Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/217

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ETHEL CHURCHILL.
215

downfal of the House of Hanover. At last a little page made his appearance, and stated, that Miss Churchill's company was requested by her grace. She followed her little guide through a number of galleries till she found herself in a large bed-chamber, by whose fireplace both Mrs. Churchill and the duchess were seated.

"I sent for you, my dear," said her grandmother, "that you might be as favoured as myself."

Both ladies rose with a mysterious air: and her grace, first carefully looking round, and then locking her door, touched a spring in the wall. The panel flew back, and discovered a small secret chamber, hung with purple velvet, and lighted by one large lamp.

"It burns night and day," said her grace, entering, followed by her companions. The duchess then drew a curtain aside, which concealed a portrait of the Pretender. She dropped on her knee, and her example was followed by Mrs. Churchill, and also by Ethel, who consoled herself by thinking that if it was