We shook hands, however--it was the only thing to do--and Mr.Mafferton said this was indeed a surprise as if it were the most ordinary thing possible.

Mrs.
Portheris looked on at our greeting with an air of objecting to things she had not been taught to expect, and remarked that she had no idea Mr.
Mafferton was one of my London acquaintances.

"But then," she continued in a tone of just reproach, "I saw so little of you during your season in town that you might have made the Queen's acquaintance and all the Royal Family, and I should have been none the wiser." It was too much to expect of one's momma that she should let an opportunity like that slip, and mine took hold of it with both hands.
"I believe my daughter did make Victoria's acquaintance, Mrs.
Portheris," said she, "and we were all very pleased about it.

Your Queen has a very good reputation in our country.

We think her a wise sovereign and a perfect lady.