When she arrived nearly at the other extremity of the platform--that which was opposite to the central pavilion--her further progress was arrested by a file of about a dozen soldiers, who were suddenly ordered to form across the platform. Her Majesty then quitted it, and went straight on to the House of Lords on foot, there to repeat the same request, and with the same success.
In about twenty minutes she returned, and having ordered the top of her carriage to be taken down, rode off, amid the astonishment and acclamations of the people.
We subjoin the following account from the _Courier_ of her Majesty's reception at the door of Westminster Abbey:--
"LORD HOOD having desired admission for her Majesty, the door-keepers drew across the entrance, and requested to see the tickets.
"LORD HOOD.--I present you your Queen; surely it is not necessary for her to have a ticket.
"Door-keeper.--Our orders are to admit no person without a peer's ticket.
"LORD HOOD.--This is your Queen: she is entitled to admission without such a form.
"The QUEEN, smiling, but still in some agitation--Yes, I am your Queen, will you admit me?
"Door-keeper.--My orders are specific, and I feel myself bound to obey them.
"Door-keeper.--Then, my Lord, we will let you pass upon producing it.
"Lord Hood now drew from his pocket a peer's ticket for one person; the original name in whose favour it was drawn was erased, and the name of 'Wellington' substituted.
"Door-keeper.--This will let one person pass, but no more.
"LORD HOOD.--Will your Majesty go in alone?
"Her Majesty at first assented, but did not persevere,
"LORD HOOD.--Am I to understand that you refuse her Majesty admission?
"Door-keeper.--We only act in conformity with our orders.
"LORD HOOD.--Then you refuse the Queen admission?
"A door-keeper of a superior order then came forward, and was asked by Lord Hood whether any preparations had been made for her Majesty? He was answered respectfully in the negative.
"LORD HOOD.--Will your Majesty enter the Abbey without your ladies?
"Lord Hood then said, that her Majesty had better retire to her carriage. It was clear no provision had been made for her accommodation.
"Some persons within the porch of the Abbey laughed, and uttered some expressions of disrespect.