And while absorbed in this communion Mistress Dudley heard the tramp of many footsteps in the street , and , looking out at the window , beheld what she construed as the royal governor 's arrival . `` Oh , happy day ! Oh , blessed , blessed hour ! '' she exclaimed . `` Let me but bid him welcome within the portal , and my task in the province-house and on earth is done . '' Then , with tottering feet which age and tremulous joy caused to tread amiss , she hurried down the grand staircase , her silks sweeping and rustling as she went ; so that the sound was as if a train of special courtiers were thronging from the dim mirror . And Esther Dudley fancied that as soon as the wide door should be flung open all the pomp and splendor of bygone times would pace majestically into the province-house and the gilded tapestry of the past would be brightened by the sunshine of the present . She turned the key , withdrew it from the lock , unclosed the door and stepped across the threshold . Advancing up the court-yard appeared a person of most dignified mien , with tokens , as Esther interpreted them , of gentle blood , high rank and long-accustomed authority even in his walk and every gesture . He was richly dressed , but wore a gouty shoe , which , however , did not lessen the stateliness of his gait . Around and behind him were people in plain civic dresses and two or three war-worn veterans -- evidently officers of rank -- arrayed in a uniform of blue and buff . But Esther Dudley , firm in the belief that had fastened its roots about her heart , beheld only the principal personage , and never doubted that this was the long-looked-for governor to whom she was to surrender up her charge . As he approached she involuntarily sank down on her knees and tremblingly held forth the heavy key . `` Receive my trust ! Take it quickly , '' cried she , `` for methinks Death is striving to snatch away my triumph . But he conies too late . Thank Heaven for this blessed hour ! God save King George ! '' `` That , madam , is a strange prayer to be offered up at such a moment , '' replied the unknown guest of the province-house , and , courteously removing his hat , he offered his arm to raise the aged woman . `` Yet , in reverence for your gray hairs and long-kept faith , Heaven forbid that any here should say you nay .
Over the realms which still acknowledge his sceptre , God save XXXXX George ! ''
Dudley Esther King court-yard day hour methinks province-house silks stateliness