The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
But in any case the yeoman had had enough of his conversation, and was indeed already
making with all speed from the hateful spot. His great limbs trembled as though he were
smitten with the ague; his cheeks burned, his broad chest heaved — he could scarce
breathe, so oppressed was he with a suffocating sense of rage and shame. Oh God! that
she should thus disgrace herself and him. What would be the end? He must take her
away, he must carry her away — if needs were, he could carry her away; but — how to
obtain access to her? She had chosen her retreat cunningly. In his present mood he could
force his way into any private house; but how penetrate into the presence of the Prince?
Why had he not fought for her when she was actually within reach, instead of standing
like one paralysed? Now every moment that passed increased the danger which
threatened her and strengthened the barrier between them. Oh, could he but throw his
arms about her — could he but hold her once again face to face, he would make her
hear and heed him! As he ran or, rather, staggered onward through the night, his lips, in
his extreme need, half unconsciously uttered the old prayer: "My God, my God, give her
to me!"
All at once an idea came to him: he would consult Mrs. Fitzherbert He had promised to
wait upon her if he should have matter of importance to communicate, and she had
announced her willingness to receive him at any hour. She perhaps, who best knew the
temper of her Royal Lord, could direct Simon as to the course of action most advisable
for him to pursue in the present emergency.
[374]
Without a moment’s hesitation he turned in the direction of the lady’s house, which, at
his request, had been pointed out to him that afternoon, and lost no time in gaining
admitance to her presence. It was then nearly ten o’clock and the servant seemed
surprised at Simon’s seeking an audience at so late an hour. But Fleetwood’s positive
assurance that his mistress expected him prevalued and he led the way into a small anteroom,
divided by heavy curtains from a larger room beyond. Simon remained standing
near the door, and the man was going forward to announce him when the curtains were
drawn apart and a pretty little girl of about seven or eight years old ran through, calling
joyfully, “Prinnie! Is that my Prinnie?”