‘At near one o’clock in the morning, while the wardrobe-woman was pinning up the Queen’s hair, there was a sudden rap-tap at the dressing-room door. Extremely surprised, I looked at the Queen, to see what should be done; she did not speak. I had never heard such a sound before, for at the royal doors there is always a particular kind of scratch used, instead of tapping. I heard it, however, again, and the Queen called out, “What is that?” I was really startled, not conceiving who could take so strange a liberty as to come to the Queen’s apartment without the announcing of a page; and no page, I was very sure, would make such a noise. Again the sound was repeated, and more smartly. I grew quite alarmed, imagining some serious evil at hand, either regarding the King or some of the Princesses. The Queen, however, bid me open the door. I did; and what was my surprise to see there a large man, in an immense wrapping great-coat, buttoned up round his chin, so that he was almost hid between cape and hat. I stood quite motionless for a moment; but he, as if also surprised, drew back. I felt quite sick with sudden terror--I really thought some ruffian had broken into the house, or a madman. “Who is it?” cried the Queen. “I do not know, ma’am,” I answered. “Who is it?” she called aloud; and then, taking off his hat, entered the Prince of Wales. The Queen laughed very much, and so did I too, happy in this unexpected explanation. He told her eagerly that he only came to inform her there were the most beautiful northern lights to be seen that could possibly be imagined, and begged her to come to the gallery windows.’[5] CHAPTER VII. SHADOWS IN THE SUNSHINE. The Princess Amelia--Her connection with the Duke of Grafton-- Beau Nash and the Princess--Her despotism as Ranger of Richmond Park--Checked by Mr. Bird--A Scene at her Loo-table--Her fondness for stables--Her eccentric Costume--Inordinate love of Snuff--Her Death--Conduct of the Princes--The King’s Illness--Graphic picture of the state of affairs--Lord Thurlow’s treachery--Heartlessness of the Prince--Deplorable condition of the Queen--The King delirious--Particulars of his Illness--Dr. Warren--Melancholy scene--The King wheedled away to Kew--Placed under Dr. Willis--The Prince and Lord Lothian eavesdroppers--The King’s Recovery--The King unexpectedly encounters Miss Burney.