"
At these words they all rose and bowed low, while John and his wife did
the same, and then sat down, and ate a good dinner.
After the dinner was over, the Prince summoned John Duddlestone to the
Queen.
At her command John knelt before her, and she laid a sword lightly on
his shoulder, with the words, "Rise up, Sir John Duddlestone"; and the
simple, kind-hearted bodice-maker of Bristol rose up a knight.
His wife stood by, watching with eagerness, and could hardly believe
that from plain Mistress Duddlestone she had become Lady Duddlestone.
She would, have been very proud if the Queen had laid the sword upon her
also; but she heard that was not needed. However, she was made very
happy by being called to the Queen's side.
"Lady Duddlestone," said Her Majesty, "allow me to present you with my
gold watch, in remembrance of your visit to St. James' Palace, and of
the Prince's visit to Bristol, which led to our knowing two such loyal
and courteous subjects."
Lady Duddlestone bowed lower and lower, almost unable to find any words
in which to express her gratitude.
A gold watch! Was it possible? Watches were not common in those times.
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