But in private, Victoria's conversation box was obviously opened.
She asked with concern, "Are you feeling better? I heard that after I left the hospital that day, you fainted again."
What was called fainting was actually Sir Arthur Hastings falling asleep due to staying up all night the previous day. He smiled calmly and said, "Her Majesty's concern is the best remedy for recovery. Moreover, I think the doctor's diagnosis might be a bit exaggerated; in my view, I've long been fully recovered."
Victoria nodded as if she was relieved, but she still couldn't help but ask, "But why don't you rest a few more days? Even if the Buckingham Palace concert is delayed because of this, I will never blame you."
"Duty calls, Your Majesty," Arthur's reply was straightforward: "Moreover, this is the first major cultural event since your accession, and I don't wish for Your Majesty's first concert to leave any regrets."
