DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

( 36 ) couple started for Rome. At first matters went fairly well. The Cardinal of York procured them a royal entry into the Eternal City; and although the aristocracy of Rome refused to acknowledge their regal title, they showed profuse hospitality, and during the winter the Prince, proud of his beautiful wife and ever at her side, mixed largely in society. The Princess is thus described by one who saw her at that time: ‘The Queen of Hearts, as the Queen of England was called, was of the middle height, blonde, with deep blue eyes, a nose slightly turned up, the complexion dazzlingly fair, like that of an Englishwoman. Her expression was maliciously gay, but naturally not without a dash of raillery; her nature more French than German. She seemed made to turn everybody’s head. The Pretender was large, lean, of a kindly disposi- tion, talkative. He delighted to speak English, and spoke much and willingly of his adventures, interesting enough for a stranger, whilst those about him might possibly have been obliged to listen to them a hundred times. His young wife laughed heartily at the history of his having been dis- guised in woman’s clothes, considering his mien and stature.’ It was fondly imagined that under the influence of the Princess, and the distractions of the gay life on which they had entered, Charles had now become