandQueensometimescalled，andfoundaverynaturalpleasureinthuscatchinganoccasionalglimpseoftheprivatelifeofEnglishfamilies。
InDecember1785，MissBurneywasonavisittoMrs。DelanyatWindsor。Thedinnerwasover。Theoldladywastakinganap。Hergrandniece，alittlegirlofseven，wasplayingatsomeChristmasgamewiththevisitors，whenthedooropened，andastoutgentlemanenteredunannounced，withastaronhisbreast，and\"What？what？what？\"inhismouth。Acryof\"TheKing！\"wassetup。Ageneralscamperingfollowed。MissBurneyownsthatshecouldnothavebeenmoreterrifiedifshehadseenaghost。ButMrs。Delanycameforwardtopayherdutytoherroyalfriend，andthedisturbancewasquieted。Franceswasthenpresented，andunderwentalongexaminationandcross—examinationaboutallthatshehadwrittenandallthatshemeanttowrite。TheQueensoonmadeherappearanceandhisMajestyrepeated，forthebenefitofhisconsort，theinformationwhichhehadextractedfromMissBurney。Thegood—natureoftheroyalpairmighthavesoftenedeventheauthorsoftheProbationaryOdes，andcouldnotbutbedelightfultoayoungladywhohadbeenbroughtupaTory。Inafewdaysthevisitwasrepeated。MissBurneywasmoreateasethanbefore。HisMajesty，insteadofseekingforinformation，condescendedtoimpartit，andpassedsentenceonmanygreatwriters，Englishandforeign。Voltairehepronouncedamonster。
Rousseauhelikedratherbetter。\"Butwasthereever，\"hecried，\"suchstuffasgreatpartofShakspeare？Onlyonemustnotsayso。Butwhatthinkyou？What？Istherenotsadstuff？What？
What？\"
ThenextdayFrancesenjoyedtheprivilegeoflisteningtosomeequallyvaluablecriticismutteredbytheQueentouchingGoetheandKlopstock，andmighthavelearnedanimportantlessonofeconomyfromthemodeinwhichherMajesty’slibraryhadbeenformed。\"Ipickedthebookuponastall，\"saidtheQueen。\"Oh，itisamazingwhatgoodbooksthereareonstalls！\"Mrs。Delany，whoseemstohaveunderstoodfromthesewordsthatherMajestywasinthehabitofexploringtheboothsofMoorfieldsandHolywellStreetinperson，couldnotsuppressanexclamationofsurprise。\"Why，\"saidtheQueen，\"Idon’tpickthemupmyself。
ButIhaveaservantveryclever;and，iftheyarenottobehadatthebooksellers，theyarenotformemorethanforanother。\"
MissBurneydescribesthisconversationasdelightful;and，indeed，wecannotwonderthat，withherliterarytastes，sheshouldbedelightedathearinginhowmagnificentamannerthegreatestladyinthelandencouragedliterature。
Thetruthis，thatFranceswasfascinatedbythecondescendingkindnessofthetwogreatpersonagestowhomshehadbeenpresented。Herfatherwasevenmoreinfatuatedthanherself。Theresultwasastepofwhichwecannotthinkwithpatience，butwhich，recordedasitis，withallitsconsequences，inthesevolumes，deservesatleastthispraise，thatithasfurnishedamostimpressivewarning。
AGermanladyofthenameofHaggerdorn，oneofthekeepersoftheQueen’srobes，retiredaboutthistime;andherMajestyofferedthevacantposttoMissBurney。WhenweconsiderthatMissBurneywasdecidedlythemostpopularwriteroffictitiousnarrativethenliving，thatcompetence，ifnotopulence，waswithinherreach，andthatshewasmorethanusuallyhappyinherdomesticcircle，andwhenwecomparethesacrificewhichshewasinvitedtomakewiththeremunerationwhichwasheldouttoher，wearedividedbetweenlaughterandindignation。
WhatwasdemandedofherwasthatsheshouldconsenttobealmostascompletelyseparatedfromherfamilyandfriendsasifshehadgonetoCalcutta，andalmostascloseaprisonerasifshehadbeensenttogaolforalibel;thatwithtalentswhichhadinstructedanddelightedthehighestlivingminds，sheshouldnowbeemployedonlyinmixingsnuffandstickingpins;thatsheshouldbesummonedbyawaiting—woman’sbelltoawaiting—woman’sduties;thatsheshouldpassherwholelifeundertherestraintsofapaltryetiquette，shouldsometimesfasttillshewasreadytoswoonwithhunger，shouldsometimesstandtillherkneesgavewaywithfatigue;thatsheshouldnotdaretospeakormovewithoutconsideringhowhermistressmightlikeherwordsandgestures。Insteadofthosedistinguishedmenandwomen，theflowerofallpoliticalparties，withwhomshehadbeeninthehabitofmixingontermsofequalfriendship，shewastohaveforherperpetualcompanionthechiefkeeperoftherobes，anoldhagfromGermany，ofmeanunderstanding，ofinsolentmanners，andoftemperwhich，naturallysavage，hadnowbeenexasperatedbydisease。Nowandthen，indeed，poorFrancesmightconsoleherselfforthelossofBurke’sandWindham’ssociety，byjoininginthe\"celestialcolloquysublime\"ofhisMajesty’sEquerries。
Andwhatwastheconsiderationforwhichshewastosellherselftothisslavery？Apeerageinherownright？Apensionoftwothousandayearforlife？Aseventy—fourforherbrotherinthenavy？Adeaneryforherbrotherinthechurch？Notso。Thepriceatwhichshewasvaluedwasherboard，herlodging，theattendanceofaman—servant，andtwohundredpoundsayear。
Themanwho，evenwhenhardpressedbyhunger，sellshisbirthrightforamessofpottage，isunwise。Butwhatshallwesayofhimwhopartswithhisbirthright，anddoesnotgeteventhepottageinreturn？Itisnotnecessarytoinquirewhetheropulencebeanadequatecompensationforthesacrificeofbodilyandmentalfreedom;forFrancesBurneypaidforleavetobeaprisonerandamenial。Itwasevidentlyunderstoodasoneofthetermsofherengagement，that，whileshewasamemberoftheroyalhousehold，shewasnottoappearbeforethepublicasanauthor;and，evenhadtherebeennosuchunderstanding，heravocationsweresuchaslefthernoleisureforanyconsiderableintellectualeffort。ThatherplacewasincompatiblewithherliterarypursuitswasindeedfranklyacknowledgedbytheKingwhensheresigned。\"Shehasgivenup，\"hesaid，\"fiveyearsofherpen。\"Thatduringthosefiveyearsshemight，withoutpainfulexertion，withoutanyexertionthatwouldnothavebeenapleasure，haveearnedenoughtobuyanannuityforlifemuchlargerthantheprecarioussalarywhichshereceivedatCourt，isquitecertain。Thesameincome，too，whichinSaintMartin’sStreetwouldhaveaffordedhereverycomfort，musthavebeenfoundscantyatSaintJames’s。Wecannotventuretospeakconfidentlyofthepriceofmillineryandjewellery;butwearegreatlydeceivedifalady，whohadtoattendQueenCharlotteonmanypublicoccasions，couldpossiblysaveafarthingoutofasalaryoftwohundredayear。Theprincipleofthearrangementwas，inshort，simplythis，thatFrancesBurneyshouldbecomeaslave，andshouldberewardedbybeingmadeabeggar。
WithwhatobjecttheirMajestiesbroughthertotheirpalace，wemustownourselvesunabletoconceive。Theirobjectcouldnotbetoencourageherliteraryexertions;fortheytookherfromasituationinwhichitwasalmostcertainthatshewouldwrite，andputherintoasituationinwhichitwasimpossibleforhertowrite。Theirobjectcouldnotbetopromoteherpecuniaryinterest;fortheytookherfromasituationwhereshewaslikelytobecomerich，andputherintoasituationinwhichshecouldnotbutcontinuepoor。Theirobjectcouldnotbetoobtainaneminentlyusefulwaiting—maid;foritisclearthat，thoughMissBurneywastheonlywomanofhertimewhocouldhavedescribedthedeathofHarrel，thousandsmighthavebeenfoundmoreexpertintyingribandsandfillingsnuff—boxes。Tograntherapensiononthecivillistwouldhavebeenanactofjudiciousliberality，honourabletotheCourt。Ifthiswasimpracticable，thenextbestthingwastoletheralone。ThattheKingandQueenmeanthernothingbutkindness，wedonotintheleastdoubt。Buttheirkindnesswasthekindnessofpersonsraisedhighabovethemassofmankind，accustomedtobeaddressedwithprofounddeference，accustomedtoseeallwhoapproachthemmortifiedbytheircoldnessandelatedbytheirsmiles。Theyfanciedthattobenoticedbythem，tobenearthem，toservethem，wasinitselfakindofhappiness;andthatFrancesBurneyoughttobefullofgratitudeforbeingpermittedtopurchase，bythesurrenderofhealth，wealth，freedom，domesticaffection，andliteraryfame，theprivilegeofstandingbehindaroyalchair，andholdingapairofroyalgloves。
Andwhocanblamethem？Whocanwonderthatprincesshouldbeundersuchadelusion，whentheyareencouragedinitbytheverypersonswhosufferfromitmostcruelly？WasittobeexpectedthatGeorgetheThirdandQueenCharlotteshouldunderstandtheinterestofFrancesBurneybetter，orpromoteitwithmorezealthanherselfandherfather？Nodeceptionwaspractised。Theconditionsofthehouseofbondageweresetforthwithallsimplicity。Thehookwaspresentedwithoutabait;thenetwasspreadinsightofthebird:andthenakedhookwasgreedilyswallowed，andthesillybirdmadehastetoentangleherselfinthenet。
ItisnotstrangeindeedthataninvitationtoCourtshouldhavecausedaflutteringinthebosomofaninexperiencedyoungwoman。
Butitwasthedutyoftheparenttowatchoverthechild，andtoshowherthatononesidewereonlyinfantinevanitiesandchimericalhopes，ontheotherliberty，peaceofmind，affluence，socialenjoyments，honourabledistinctions。Strangetosay，theonlyhesitationwasonthepartofFrances。Dr。Burneywastransportedoutofhimselfwithdelight。NotsucharetherapturesofaCircassianfatherwhohassoldhisprettydaughterwelltoaTurkishslave—merchant。YetDr。Burneywasanamiableman，amanofgoodabilities，amanwhohadseenmuchoftheworld。ButheseemstohavethoughtthatgoingtoCourtwaslikegoingtoheaven;thattoseeprincesandprincesseswasakindofbeatificvision;thattheexquisitefelicityenjoyedbyroyalpersonswasnotconfinedtothemselves，butwascommunicatedbysomemysteriouseffluxorreflectiontoallwhoweresufferedtostandattheirtoilettes，ortobeartheirtrains。Heoverruledallhisdaughter’sobjections，andhimselfescortedhertoherprison。Thedoorclosed。Thekeywasturned。She，lookingbackwithtenderregretonallthatshehadleft，andforwardwithanxietyandterrortothenewlifeonwhichshewasentering，wasunabletospeakorstand;andhewentonhiswayhomewardrejoicinginhermarvellousprosperity。
Andnowbeganaslaveryoffiveyears，offiveyearstakenfromthebestpartoflife，andwastedinmenialdrudgeryorinrecreationsdullerthanevenmenialdrudgery，undergallingrestraintsandamidstunfriendlyoruninterestingcompanions。Thehistoryofanordinarydaywasthis。MissBurneyhadtoriseanddressherselfearly，thatshemightbereadytoanswertheroyalbell，whichrangathalfafterseven。TillabouteightsheattendedintheQueen’sdressing—room，andhadthehonouroflacingheraugustmistress’sstays，andofputtingonthehoop，gown，andneckhandkerchief。Themorningwaschieflyspentinrummagingdrawersandlayingfineclothesintheirproperplaces。
ThentheQueenwastobepowderedanddressedfortheday。TwiceaweekherMajesty’shairwascurledandcraped;andthisoperationappearstohaveaddedafullhourtothebusinessofthetoilette。ItwasgenerallythreebeforeMissBurneywasatliberty。Thenshehadtwohoursatherowndisposal。TothesehoursweowegreatpartofherDiary。Atfiveshehadtoattendhercolleague，MadameSchwellenberg，ahatefuloldtoadeater，asilliterateasachambermaid，asproudasawholeGermanChapter，rude，peevish，unabletobearsolitude，unabletoconductherselfwithcommondecencyinsociety。Withthisdelightfulassociate，FrancesBurneyhadtodine，andpasstheevening。Thepairgenerallyremainedtogetherfromfivetoeleven，andoftenhadnoothercompanythewholetime，exceptduringthehourfromeighttonine，whentheequerriescametotea。IfpoorFrancesattemptedtoescapetoherownapartment，andtoforgetherwretchednessoverabook，theexecrableoldwomanrailedandstormed，andcomplainedthatshewasneglected。
Yet，whenFrancesstayed，shewasconstantlyassailedwithinsolentreproaches。Literaryfamewas，intheeyesoftheGermancrone，ablemish，aproofthatthepersonwhoenjoyeditwasmeanlyborn，andoutofthepaleofgoodsociety。AllherscantystockofbrokenEnglishwasemployedtoexpressthecontemptwithwhichsheregardedtheauthorofEvelinaandCecilia。Francesdetestedcards，andindeedknewnothingaboutthem;butshesoonfoundthattheleastmiserablewayofpassinganeveningwithMadameSchwellenbergwasatthecard—table，andconsented，withpatientsadness，togivehours，whichmighthavecalledforththelaughterandthetearsofmanygenerations，tothekingofclubsandtheknaveofspades。Betweenelevenandtwelvethebellrangagain。MissBurneyhadtopasstwentyminutesorhalfanhourinundressingtheQueen，andwasthenatlibertytoretire，andtodreamthatshewaschattingwithherbrotherbythequiethearthinSaintMartin’sStreet，thatshewasthecentreofanadmiringassemblageatMrs。Crewe’s，thatBurkewascallingherthefirstwomanoftheage，orthatDillywasgivingherachequefortwothousandguineas。
Men，wemustsuppose，arelesspatientthanwomen;forweareutterlyatalosstoconceivehowanyhumanbeingcouldenduresuchalife，whilethereremainedavacantgarretinGrubStreet，acrossinginwantofasweeper，aparishworkhouse，oraparishvault。AnditwasforsuchalifethatFrancesBurneyhadgivenuplibertyandpeace，ahappyfireside，attachedfriends，awideandsplendidcircleofacquaintance，intellectualpursuitsinwhichshewasqualifiedtoexcel，andthesurehopeofwhattoherwouldhavebeenaffluence。
Thereisnothingnewunderthesun。ThelastgreatmasterofAtticeloquenceandAtticwithasleftusaforcibleandtouchingdescriptionofthemiseryofamanofletters，who，luredbyhopessimilartothoseofFrances，hadenteredtheserviceofoneofthemagnatesofRome。\"UnhappythatIam，\"criesthevictimofhisownchildishambition:\"wouldnothingcontentmebutthatI
mustleavemineoldpursuitsandmineoldcompanions，andthelifewhichwaswithoutcare，andthesleepwhichhadnolimitsavemineownpleasure，andthewalkswhichIwasfreetotakewhereIlisted，andflingmyselfintothelowestpitofadungeonlikethis？And，OGod！forwhat？WastherenowaybywhichI
mighthaveenjoyedinfreedomcomfortsevengreaterthanthosewhichInowearnbyservitude？Likealionwhichhasbeenmadesotamethatmenmayleadhimaboutbyathread，Iamdraggedupanddown，withbrokenandhumbledspirit，attheheelsofthosetowhom，inmineowndomain，Ishouldhavebeenanobjectofaweandwonder。And，worstofall，IfeelthathereIgainnocredit，thathereIgivenopleasure。Thetalentsandaccomplishments，whichcharmedafardifferentcircle，arehereoutofplace。Iamrudeintheartsofpalaces，andcanillbearcomparisonwiththosewhosecalling，fromtheiryouthup，hasbeentoflatterandtosue。HaveI，then，twolives，that，afterIhavewastedoneintheserviceofothers，theremayyetremaintomeasecond，whichImayliveuntomyself？\"
Nowandthen，indeed，eventsoccurredwhichdisturbedthewretchedmonotonyofFrancesBurney’slife。TheCourtmovedfromKewtoWindsor，andfromWindsorbacktoKew。Onedullcolonelwentoutofwaiting，andanotherdullcolonelcameintowaiting。
Animpertinentservantmadeablunderabouttea，andcausedamisunderstandingbetweenthegentlemenandtheladies。Ahalf—
wittedFrenchProtestantministertalkedoddlyaboutconjugalfidelity。AnunluckymemberofthehouseholdmentionedapassageintheMorningHerald，reflectingontheQueen;andforthwithMadameSchwellenbergbegantostorminbadEnglish，andtoldhimthathemadeher\"whatyoucallperspire！\"
AmoreimportantoccurrencewastheKing’svisittoOxford。MissBurneywentintheroyaltraintoNuneham，wasutterlyneglectedthereinthecrowd，andcouldwithdifficultyfindaservanttoshowthewaytoherbedroom，orahairdressertoarrangehercurls。ShehadthehonourofenteringOxfordinthelastofalongstringofcarriageswhichformedtheroyalprocession，ofwalkingaftertheQueenalldaythroughrefectoriesandchapels，andofstanding，halfdeadwithfatigueandhunger，whileheraugustmistresswasseatedatanexcellentcoldcollation。AtMagdalenCollege，Franceswasleftforamomentinaparlour，whereshesankdownonachair。Agood—naturedequerrysawthatshewasexhausted，andsharedwithhersomeapricotsandbread，whichhehadwiselyputintohispockets。Atthatmomentthedooropened;theQueenentered;theweariedattendantssprangup;thebreadandfruitwerehastilyconcealed。\"Ifound，\"sayspoorMissBurney，\"thatourappetitesweretobesupposedannihilated，atthesamemomentthatourstrengthwastobeinvincible。\"
YetOxford，seenevenundersuchdisadvantages，\"revivedinher，\"
touseherownwords，\"aconsciousnesstopleasurewhichhadlonglainnearlydormant。\"Sheforgot，duringonemoment，thatshewasawaiting—maid，andfeltasawomanoftruegeniusmightbeexpectedtofeelamidstvenerableremainsofantiquity，beautifulworksofart，vastrepositoriesofknowledge，andmemorialsoftheillustriousdead。Hadshestillbeenwhatshewasbeforeherfatherinducedhertotakethemostfatalstepofherlife，wecaneasilyimaginewhatpleasureshewouldhavederivedfromavisittothenoblestofEnglishcities。Shemight，indeed，havebeenforcedtotravelinahackchaise，andmightnothavewornsofineagownofChamberygauzeasthatinwhichshetotteredaftertheroyalparty;butwithwhatdelightwouldshehavethenpacedthecloistersofMagdalen，comparedtheantiquegloomofMertonwiththesplendourofChristChurch，andlookeddownfromthedomeoftheRatcliffeLibraryonthemagnificentseaofturretsandbattlementsbelow！HowgladlywouldlearnedmenhavelaidasideforafewhoursPindar’sOdesandAristotle’sEthicstoescorttheauthorofCeciliafromcollegetocollege！Whatneatlittlebanquetswouldshehavefoundsetoutintheirmonasticcells！Withwhateagernesswouldpictures，medals，andilluminatedmissalshavebeenbroughtforthfromthemostmysteriouscabinetsforheramusement！HowmuchshewouldhavehadtohearandtotellaboutJohnson，asshewalkedoverPembroke，andaboutReynolds，intheantechapelofNewCollege！
Buttheseindulgenceswerenotforonewhohadsoldherselfintobondage。
AbouteighteenmonthsafterthevisittoOxford，anothereventdiversifiedthewearisomelifewhichFrancesledatCourt。WarrenHastingswasbroughttothebaroftheHouseofPeers。TheQueenandPrincesseswerepresentwhenthetrialcommenced，andMissBurneywaspermittedtoattend。Duringthesubsequentproceedingsadayruleforthesamepurposewasoccasionallygrantedtoher;
fortheQueentookthestrongestinterestinthetrial，andwhenshecouldnotgoherselftoWestminsterHall，likedtoreceiveareportofwhathadpassedfromapersonofsingularpowersofobservation，andwhowas，moreover，acquaintedwithsomeofthemostdistinguishedmanagers。TheportionoftheDiarywhichrelatestothiscelebratedproceedingislivelyandpicturesque。
Yetwereadit，weown，withpain;foritseemstoustoprovethatthefineunderstandingofFrancesBurneywasbeginningtofeeltheperniciousinfluenceofamodeoflifewhichisasincompatiblewithhealthofmindastheairofthePomptinemarsheswithhealthofbody。FromthefirstdaysheespousesthecauseofHastingswithapresumptuousvehemenceandacrimonyquiteinconsistentwiththemodestyandsuavityofherordinarydeportment。SheshudderswhenBurkeenterstheHallattheheadoftheCommons。Shepronounceshimthecrueloppressorofaninnocentman。Sheisatalosstoconceivehowthemanagerscanlookatthedefendant，andnotblush。Windhamcomestoherfromthemanager’sbox，toofferherrefreshment。\"But，\"saysshe，\"I
couldnotbreakbreadwithhim。\"Then，again，sheexclaims，\"Ah，Mr。Windham，howcanyoueverengageinsocruel，sounjustacause？\"\"Mr。Burkesawme，\"shesays，\"andhebowedwiththemostmarkedcivilityofmanner。\"This，beitobserved，wasjustafterhisopeningspeech，aspeechwhichhadproducedamightyeffect，andwhich，certainly，nootheroratorthateverlived，couldhavemade。\"Mycurtsy，\"shecontinues，\"wasthemostungrateful，distantandcold;Icouldnotdootherwise;sohurtIfelttoseehimtheheadofsuchacause。\"Now，notonlyhadBurketreatedherwithconstantkindness，buttheverylastactwhichheperformedonthedayonwhichhewasturnedoutofthePayOffice，aboutfouryearsbeforethistrial，wastomakeDr。
BurneyorganistofChelseaHospital。When，attheWestminsterelection，Dr。BurneywasdividedbetweenhisgratitudeforthisfavourandhisToryopinions，Burkeinthenoblestmannerdisclaimedallrighttoexactasacrificeofprinciple。\"Youhavelittleornoobligationstome，\"hewrote;\"butifyouhadasmanyasIreallywishitwereinmypower，asitiscertainlyinmydesire，tolayonyou，Ihopeyoudonotthinkmecapableofconferringthem，inordertosubjectyourmindoryouraffairstoapainfulandmischievousservitude。\"WasthisamantobeuncivillytreatedbyadaughterofDr。Burney，becauseshechosetodifferfromhimrespectingavastandmostcomplicatedquestion，whichhehadstudieddeeplyduringmanyyears，andwhichshehadneverstudiedatall？Itisclear，fromMissBurney’sownnarrative，thatwhenshebehavedsounkindlytoMr。
Burke，shedidnotevenknowofwhatHastingswasaccused。Onething，however，shemusthaveknown，thatBurkehadbeenabletoconvinceaHouseofCommons，bitterlyprejudicedagainsthimself，thatthechargeswerewellfounded，andthatPittandDundashadconcurredwithFoxandSheridan，insupportingtheimpeachment。
SurelyawomanoffarinferiorabilitiestoMissBurneymighthavebeenexpectedtoseethatthisnevercouldhavehappenedunlesstherehadbeenastrongcaseagainstthelateGovernor—
General。Andtherewas，asallreasonablemennowadmit，astrongcaseagainsthim。Thatthereweregreatpublicservicestobesetoffagainsthisgreatcrimesisperfectlytrue。Buthisservicesandhiscrimeswereequallyunknowntotheladywhosoconfidentlyassertedhisperfectinnocence，andimputedtohisaccusers，thatistosay，toallthegreatestmenofallpartiesintheState，notmerelyerror，butgrossinjusticeandbarbarity。
Shehad，itistrue，occasionallyseenMr。Hastings，andhadfoundhismannersandconversationagreeable。Butsurelyshecouldnotbesoweakastoinferfromthegentlenessofhisdeportmentinadrawing—room，thathewasincapableofcommittingagreatStatecrime，undertheinfluenceofambitionandrevenge。
AsillyMiss，freshfromaboardingschool，mightfallintosuchamistake;butthewomanwhohaddrawnthecharacterofMr。
Moncktonshouldhaveknownbetter。
ThetruthisthatshehadbeentoolongatCourt。Shewassinkingintoaslaveryworsethanthatofthebody。Theironwasbeginningtoenterintothesoul。Accustomedduringmanymonthstowatchtheeyeofamistress，toreceivewithboundlessgratitudetheslightestmarkofroyalcondescension，tofeelwretchedateverysymptomofroyaldispleasure，toassociateonlywithspiritslongtamedandbrokenin，shewasdegeneratingintosomethingfitforherplace。QueenCharlottewasaviolentpartisanofHastings，hadreceivedpresentsfromhim，andhadsofardepartedfromtheseverityofhervirtueastolendhercountenancetohiswife，whoseconducthadcertainlybeenasreprehensibleasthatofanyofthefrailbeautieswhowerethenrigidlyexcludedfromtheEnglishCourt。TheKing，itwaswellknown，tookthesameside。TotheKingandQueenallthemembersofthehouseholdlookedsubmissivelyforguidance。Theimpeachment，therefore，wasanatrociouspersecution;themanagerswererascals;thedefendantwasthemostdeservingandtheworstusedmaninthekingdom。Thiswasthecantofthewholepalace，fromGoldStickinWaiting，downtotheTable—DeckersandYeomanoftheSilverScullery;andMissBurneycantedliketherest，thoughinliveliertones，andwithlessbitterfeelings。
TheaccountwhichshehasgivenoftheKing’sillnesscontainsmuchexcellentnarrativeanddescription，andwill，wethink，beasmuchvaluedbythehistoriansofafutureageasanyequalportionofPepys’sorEvelyn’sDiaries。Thataccountshowsalsohowaffectionateandcompassionatehernaturewas。Butitshowsalso，wemustsay，thatherwayoflifewasrapidlyimpairingherpowersofreasoningandhersenseofjustice。Wedonotmeantodiscuss，inthisplace，thequestion，whethertheviewsofMr。
PittorthoseofMr。Foxrespectingtheregencywerethemorecorrect。Itis，indeed，quiteneedlesstodiscussthatquestion:
forthecensureofMissBurneyfallsalikeonPittandFox，onmajorityandminority。SheisangrywiththeHouseofCommonsforpresumingtoinquirewhethertheKingwasmadornot，andwhethertherewasachanceofhisrecoveringhissenses。\"Amelancholyday，\"shewrites;\"newsbadbothathomeand，abroad。Athomethedearunhappykingstillworse;abroadnewexaminationsvotedofthephysicians。Goodheavens！whataninsultdoesthisseemfromParliamentarypower，toinvestigateandbringforthtotheworldeverycircumstanceofsuchamaladyasiseverheldsacredtosecrecyinthemostprivatefamilies！Howindignantweallfeelhere，nowordscansay。\"Itispropertoobserve，thatthemotionwhichrousedallthisindignationatKewwasmadebyMr。Pitthimself。Wesee，therefore，thattheloyaltyoftheMinister，whowasthengenerallyregardedasthemostheroicchampionofhisPrince，waslukewarmindeedwhencomparedwiththeboilingzealwhichfilledthepagesofthebackstairsandthewomenofthebedchamber。OftheRegencyBill，Pitt’sownbill，MissBurneyspeakswithhorror。\"Ishuddered，\"shesays，tohearitnamed。\"
Andagain，\"Oh，howdreadfulwillbethedaywhenthatunhappybilltakesplace！Icannotapprovetheplanofit。\"ThetruthisthatMr。Pitt，whetherawiseanduprightstatesmanornot，wasastatesman;andwhatevermotiveshemighthaveforimposingrestrictionsontheregent，feltthatinsomewayorothertheremustbesomeprovisionmadefortheexecutionofsomepartofthekinglyoffice，orthatnogovernmentwouldbeleftinthecountry。Butthiswasamatterofwhichthehouseholdneverthought。Itneveroccurred，asfaraswecansee，totheExonsandKeepersoftheRobes，thatitwasnecessarythatthereshouldbesomewhereorotherapowerintheStatetopasslaws，topreserveorder，topardoncriminals，tofillupoffices，tonegotiatewithforeigngovernments，tocommandthearmyandnavy。
Nay，theseenlightenedpoliticians，andMissBurneyamongtherest，seemtohavethoughtthatanypersonwhoconsideredthesubjectwithreferencetothepublicinterest，showedhimselftobeabad—heartedman。Nobodywondersatthisinagentlemanusher;butitismelancholytoseegeniussinkingintosuchdebasement。
DuringmorethantwoyearsaftertheKing’srecovery，Francesdraggedonamiserableexistenceatthepalace。Theconsolationswhichhadforatimemitigatedthewretchednessofservitudewereonebyonewithdrawn。Mrs。Delany，whosesocietyhadbeenagreatresourcewhentheCourtwasatWindsor，wasnowdead。Oneofthegentlemenoftheroyalestablishment，ColonelDigby，appearstohavebeenamanofsense，oftaste，ofsomereading，andofprepossessingmanners。Agreeableassociateswerescarceintheprisonhouse，andheandMissBurneythereforenaturallybecameattachedtoeachother。Sheownsthatshevaluedhimasafriend;
anditwouldnothavebeenstrangeifhisattentionshadledhertoentertainforhimasentimentwarmerthanfriendship。HequittedtheCourt，andmarriedinawaywhichastonishedMissBurneygreatly，andwhichevidentlywoundedherfeelings，andloweredhiminheresteem。Thepalacegrewdullerandduller;
MadameSchwellenbergbecamemoreandmoresavageandinsolent;
andnowthehealthofpoorFrancesbegantogiveway;andallwhosawherpaleface，heremaciatedfigure，andherfeeblewalk，predictedthathersufferingswouldsoonbeover。
Francesuniformlyspeaksofherroyalmistress，andoftheprincesses，withrespectandaffection。TheprincessesseemtohavewelldeservedallthepraisewhichisbestowedonthemintheDiary。Theywere，wedoubtnot，mostamiablewomen。But\"thesweetQueen，\"assheisconstantlycalledinthesevolumes，isnotbyanymeansanobjectofadmirationtous。Shehadundoubtedlysenseenoughtoknowwhatkindofdeportmentsuitedherhighstation，andself—commandenoughtomaintainthatdeportmentinvariably。Shewas，inherintercoursewithMissBurney，generallygraciousandaffable，sometimes，whendispleased，coldandreserved，butnever，underanycircumstances，rude，peevish，orviolent。Sheknewhowtodispense，gracefullyandskilfully，thoselittlecivilitieswhich，whenpaidbyasovereign，areprizedatmanytimestheirintrinsicvalue;howtopayacompliment;howtolendabook;howtoaskafterarelation。Butsheseemstohavebeenutterlyregardlessofthecomfort，thehealth，thelifeofherattendants，whenherownconveniencewasconcerned。Weak，feverish，hardlyabletostand，Franceshadstilltorisebeforeseven，inordertodressthesweetQueen，andtosituptillmidnight，inordertoundressthesweetQueen。Theindispositionofthehandmaidcouldnot，anddidnot，escapethenoticeofherroyalmistress。ButtheestablisheddoctrineoftheCourtwas，thatallsicknesswastobeconsideredasapretenceuntilitprovedfatal。Theonlywayinwhichtheinvalidcouldclearherselffromthesuspicionofmalingering，asitiscalledinthearmy，wastogoonlacingandunlacingtillshefelldowndeadattheroyalfeet。\"This，\"MissBurneywrote，whenshewassufferingcruellyfromsickness，watching，andlabour，\"isbynomeansfromhardnessofheart;farotherwise。Thereisnohardnessofheartinanyoneofthem;butitisprejudice，andwantofpersonalexperience。\"
Manystrangerssympathisedwiththebodilyandmentalsufferingsofthisdistinguishedwoman。Allwhosawhersawthatherframewassinking，thatherheartwasbreaking。Thelast，itshouldseem，toobservethechangewasherfather。Atlength，inspiteofhimself，hiseyeswereopened。InMay1790，hisdaughterhadaninterviewofthreehourswithhim，theonlylonginterviewwhichtheyhadhadsincehetookhertoWindsorin1786。Shetoldhimthatshewasmiserable，thatshewaswornwithattendanceandwantofsleep，thatshehadnocomfortinlife，nothingtolove，nothingtohope，thatherfamilyandherfriendsweretoherasthoughtheywerenot，andwererememberedbyherasmenrememberthedead。Fromdaybreaktomidnightthesamekillinglabour，thesamerecreations，morehatefulthanlabouritself，followedeachotherwithoutvariety，withoutanyintervaloflibertyandrepose。
TheDoctorwasgreatlydejectedbythisnews;butwastoogood—
naturedamannottosaythat，ifshewishedtoresign，hishouseandarmswereopentoher。Still，however，hecouldnotbeartoremoveherfromtheCourt。Hisvenerationforroyaltyamountedintruthtoidolatry。ItcanbecomparedonlytothegrovellingsuperstitionofthoseSyriandevoteeswhomadetheirchildrenpassthroughthefiretoMoloch。Whenheinducedhisdaughtertoaccepttheplaceofkeeperoftherobes，heentertained，asshetellsus，ahopethatsomeworldlyadvantageorother，notsetdowninthecontractofservice，wouldbetheresultofherconnectionwiththeCourt。Whatadvantageheexpectedwedonotknow，nordidheprobablyknowhimself。But，whateverheexpected，hecertainlygotnothing。MissBurneyhadbeenhiredforboard，lodging，andtwohundredayear。Board，lodging，andtwohundredayear，shehaddulyreceived。WehavelookedcarefullythroughtheDiary，inthehopeoffindingsometraceofthoseextraordinarybenefactionsonwhichtheDoctorreckoned。
Butwecandiscoveronlyapromise，neverperformed，ofagown:
andforthispromiseMissBurneywasexpectedtoreturnthanks，suchasmighthavesuitedthebeggarwithwhomSaintMartin，inthelegend，dividedhiscloak。Theexperienceoffouryearswas，however，insufficienttodispeltheillusionwhichhadtakenpossessionoftheDoctor’smind;andbetweenthedearfatherandthesweetQueen，thereseemedtobelittledoubtthatsomedayorotherFranceswoulddropdownacorpse。Sixmonthshadelapsedsincetheinterviewbetweentheparentandthedaughter。Theresignationwasnotsentin。Thesufferergrewworseandworse。
Shetookbark;butitsoonceasedtoproduceabeneficialeffect。
Shewasstimulatedwithwine;shewassoothedwithopium;butinvain。Herbreathbegantofail。ThewhisperthatshewasinadeclinespreadthroughtheCourt。Thepainsinhersidebecamesoseverethatshewasforcedtocrawlfromthecard—tableoftheoldFurytowhomshewastethered，threeorfourtimesinaneveningforthepurposeoftakinghartshorn。Hadshebeenanegroslave，ahumaneplanterwouldhaveexcusedherfromwork。ButherMajestyshowednomercy。Thriceadaytheaccursedbellstillrang;theQueenwasstilltobedressedforthemorningatseven，andtobedressedforthedayatnoon，andtobeundressedatmidnight。Buttherehadarisen，inliteraryandfashionablesociety，ageneralfeelingofcompassionforMissBurney，andofindignationagainstbothherfatherandtheQueen。\"Isitpossible，\"saidagreatFrenchladytotheDoctor，\"thatyourdaughterisinasituationwheresheisneverallowedaholiday？\"
HoraceWalpolewrotetoFrances，toexpresshissympathy。
Boswell，boilingoverwithgood—naturedrage，almostforcedanentranceintothepalacetoseeher。\"Mydearma’am，whydoyoustay？Itwon’tdo，ma’am;youmustresign。Wecanputupwithitnolonger。Someveryviolentmeasures，Iassureyou，willbetaken。WeshalladdressDr。Burneyinabody。\"BurkeandReynolds，thoughlessnoisy，werezealousinthesamecause。
WindhamspoketoDr。Burney;butfoundhimstillirresolute。\"I
willsettheclubuponhim，\"criedWindham;\"MissBurneyhassomeverytrueadmirersthere，andIamsuretheywilleagerlyassist。\"IndeedtheBurneyfamilyseemtohavebeenapprehensivethatsomepublicaffrontsuchastheDoctor’sunpardonablefolly，tousethemildestterm，hadrichlydeserved，wouldbeputuponhim。Themedicalmenspokeout，andplainlytoldhimthathisdaughtermustresignordie。
Atlastpaternalaffection，medicalauthority，andthevoiceofallLondoncryingshame，triumphedoverDr。Burney’sloveofcourts。HedeterminedthatFrancesshouldwritealetterofresignation。Itwaswithdifficultythat，thoughherlifewasatstake，shemusteredspirittoputthepaperintotheQueen’shands。\"Icouldnot，\"sorunstheDiary，\"summoncouragetopresentmymemorial;myheartalwaysfailedmefromseeingtheQueen’sentirefreedomfromsuchanexpectation。ForthoughIwasfrequentlysoillinherpresencethatIcouldhardlystand，I
sawsheconcludedme，whileliferemained，inevitablyhers。\"
Atlastwithatremblinghandthepaperwasdelivered。Thencamethestorm。Juno，asintheAeneid，delegatedtheworkofvengeancetoAlecto。TheQueenwascalmandgentle;butMadameSchwellenbergravedlikeamaniacintheincurablewardofBedlam！Suchinsolence！Suchingratitude！Suchfolly！WouldMissBurneybringutterdestructiononherselfandherfamily？Wouldshethrowawaytheinestimableadvantageofroyalprotection？
Wouldshepartwithprivilegeswhich，oncerelinquished，couldneverberegained？Itwasidletotalkofhealthandlife。Ifpeoplecouldnotliveinthepalace，thebestthingthatcouldbefallthemwastodieinit。Theresignationwasnotaccepted。
Thelanguageofthemedicalmenbecamestrongerandstronger。Dr。
Burney’sparentalfearswerefullyroused;andheexplicitlydeclared，inalettermeanttobeshowntotheQueen，thathisdaughtermustretire。TheSchwellenbergragedlikeawildcat。\"A
scenealmosthorribleensued，\"saysMissBurney。\"Shewastoomuchenragedfordisguise，andutteredthemostfuriousexpressionsofindignantcontemptatourproceedings。IamsureshewouldgladlyhaveconfinedusbothintheBastile，hadEnglandsuchamisery，asafitplacetobringustoourselves，fromadaringsooutrageousagainstimperialwishes。\"Thispassagedeservesnotice，asbeingtheonlyoneintheDiary，sofaraswehaveobserved，whichshowsMissBurneytohavebeenawarethatshewasanativeofafreecountry，thatshecouldnotbepressedforawaiting—maidagainstherwill，andthatshehadjustasgoodarighttolive，ifshechose，inSaintMartin’sStreet，asQueenCharlottehadtoliveatSaintJames’s。
TheQueenpromisedthat，afterthenextbirthday，MissBurneyshouldbesetatliberty。Butthepromisewasillkept;andherMajestyshoweddispleasureatbeingremindedofit。AtlengthFranceswasinformedthatinafortnightherattendanceshouldcease。\"Iheardthis，\"shesays，\"withafearfulpresentimentI
shouldsurelynevergothroughanotherfortnight，insoweakandlanguishingandpainfulastateofhealth……Asthetimeofseparationapproached，theQueen’scordialityratherdiminished，andtracesofinternaldispleasureappearedsometimes，arisingfromanopinionIoughtrathertohavestruggledon，liveordie，thantoquither。YetIamsureshesawhowpoorwasmyownchance，exceptbyachangeinthemodeoflife，andatleastceasedtowonder，thoughshecouldnotapprove。\"SweetQueen！
Whatnoblecandour，toadmitthattheundutifulnessofpeople，whodidnotthinkthehonourofadjustinghertuckersworththesacrificeoftheirownlives，was，thoughhighlycriminal，notaltogetherunnatural！
WeperfectlyunderstandherMajesty’scontemptforthelivesofotherswhereherownpleasurewasconcerned。ButwhatpleasureshecanhavefoundinhavingMissBurneyabouther，itisnotsoeasytocomprehend。ThatMissBurneywasaneminentlyskilfulkeeperoftherobesisnotveryprobable。Fewwomen，indeed，hadpaidlessattentiontodress。Nowandthen，inthecourseoffiveyears，shehadbeenaskedtoreadaloudortowriteacopyofverses。Butbetterreadersmighteasilyhavebeenfound:andherverseswereworsethaneventhePoetLaureate’sBirthdayOdes。
Perhapsthateconomy，whichwasamongherMajesty’smostconspicuousvirtues，hadsomethingtodowithherconductonthisoccasion。MissBurneyhadneverhintedthatsheexpectedaretiringpension;andindeedwouldgladlyhavegiventhelittlethatshehadforfreedom。ButherMajestyknewwhatthepublicthought，andwhatbecameherowndignity。Shecouldnotforveryshamesufferawomanofdistinguishedgenius，whohadquittedalucrativecareertowaitonher，whohadservedherfaithfullyforapittanceduringfiveyears，andwhoseconstitutionhadbeenimpairedbylabourandwatching，toleavetheCourtswithoutsomemarkofroyalliberality。GeorgetheThird，who，onalloccasionswhereMissBurneywasconcerned，seemstohavebehavedlikeanhonest，good—naturedgentleman，feltthis，andsaidplainlythatshewasentitledtoaprovision。