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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/76816-0.txt b/76816-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e6ce592 --- /dev/null +++ b/76816-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,19596 @@ + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76816 *** + + + + + + THE + GREAT ROXHYTHE + + + + + THE + GREAT ROXHYTHE + + + BY + GEORGETTE HEYER + + + Author of + “The Black Moth: A Romance of the XVIIIth Century” + + + “_Under which King, Bezonian?_” + --_King Henry IV. Part II_ + + + + + BOSTON + SMALL, MAYNARD AND COMPANY + PUBLISHERS + + + + + COPYRIGHT, 1923 + BY SMALL, MAYNARD & COMPANY + (INCORPORATED) + + + Printed in the United States of America + + THE MURRAY PRINTING COMPANY + CAMBRIDGE, MASS. + + BOUND BY THE BOSTON BOOKBINDING COMPANY + CAMBRIDGE, MASS. + + + + + TO + MY MOTHER AND FATHER + + + + + CONTENTS + +CHAPTER PAGE + I--THE KING AND HIS FAVOURITE 1 + II--THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS 10 + III--CHRISTOPHER DART 19 + IV--FLUSHING 30 + V--MYNHEER DE STAAL 42 + VI--RODERICK DART 51 + VII--WILLIAM OF ORANGE 56 + VIII--THE AMIABLE MR. MILWARD PERPLEXED 67 + IX--THE KING OF ENGLAND 76 + BOOK II--THE WAYS DIVERGE + I--JANUARY, 1669 85 + II--THE OFFER 97 + III--HER LADYSHIP 110 + IV--HER LADYSHIP’S PERPLEXITY 116 + V--LADY CREWE 120 + VI--THE PRICE 126 + VII--THE FIRST SEED OF DOUBT 132 + VIII--MADAME 141 + IX--THE GROWTH OF THE SEED 153 + X--MAY, 1670 160 + XI--UNREST 168 + BOOK III--QUO VADIS? + I--WHITEHALL 177 + II--THE HUSBAND 184 + III--THE CHALLENGE 194 + IV--PROGRESSION 202 + V--THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS 211 + VI--THE KING HIS WILL 224 + VII--THE HAND OF FATE 232 + VIII--THE AMIABLE MR. MILWARD AGAIN 242 + IX--DISILLUSIONMENT 252 + X--THE BITTER HOUR 264 + BOOK IV--THE ONE PART + I--THE NEW MASTER 275 + II--THE COMING OF WILLIAM 285 + III--LA KEROUALLE 296 + IV--THE MEETING 304 + V--DISCORD 310 + VI--THE DECISION 320 + VII--THE REVENGE 323 + VIII--THE HAVEN 326 + BOOK V--THE OTHER PART + I--THE TRIPLE GAME 339 + II--THE SCHEMERS 347 + III--AGITATIONS 353 + IV--THE KING HIS TRIUMPH 360 + V--PLOTS 365 + VI--MONMOUTH 375 + VII--FEBRUARY, 1685 383 + VIII--THE LOSING GAME 392 + IX--THE SUNDERLANDS 399 + X--THE SHOT 407 + XI--THE GREAT ROXHYTHE 412 + + + + + THE + GREAT ROXHYTHE + + + + + CHAPTER I + + THE KING AND HIS FAVOURITE + + +A LARGE gentleman was strolling from group to group in one of the great +galleries of Whitehall. He was very exquisite, this gentleman, adorned +with all the coloured silks, velvets and furbelows which that Year of +Grace, 1668, demanded. A great peruke was on his head, with flowing, +dark curls that reached over his breast and below his shoulders. He +carried his plumed hat in his hand, and at times he made great play +with it, as if to point some witty remark. At other times he opened his +jewelled comfit-box with a delicate flick of his wrist, and selected, +with some care, a tinted sweetmeat. Once or twice he swept a low bow to +some lady of his acquaintance, but for the most part he was occupied +with the courtiers who were present, always lazily smiling, and with +his brown eyes bored and expressionless. His height, and the breadth +of his shoulders made him easily distinguishable in the gay throng, so +that those who wished to speak to him soon found where he was standing, +and made their way towards him. He was the Most Noble the Marquis of +Roxhythe, the King’s favourite and the ladies’ darling, and his name +was on many lips. + +No longer in his first youth, my lord had nothing to learn in the way +of polish. He was the perfect courtier, combining grace and insolence +even more successfully than his Grace of Buckingham. His brow was +incomparable; his air French; his wit spicy; his tailoring beyond +words, remarkable. Even in those days of splendour and unlimited +extravagance he was said to be fabulously wealthy. + +All this was enough to gain him popularity, but yet another asset was +his. This was the ear of the King. + +For no one did Charles cherish quite so warm a regard. He had never +been heard to speak harshly to the favourite, and the favourite had +never been heard to take a liberty with his good-natured master. He had +been with Charles on his travels; had fought at his side at Worcester, +had entered London in his train in 1660, and was now one of the most +influential men in town. + +He was something of an enigma. As indolent and as licentious as his +royal master, possessing strong personal magnetism, many engaging +qualities, and excellent abilities, he never interested himself in +the affairs of the moment nor exercised his influence either for his +own ends or for those of some “party.” He belonged to none of the +factions; he was no statesman; his lazy unconcern was widely known. +He never plotted, and never worried himself over the affairs of the +State. He had few friends, and some enemies. The King’s brother, the +Duke of York, openly disliked him for the influence he held over +Charles; influence that his Grace did not possess; influence that +might be turned against him. Many of the courtiers covertly hated him +for this same reason, but no one, for some inexplicable reason, ever +intentionally annoyed him. + +This afternoon, as he walked through the gallery, he found that the +conversation was more serious than was either seemly or usual. On all +sides was talk of the Triple Alliance with Holland and Spain which the +King had signed but a few weeks ago. No one could quite understand why +Charles had done this, but nearly everyone was pleased. Uneasy patriots +who feared the French King’s yoke saw in this new bond a safeguard +against France and a safeguard against the attacks of the Dutch; while +the fervent religious party who had murmured at the King’s marriage to +a Papist and at his good-humoured toleration of the Catholic religion +thought this Protestant alliance a proof of Charles’ good faith. + +The King occupied himself so little with affairs that many of +the men who surrounded him came to the conclusion that he had had +no mind of his own in the matter, but had blindly followed his +ministers’ instructions. Others who had more insight into the King’s +nimble, competent brain confessed themselves at a loss to explain +his concurrence with a bond which must surely be disadvantageous to +himself. These were his intimates; men who had some conception of +the King’s friendship with his cousin Louis, and a knowledge of the +condition of his private purse. They wondered, and surmised, and +exchanged glances, but they were few in number, and the majority of +men thought the King an indolent prince with no head for business and +certainly no taste for intricate intrigue. + +It seemed that the only man at Whitehall that afternoon who neither +wondered nor surmised but who was content to receive the news placidly +and without argument, was, as usual, Lord Roxhythe. He spent his time +turning aside solemn questions as to his opinion of the bond by a +series of flippant rejoiners. He grew weary at last of trying to turn +men’s thoughts into lighter and more congenial channels, and withdrew +to the side of Mrs. Chester, one of the Queen’s ladies. There he +remained, and was exchanging languid badinage with her when a page +broke in on the gathering about the lady’s couch and bowed low. + +His Majesty desired my lord to go to him at once. + +It was no unusual thing for Charles to summon his favourite to him +privately, and no one thought it a matter for suspicion; not even Sir +Thomas Killigrew who was unreasonably jealous of his rival. + +My Lord Roxhythe cast an appealing glance at Mrs. Chester, and rose. + +“Oh well, sir!” shrugged the lady with a little _moue_ of +pretended anger. “I know you will never stay by my side when His +Majesty calls!” + +“Sweetheart,” retorted Roxhythe, audaciously, “I would stay by your +side as I could, but seeing that I may not, how can I?” + +Mrs. Chester laughed immoderately at this, flirting her fan. + +“You confound me with your woulds and coulds, sir! I know not the +answer to your riddle, yet if I command your company...?” + +“Then on two sides my company is demanded, and on the both by Royalty.” + +“How?” she dimpled. + +“Why, Fairest, if His Majesty is King of England, you are the Queen of +Beauty, and I know not whose claim be the stronger.” + +As Mrs. Chester was no more than ordinarily good looking, this fulsome +compliment pleased her very much. + +“And so what would you do?” + +“I would compromise, sweet.” + +“Compromise! I do not think I like the word. But how?” + +Roxhythe picked up his hat and gloves and bowed. + +“I would take you with me to His Majesty so you might both have my +company.” + +Her laughter followed him across the gallery as he walked in the wake +of the page to the King’s private closet. + +Charles sat at his desk, his chin in his hand, but at Roxhythe’s entry +he rose and came forward, hands outstretched. + +Roxhythe took them in his, carrying them to his lips. + +“Ye are recovered from your indisposition, Davy?” asked the King +affectionately. “Do you know that ’tis five days since I have seen you?” + +“Do I not, Sir!” smiled Roxhythe. + +“And even now I have to send for you because you do not come! What ill +usage is this, David?” + +“None, Sir,” was the prompt reply. “I have been a suppliant at your +door, and turned away because that Your Majesty was greatly occupied +with State affairs.” + +“They had no orders to turn you away, David! Odds-life, but one would +think the business of more account than you!” + +“One might,” conceded Roxhythe, and laughed. “They would have announced +me, but hearing of Your Majesty’s occupation, I forbad them.” + +“You think so much of business!” sighed the King. “Well, I have been +with my nose to the grindstone all the morning and I am not finished +with it yet. Sit down, Davy!” He returned to the desk. + +Roxhythe chose a seat opposite him and laid down his hat. + +Charles’ heavy face was overcast. His melancholy eyes, resting on the +favourite’s face, were frowning. Roxhythe raised his brows, and leaned +back in his chair. + +“David,” said the King, at last, “I am in something of a quandary.” + +Roxhythe said nothing. + +“If I do not obtain money soon I am like to be in a worse one. This +Dutch alliance is of no use to me.” + +“Well, we always knew that, Sir. You’ve commands for me?” + +“A request.” + +“Name it, Sire.” + +“Gently, Roxhythe! There is much ye must understand first.” + +Roxhythe drew closer to the desk. + +“This is a secret matter, Sir?” + +“For the present, yes. David, the matter is this: very soon I must have +means, or I fall. The Commons will grant me nothing, nor will I ask +them. There is Louis....” He paused. + +Roxhythe made a little gesture of distaste. + +“You are adverse from dealing with the French King, ah? Well, so am I. +I’ve no mind to bear his yoke on my shoulders, for I believe it would +tax my ingenuity to its uttermost to out-wit him. That he would jump to +the movement of my finger I know. Yet ...” Again he paused. + +“You do not wish to put England under his thumb, Sir?” + +“I do not wish to put myself under his thumb, Roxhythe. His Christian +Majesty is very grasping. So I am forced to think of another +alternative.” + +“Well, Sir?” + +“My nephew.” + +For an instant Roxhythe was puzzled. Then his eyes narrowed. + +“William of Orange.” + +Charles nodded. + +“You see the possibilities of the idea?” + +“I see a great many impossibilities, Sir.” + +“You are not over encouraging, Roxhythe. You have not heard what is in +my mind as yet.” + +Roxhythe bowed. + +“I am waiting for Your Majesty to expound.” + +“It is this. De Witt rules Holland, and he holds my nephew prisoner. +Yet I have good reason to believe that his position is none too safe. +Already there are murmurings among the people. Nassau is always +Nassau--in Holland. If William were to rise up ’gainst Their High +Mightinesses the mob would flock to his standard. The mob’s memory +is never of the longest. In the face of his present unpopularity, it +would forget the good De Witt wrought in Holland, and stand again for +the Orange. With an English army to back him William might very easily +overthrow De Witt and take his rightful place as Stadtholder. He might +even be made King.” + +“And the price, Sir?” + +“Tribute paid to me, yearly.” + +“So you will hold the Provinces as a subsidiary state to England?” + +“Ostensibly. Enough to satisfy Ashley.” + +“Ashley. So he is in the plot?” + +Charles shrugged. + +“To some extent. He does not know my whole mind. He sees advancement +for himself in it. And the Country’s good. A patriot, this Ashley.” + +“And who else knows of the thing, Sir?” + +The King moved a little uneasily. + +“Buckingham,” he answered shortly. + +“Your Majesty trusts that man too much.” + +The King’s eyes flashed. + +“My Majesty does not brook correction, Roxhythe.” + +“Your pardon, Sir.” + +One of the dogs barked in its sleep and growled. + +The King leant forward again. + +“In Holland to-day there is a strong Orangist party. Influential men, +some of them ...” he mentioned names.... “And a few of the richer +tradesmen. Not so many of that class. ’Tis the noblemen and the mob +who are for the Orange, but the burghers stand by De Witt. If Louis +presently invades the Low Countries, as I believe he will do, De +Witt’s position becomes the more insecure. The mob will blame him for +the invasion, and turn to rend him. Then were the time to produce the +Prince, with a small force at his back. England would approve it, and +in such a way I might become independent of Louis.” + +“It is a pretty scheme, Sir,” said Roxhythe slowly. “But one point Your +Majesty overlooks.” + +“What is it?” + +“The Prince himself, Sir.” + +Charles brushed the objection aside. + +“A mere boy. My bait should be tempting enough.” + +“Have you considered that others may have dangled that same bait?” + +“Louis. Assuredly. But on my side there is this: I am his uncle; +England is Protestant, as he is. Louis is Catholic, and the blood-tie +is not so close.” + +“You are sure, too, that the Prince is amenable to bribes, Sir?” + +The sombre look faded from the King’s face. He showed his teeth in a +smile of pure mischief. + +“Roxhythe, Roxhythe, have ye forgot he is a Stuart?” + +The favourite laughed. + +“No, Sir. Nor that he is also a Nassau.” + +“A proud race,” nodded the King. “Still, his youth stands me in good +stead.” + +“He may have older and wiser councillors, Sir, not easy to dazzle.” + +“I never yet met a statesman I could not bribe,” replied the King +cynically. + +A smile flickered across Roxhythe’s mouth. + +“What will you bribe them with, Sir? I thought ’twas Your Majesty who +required money.” + +“I am prepared to spend some money that I may obtain more,” retorted +the King. “I believe the Commons would assist me for such a cause.” + +“All things are possible, Sir,” said Roxhythe pessimistically. + +“So I think. But first I must know my nephew his mind. From all I can +gather he is a youth of parts. I would lay my proposition before him, +for without his consent nothing is possible.” + +Roxhythe twisted his rings. + +“And so we come to the part I have to play.” + +Charles glanced at him affectionately. + +“I would not press you, David. I but request.” + +My lord’s lips twitched. + +“Your Majesty knows I can refuse you nothing,” he said. + +The King put out his hand quickly. + +“Ah, David! If I had more about me of your loyalty!” + +“Then, Sir, were I not so favoured,” smiled Roxhythe. “I am to go to +the Hague?” + +“Ay. You will bear a packet containing the--bribe--as writ by Ashley. +But you know my mind as he does not, and you will plead my cause with +the Prince yourself. Remember I am set on this thing if it may be +brought about.” + +Roxhythe stood up. + +“I will serve you to the best of my ability, Sir. My instructions, I +suppose, I receive from _Messieurs_ Ashley and Villiers?” + +“They await you in the room opposite. Roxhythe, my displeasure will be +very great if you anger these men! Already they do not like it that I +have chosen you for messenger, and I will have no petty quarrelling! +Remember you are my friend!” He rose also, and extended his hand. He +was a very great Prince. + +Roxhythe kissed his fingers. + +“I will bear your words in mind, Sir. But I never quarrel.” + +“No,” admitted the King, laughing. “But you have a damned annoying air +about you!” + +“That is possible,” agreed my lord placidly, and left the presence. + +Outside he paused, and glanced down the corridor. There was no one in +sight. + +“Ashley and Villiers,” he murmured. “What ails my little master?” + + + + + CHAPTER II + + THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS + + +BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from +time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair +man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an +enormous periwig. His dress and appointments were rich and heavily +perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé. He +wore salmon-pink with silver facings and silver ribands. His coat was +marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to +allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of +Mechlin. His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt +of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered +over it. + +In all a handsome, foppish gentleman, with just enough of dare-devilry +and charm in his manner to soften the slightly repellent insolence that +characterized him. His Grace of Buckingham. + +Standing by the window was Lord Ashley-Cooper. His lordship laid no +claim to either personal beauty or charm. Even at that time his face +was lined and pinched, and his manner lacked the courtier’s polish. +His dress was plain, judged by the standards of the day, and something +careless in appearance. He neither toyed with comfits, nor hummed to +pass the time, as did His Grace of Buckingham, but signs of impatience +he showed in the way his foot tapped the ground, and in the twitching +of his thin lips. + +Villiers studied him amusedly. + +Then Roxhythe came into the room. + +Both men turned, and Buckingham dragged himself from his chair, yawning +behind his scented handkerchief. + +Ashley bowed stiffly. It struck Roxhythe that he was not at ease. He +wondered what the man really knew of the King’s designs: whether he +was playing into the King’s hands deliberately. Roxhythe was slightly +acquainted with him, but he saw that Ashley’s bow was not cordial. He +returned it, making great play with his plumed hat. Then he bowed to +His Grace. + +And there they stood, Buckingham obviously amused; Roxhythe quite +impassive, sustaining his bow; and Ashley very uncomfortable. Yet it +was he who spoke the first word. + +“My Lord Roxhythe, we are greatly honoured. Pray will you not be +seated?” His voice was harsh but not unsympathetic. + +Roxhythe ended his bow with a flourish. He deposited his hat on a +chair, laid his gloves on the brim, and sat down at the table, making +a gesture with his hand to two other chairs. In that moment he became +master of the situation. + +Buckingham stretched himself in his original place and ate another +comfit. Roxhythe caught the exasperated glance that Ashley flung at him +and chuckled inwardly. Charles had chosen an ill-matched couple for the +business. + +“Gentlemen, I await your convenience,” he said. + +Buckingham passed his comfit-box to Ashley, who sat nearest him. + +“May I not tempt you, my lord? I assure--” + +“I thank your Grace, no!” said Ashley, curtly. + +“Then my Lord Roxhythe?” + +Roxhythe accepted a violet-tinted sweetmeat, and handed the box back to +his Grace. + +Villiers watched him anxiously. + +“A delicate flavour, you’ll agree, my lord? I have scoured London and +not found another maker to rival this one.” + +Roxhythe lifted his hand. + +“I seem to catch the name in the flavour, sir ... Champlin--no.... Ah! +Tonier!” + +“You’re right,” nodded Buckingham. “Tonier. I set great store by my +comfits.” + +Ashley interrupted at this, seeing that Roxhythe seemed disposed to +continue the subject. + +“Gentlemen, we have met to discuss more important matters than your +sweetmeats!” he said quickly. + +Haughtily Buckingham raised his eyebrows. Then he let them fall again, +and yawned. + +“My Lord Roxhythe will forgive the abruptness,” he drawled. “I shall +hope to continue our little conversation another time, sir.” + +“Your Grace still gives me something to live for,” replied Roxhythe +sweetly. + +Ashley brought his clenched fist down on the table. + +“Gentlemen, gentlemen!” he cried. “I must beseech your attention!” +Instantly Roxhythe turned to him. + +“Your pardon, my lord! I stand rebuked. Well, I have had speech with +His Majesty.” He sat back, waiting for Ashley to speak. + +“Oh, have you so?” asked Buckingham sleepily. “How doth His Majesty? I +have not seen him in these two days.” + +“Very well, sir--considering....” + +Ashley flashed angrily. + +“Well, sirs! And is this the time or the place to bandy questions +concerning His Majesty’s health? We are here on business of great +importance----” + +Buckingham was moved to sit up. + +“My lord! His Majesty’s health----” + +“Is of great moment, your Grace, as I am perfectly well aware! But +we have no time to waste now! We must come to our business at once! +Already we waste time with all this talk of sweetmeats and----” + +“Gentlemen, I beg you not to quarrel here, in His Majesty’s +apartments,” interposed Roxhythe very coldly. “My lord, if you will +give me your attention for one moment!” + +Before Ashley, indignant at the implied reproof, had time to do more +than open his mouth, Roxhythe had begun to speak, concisely, but with +the air of one bored beyond measure. + +“His Majesty did me the honour of requesting my presence this morning, +when he did propound to me a scheme which he hath in mind. This I +need not speak of to you, gentlemen, for I know that you are party +to the intrigue.” Here he bowed. “His Majesty further honoured me +by commanding my services in the matter, desiring me to be his +messenger to his nephew, the Prince of Orange. This I did undertake, +and His Majesty at once commanded me to seek you out for the further +propounding of the matter. Allow me to say also, gentlemen, that I am +entirely at your disposal.” + +“Very prettily said,” commented his Grace, opening one eye. “I swear I +could not reel it off so pat.” + +“I gather, my lord, that His Majesty apprised you of our intentions?” + +“His Majesty told me that Prince William was to be cozened to our side, +and the Provinces to pay yearly tribute to England.” + +“That is so.” + +Roxhythe felt Buckingham’s eyes upon him. He knew then that Charles had +made no secret of his intentions to the Duke. As yet he could not judge +of Ashley’s knowledge, but he thought it unlikely that this man should +be privy to the King’s aims. + +“I see you know it all,” continued Ashley. “It but remains to arrange +that you depart in such a way that the French Ambassador’s spies shall +not suspect you; and to read you your instruction.” + +Roxhythe bowed. + +“His Majesty desires you to travel by sea to Flushing, where it is +believed your lordship has friends.” + +Again Roxhythe bowed. + +“You are to journey to the Hague, but in such a way as to excite +no suspicion. So the first day you will ride no further than +Bergen-op-Zoom; the second to Gertruydenberg; the third to Rotterdam, +and so to the Hague itself. We leave to your discretion the time you +spend in each of these towns. It is possible you may have to allay +suspicion by remaining in each some days. It is almost certain that +you will be spied upon. If the Duke of York, or the French Ambassador, +M. de Rouvigny, were to hear of the affair, they would do all in their +power to stop you gaining access to the Prince. When you are come at +length to the Hague you will in some way----” + +“Which we leave to your discretion, knowing none ourselves,” put in +Buckingham. + +“----in some way gain entrance to the palace. You must deliver the King +his packet into the Prince his hands, and bring back an answer. That is +the whole plan in rough, my lord.” + +“Neat, eh, my lord?” said Buckingham lazily. “You must take care, +however, to allay the spies’ suspicion. In all probability they will be +with you on the boat, but no doubt you will contrive to shake them off +during the journey, even as they do arrive at the Hague to meet you.” + +Ashley broke in. + +“The other matter, which is of great importance, my lord, is the manner +of your departure.” + +“Surely an escort as far as Harwich...?” asked Villiers, surprised. “He +cannot then come to much harm this side of the water.” + +“Your Grace is pleased to make a mock of me,” retorted Ashley with +quiet dignity. “My Lord Roxhythe, you have no suggestion to put +forward?” + +Roxhythe left off playing with the tassel of his glove and looked up. + +“Why no, sir. Unless it might be that I should fall under the +displeasure of His Majesty and be forced to leave the country for a +spell.” + +Ashley brought the knuckles of his right hand into the palm of his left. + +“You have hit on it, sir! Why, it is the very thing! A public rebuff; +coldness from His Majesty! It lends verisimilitude to the affair at +once!” + +Villiers looked curiously across at my lord. + +“So you’ll do that, eh?” + +“Why not, sir?” Roxhythe opened his eyes rather wide. + +“Damme if I would!” remarked his Grace. “Well, well! what next?” + +Ashley started to fidget with some papers lying on the table. His face +became more harassed than ever. + +“There is one other matter which I hardly like to mention to your +lordship. And that is--plainly speaking--the--ah--in spite of His +Majesty’s--I may say--very straitened circumstances--it is the--er----” + +Buckingham burst into a great laugh. + +“Odd’s blood, but the man stumbles like a cat on hot bricks! ’Tis the +payment that he tries to speak of, Roxhythe!” + +“We--leave it to your lordship’s discretion, of course.” + +“You’ll need to have a vast amount of that discretion!” chuckled the +Duke. + +“Your Grace!--to your lordship’s discretion--how much money you should +require for the expenses of the journey.” He stopped, and glanced with +some anxiety into my lord’s ironic eyes. + +Buckingham drawled something about the King’s purse that made my lord’s +hand clench suddenly on the glove he held. Ashley’s discomfiture amused +him. He prolonged it for some moments. Then he began to speak, very +slowly. + +“Set your minds at rest, gentlemen. His Majesty knows I shall not ask +him for money.” He paused, frowning. A little sneering laugh from +Villiers affected him not a whit. Ashley watched him closely. “One +thing, however, I must have.” + +“Oho!” Buckingham flashed a look at Ashley. + +“May we know what that is, sir?” asked Ashley. + +Roxhythe toyed again with his glove. + +“I require a gentleman to go with me.” + +The relief on both men’s faces was ludicrous. + +“Well, sir!” said Ashley briskly. “That is no such great matter!” + +Roxhythe was pained. + +“Pardon me, sir. I mean a man who may be to some extent cognizant +of the intrigue; who will be loyal to me; who will transact all the +business of transport for me; who will take orders from no one but me; +who will act in implicit obedience to me. In short, gentlemen, one who +is trustworthy and discreet.” + +Buckingham stared at him gloomily. + +“In these days!” he said, patiently exasperated. “Really, my lord!” + +But Ashley had his finger to his teeth, biting the nail. + +“You hear, sir?” asked Buckingham. + +“Ay. I hear,” murmured Ashley, abstractedly. “Wait!” + +“He knows of such a man!” breathed Buckingham. “Well, well!” He crossed +his legs, and surveyed his gay rosettes. + +“You have no one in mind, Lord Roxhythe?” asked Ashley, suddenly. + +“I? No.” + +“How should he?” sneered the Duke. + +“Then I believe I know the man you seek.” + +“That is very good hearing, sir. Who is he?” + +“He is by name Dart. Christopher Dart. He is little more than a boy, +it’s true, but I knew his father well, and I know his brother. I could +vouch for his character. They come of a very old Suffolk family, and +they are intensely patriotic. Chris came to my house only last week, +asking me if I had work for him. I did promise to keep him in mind. He +is the very man you want, my lord, and more than ever so as his brother +is in the Prince his service at the Hague.” + +Even Buckingham was roused. + +“Roxhythe his difficulties fade before this youth,” he remarked. +Roxhythe laid down his glove. + +“Proceed, sir, I beg of you!” + +“The boy will serve you faithfully enough; of that I am sure. As to his +brother, Roderick, he was placed with His Highness by De Witt himself, +so he is not suspected by the Prince his governors. Young Christopher +spoke of him when I saw him. He told me that Roderick has learnt to +worship the Prince, and would die for him, and much more heroic talk +beside. If you can use Christopher to gain his brother, half your +difficulty is gone!” + +“Why, so it seems!” bowed Roxhythe. “I am indebted to you, sir.” + +“I will send to Chris to come to see me to-morrow,” continued Ashley. +“Unless you yourself will see him, sir?” + +“Where does the prodigal lodge?” inquired Roxhythe. + +“In Milford Lane--Number seven.” + +“I’ll visit him myself, then, sir, and learn his mind. I may use your +name?” + +“Surely, my lord!” + +“Then he will run to you to hear your advice, and, acting on it, accept +the post of secretary which I offer.” + +Ashley saw the wisdom of this. + +“Very well, sir. And for the rest?” + +“I’ll wait on you,” said Roxhythe. He turned to Buckingham and bowed. +Then he bowed to Ashley. “There is nothing more you have to tell me?” + +Ashley shook his head. + +“At present, nothing, sir. If you will visit me later in the week I +will have everything clear.” + +Roxhythe picked up his hat. + +“Then, with your permission, gentlemen, I’ll leave you.” + +“One moment, Roxhythe!” It was Buckingham who spoke. “We may leave to +you the task of informing His Majesty of your decision?” + +“My decision?” interrogated Roxhythe. + +“That blind to the French spies you spoke of. The public rebuff.” The +sneer was thinly veiled. + +Roxhythe looked over his shoulder. + +“Yes. You may leave that to me. I will speak to His Majesty.” + +“I am relieved,” smiled the Duke. He watched my lord go out, and the +smile faded. He flung himself back in his chair with a short laugh. +“The fool!” he exclaimed. “The fond fool!” + +“No, I do not think him that,” said Ashley. “But I wish it were any +other than he. I do not trust him; he is too secret. I would he were +more a fool; I should be more at ease.” + +“Of course he is a fool! What sane man undertakes the King’s most +expensive tasks and asks no payment? A fond fool, I tell you!” + +“I think he loves the King very dearly,” slowly remarked my lord. “Or +else he feigns well. Yet I do not trust him, for I think him selfish, +and I do not think he cares over-much for the country.” + +“Oh, ye set too great store on the man, sir! A public rebuff! He who +has never endured a slight from the King! He is mad!” + +“No, he loves the King. But I wish it were other than he.” He sighed, +and gathered together his papers. “I do not conceal from your Grace +that I have grave misgivings concerning this business.” + +Buckingham chuckled. + + + + + CHAPTER III + + CHRISTOPHER DART + + +ROXHYTHE made his way back to the gallery. He found it crowded, and +across the room caught sight of the King sitting with la belle Stewart, +and laughing boisterously at some witty shaft aimed by Killigrew, +standing near. Lady Castlemaine was by the door as he entered, in one +of her black moods. He addressed her lightly, bowing. She turned. + +“Ah, Roxhythe!” The frown cleared somewhat. “You have not been at Court +these last few days. What ailed you?” + +“A trifling indisposition, madame. I am flattered that you marked my +absence.” + +“We missed you at the ball,” she answered. “It was a pretty evening. +You heard?” + +“I heard that your ladyship was much admired. Sedley spoke of a yellow +gown, of blue ribands, of----” + +“Yes. And what said Sir Charles of Miss Stewart?” She spat the words at +him. + +“He did not speak of her,” said Roxhythe, calmly. “She was present?” + +“Ay, the hussy!” Lady Castelmaine struck her fan into the palm of her +hand. “The minx! Flaunting her airs and her graces before mine eyes! +The bread-and-butter miss!” + +Roxhythe shook with quiet laughter. Her ladyship flung him a wrathful +glance. + +“Oh, laugh, Roxhythe, by all means! I make no doubt you are stricken +with the same madness! La belle Stewart! Tchah!” She moved angrily away. + +Roxhythe felt the King’s eyes upon him. As soon as he could +conveniently do so, he made his way to where Charles was sitting, and +went to talk to Digby who stood behind the King’s chair with one or two +others. + +Presently Charles rose and walked with his fair companion to the door. +He nodded carelessly to Roxhythe. + +“Davy, be sure you visit me to-morrow.” It was affectionately said; the +Monarch conferring a favour on his courtier. Roxhythe bowed. + +“I thank your Majesty.” + +Charles passed on. + +The audience next morning was short. Charles was in a flippant mood, +and although he at first objected to publicly snubbing his favourite, +he soon consented. He was more interested in Roxhythe’s account of +yesterday’s interview, and he laughed heartily at the description of +the ill-assorted pair. For a fleeting few moments he was inclined to +cancel his commands, reproaching himself for thinking to send Roxhythe +into danger. Then that inclination faded, and he fell to discussing +various minor details with Roxhythe. + +In the evening Roxhythe went to visit Christopher Dart. + +Christopher lived in a house looking out on to the river; a jeweller’s +shop, over which he rented rooms. On this particular evening he was on +the point of going to bed when the little serving-maid knocked on the +door, and shrilled through the key-hole that a gentleman wanted to see +Mr. Dart. Christopher had already snuffed two candles, and he paused +now in the act of pinching the third. He went to the door and opened it. + +The maid did not know who the gentleman was. + +Christopher looked at her surprisedly. His friends in London were few, +and they did not call on him at eleven at night. + +The maid smoothed her dress with plump, red hands. + +“I told the gentleman ye were like to be abed, sir,” she said, with +a pert toss of her head. She glanced at Christopher from beneath her +lashes. He was a comely boy. + +“Well, I’m not abed, Lucy. But I was on the point of retiring when you +came.” + +“Be I to send him about his business, sir?” Her tone implied that she +would find the task congenial. + +“No,” said Christopher, slowly. “’Tis not so often that I have a +visitor that I can afford to deny myself.” His solemnity vanished in a +smile. “Will you show him upstairs, Lucy?” + +“A great mill-post of a creature all wrapped up in a coat!” she +sniffed. “And not a mite of his face to be seen for his hat all down on +his nose!” + +“A dangerous fellow,” agreed Christopher, twinkling. “But I have my +sword over in the corner there! Don’t keep him waiting, child.” + +He tried to think who would be likely to come disguised to see him. +His friends were of a peaceable nature, nor had he one amongst them +who could be considered taller than the average. While the maid was +clattering down the stairs, he re-lit the two snuffed candles, and +stirred the dying fire to a blaze. He was youthful enough to cast +a glance into the mirror over the mantlepiece, and to straighten +his hair. It was his own, and he wore it in natural curls about his +shoulders. + +The maid opened the door. She put her head into the room, announcing +resentfully: “The gentleman!” and vanished. + +Roxhythe came forward, removing his hat. + +Christopher gazed at him in perplexity. It must be remembered that he +was not long come from the country, and had seen very few notables of +the town. His visitor’s face was totally unfamiliar. + +Roxhythe shed his heavy cloak. He was gorgeously dressed in rose velvet +and purple trimmings, for he had come straight from Whitehall. As he +dropped his cloak on to a chair he smiled at Christopher who stared the +harder. + +“I must really apologize,” said Roxhythe, in his inimitable way. “It is +quite disgraceful of me to wait on you at this hour, Mr. Dart. But I +have been much occupied, believe me. I am relieved to find you not yet +asleep; much relieved.” + +Christopher swallowed twice, and stammered something inane. The +deep brown eyes cast a spell over him which was strengthened by +his visitor’s strange manner. Feeling that his murmured remark was +inadequate, he bowed, and told Roxhythe that he was honoured. From +my lord’s attitude he supposed that he had met him somewhere and +forgotten him. He did not know the ways of Roxhythe. + +My lord drew off his fringed gloves. Rings winked from his fingers. + +“You are wondering what-a-plague I want with you,” he remarked. + +Christopher spoke rather coldly. + +“I confess, sir, I am at a loss.” + +“Naturally. I shall have to explain, and I was ever a bad hand at that. +May I sit down?” + +Christopher blushed. Roxhythe had made him feel a raw schoolboy. He put +forward a chair, not without resentment. + +“Pray do, sir. I regret I have not better entertainment to offer you, +but, as you know, I was not expecting this visit.” + +Roxhythe took the chair and leant back in it, looking up at the stiff +young figure with some amusement. + +“My dear Mr. Dart, I can never explain my errand if you stand above me +so disapprovingly.” + +In spite of his slightly offended self, Christopher went over to +another chair. + +“I see, sir, that you know my name. May I not have the honour of yours?” + +His lordship’s brows rose. + +“I am Roxhythe,” he said, with faint surprise. + +The naïve egotism passed over Christopher’s head. He stood transfixed +in an amazement that plainly showed itself on his face. He recovered, +and bowed again. + +“I am indeed honoured,” he said. + +Roxhythe’s lip quivered. + +“On the contrary,” he replied. “The honour is mine. Yes, do sit +down. I cannot bear you on your feet any longer. And before +we proceed any further, permit me to say that that solemn +fellow--Cooper--Ashley-Cooper will hold himself responsible for me.” + +Christopher conceived that he was being laughed at. + +“Lord Ashley-Cooper is a great friend of mine, sir,” he said coldly. + +“A most praiseworthy, energetic gentleman,” nodded Roxhythe. “He +recommended me to wait on you.” + +Light began to dawn on Christopher. + +“My lord has work for me?” he asked, forgetting his studied coldness. + +“That is it, Mr. Dart. Work for--ah King and Country if you’ve a mind +to it.” He watched the young man’s eyes grow eager. “Work of a very +private nature.” + +“I can be--discreet, sir!” + +“So Ashley assures me. I stand in need of a secretary.” + +For one moment Christopher looked blank. Then he flushed angrily. + +“Sir--!” + +“I am not making sport of you,” pleaded Roxhythe. “It is very serious, +urgent business.” + +“I--” + +“I could not trust my present secretary for the work I have to do.” + +“Oh! Then it is not for you that I should have to work?” + +“I am very sorry,” said Roxhythe. “I am afraid I should require you +to--” + +“I meant--it is for some State business?” + +“State business; yes, Mr. Dart, that is it. I work for my master, and +you work for me. That is the position.” + +“Is your master the King, sir?” + +Roxhythe was again surprised. + +“Naturally.” + +Christopher leaned forward. + +“Will you not--propound, sir?” + +Roxhythe drew his gloves lazily through his fingers. He did not look at +Christopher. Briefly he outlined as much of the plot as was meet for +the other to hear, ending with the part Christopher was to play. He +had apologized for being unversed in the art of speaking, but it was a +very concise and unfaltering tale that he unfolded. He explained the +whole affair in a rather bored manner, and as if it were the most usual +thing in the world for a King and his minister to go behind the backs +of other ministers to form secret treaties with prisoner princes. But +so well did he tell it that this aspect of the situation never struck +young Dart at all. When Roxhythe had finished he drew a deep breath. +His eyes shone. + +Roxhythe ate a sweet meat. + +For a moment Christopher remained silent. Then he rose abruptly, and +walked to the window, opening it and looking out over the river to the +houses beyond. The night air blew in at the casement, stirring his fair +curls as it passed him, and spread coldly over the room. Somewhere +below a bargeman called to his fellow, but the sound of his voice came +muffled to the quiet room. Christopher spoke with suppressed excitement. + +“I--am very sensible--of the great honour--you do me in confiding in +me, sir.” + +“Yes,” agreed Roxhythe. “But will you take the post I offer?” + +Youthful impetuosity cried yes! Native caution hesitated. Native +caution won. + +“If I might--think on it,” ventured Christopher, half-ashamed at what +he felt to be sheer timorousness. + +“I will give you--” Roxhythe glanced at the clock, “--fourteen hours.” + +Christopher shut the window. + +“Thank you, sir. I shall know my mind by then.” + +“You know it now,” answered Roxhythe languidly. “But by all means ask +his advice.” + +“Sir!” Christopher was taken aback. For a moment he looked foolish, +then his boyish smile appeared. “Well, yes, sir; I could consult Lord +Ashley. He was an old friend of my father’s, and as my brother is +away--” + +“Don’t apologize. Of course consult him. Your brother is in the Prince +of Orange’s service, I believe?” + +“Yes, sir. He writes very warmly of the Prince. Mayhap he might be of +use to you in the enterprise?” + +“It seems quite likely,” said Roxhythe. He rose. “You know my house?” + +“No, sir.” + +“Really? Bevan House in the Strand.” + +“Oh, yes, sir! By Charing Cross.” + +“That is right. I may expect to hear from you no later than four +o’clock to-morrow?” + +“I will be there at that hour,” promised Christopher. He watched +Roxhythe pick up his hat, and became suddenly aware that he had offered +no refreshment. + +“My lord, you will stay to take a glass of wine with me? I have been +sadly lacking in manners to forget. Pray forgive--” + +The keen eyes rested kindly on his face. + +“I am sure you will excuse me, Mr. Dart. Already it is late and I would +not put you to any further inconvenience.” + +“It’s no such thing, sir! If you will be seat--” + +“Why, it is very kind of you, sir, but you must forgive me that I do +not stay another minute. To-morrow we will attend to the matter!” He +pulled his cloak about him. Then he smiled. + +In that moment Christopher was first conscious of his fascination. He +bowed. + +“I will not press you, sir, but I have been most remiss.” + +“My dear boy,” replied his lordship, “I have occupied all your thoughts +for the past hour. No, don’t come down with me; I shall find my way +very well.” + +“Indeed, sir, I shall!” + +Again Roxhythe smiled. + +When Christopher re-entered the room, alone, he bethought himself +that Roxhythe had neither sworn him to secrecy, nor adjured him to +be discreet. He puzzled over this curious omission for some time. If +it was not carelessness, it must mean that Roxhythe deemed him above +suspicion. He lifted his chin a little. + +He lay awake long that night, recalling all that had passed. As he +turned from side to side in the great four-poster, he tried to argue +the matter reasonably. Roxhythe had been right when he remarked that +Christopher had already made up his mind, but the boy was young, +he felt himself to be inexperienced, and he wanted older and wiser +counsel. + +The romantic side of the affair appealed to him strongly. Roxhythe had +spoken of spies and possible danger: Christopher asked nothing better. +That was not what made him hesitate. He hardly admitted to himself what +it was that caused him to draw back. It was Roxhythe. + +Without knowing why, Christopher felt that he disliked him. He +questioned whether such a nonchalant _flâneur_ was the man for +this task. Had it been some creature of Ashley’s who had visited him, +or a sober-minded individual, he would not have hesitated. But this +foppish court-darling with his affectations and his langour treated the +whole affair as if it were of very little importance. At the same time +his personality held Christopher. The boy admitted that he had allowed +himself to become a little dazzled towards the end of the interview, +but now that he was alone he had thrown off the spell, and could take a +sane, unbiassed view of the situation. + +When he at length fell asleep the clocks were striking three, and the +grey light of dawn was already stealing through the window. He did not +wake until nine, and then only because Lucy was thumping on the door, +and demanding to know if he were ready for his breakfast, which, she +informed him, had been ready for him this hour and more. + +At eleven o’clock that morning, Christopher waited on Lord +Ashley-Cooper, and was lucky enough to find him at home. He was ushered +into a severely furnished apartment where Ashley was dictating to his +secretary, and motioned briefly to a chair. + +Ashley finished his dictation, and sent the secretary into an adjoining +room. + +“Well, Chris? You want my help?” + +Christopher took his outstretched hand. + +“I think you know on what errand I am come, sir,” he said. “Yesterday +evening my Lord Roxhythe honoured me.” + +Ashley nodded. He sat down again at his desk, watching Christopher draw +up a chair for himself. + +“And you want my advice?” + +“I do, my lord.” + +“The thing is genuine enough.” + +“Why, I had not doubted that, sir!” + +“Oh? The venture is precarious, and the result most uncertain. Yet if +the Prince might be won over, it would be a great thing for England. +We do not stand to gain much by the Triple Alliance alone, and if King +Louis also has it in mind to coax the Prince, our cause is but the more +urgent. Well, well; what is your own opinion?” + +“I think the same as you, sir. ’Tis not for that that I hesitate. It +is--it is--I cannot think my Lord Roxhythe a very--fitting messenger.” +He looked up a little anxiously as he spoke, but Ashley straightened in +his chair and his face was in many worried creases. + +“If it were any other man!” he said. “But the King is blinded by his +love for Roxhythe. To send that man on State business! Why, it is +madness!” He broke off, remembering to whom he spoke. “This must go no +further, Chris!” he said sharply. “After all, the King himself knows +that I mistrust Roxhythe. But he was determined, and swore that there +was no other man he would send.” + +Christopher, who had come into the room with just these sentiments +in his mind, was now moved to expostulate on behalf of Roxhythe. He +realized that he was showing great inconsistency, and wondered at his +own perversity. + +Ashley grunted. + +“Oh, he has cast his net over you! I expected nothing better. Well, +what shall you do?” + +“I shall go with him, sir.” + +“I suppose so. Keep a clear head, Chris, and above all, do not allow +yourself to fall under Roxhythe’s influence. Damme, I’m not sure that +I did right to mention your name to him! Mayhap your poor father would +have--” + +“My father, sir, would have been anxious for me to serve the Country as +best I might.” + +“Maybe, maybe. Come and see me again before you go, Chris.” + +Christopher rose. + +“Of course, sir. I owe you a debt of thanks for remembering me in this +matter.” + +“We shall see,” was all that Ashley vouchsafed. + +On his way through the hall, Christopher met Mr. Hyde whom he had +seen once or twice before at Ashley’s house. He bowed and went on to +the front door. Hyde’s horse stood waiting in charge of his servant. +Christopher glanced at the man idly. Then he walked on down the street. + +That afternoon, punctual to the minute, he arrived at Bevan House, and +was ushered into the library. A spacious room, this, with oriel windows +to the south, and a wide fireplace with an oaken mantel-shelf, very +cunningly carved. A writing-table stood at one end of the room near +a door, other than the one at which he had entered. He sat down near +this, and waited. + +The minutes ticked by; he grew impatient. Roxhythe had bidden him to +come not later than four o’clock; he had obeyed, and behold! there +was no Roxhythe. His foot tapped the ground angrily. When Roxhythe at +length came into the room, he rose and bowed stiffly. + +“I came as you desired me, sir, at four o’clock,” he said. He glanced +at the timepiece a trifle pointedly. + +“Yes?” said Roxhythe. “I remember now; I did ask you to come then. Pray +be seated!” + +“Thank you,” answered Christopher. He remained standing. Roxhythe’s +manner was insufferable, he decided. + +My lord walked to the table where lay a sheaf of papers. One of these +he picked up, and folded into three. + +“Well, Mr. Dart?” + +“I have thought over the matter, sir, and I have spoken to Lord Ashley, +it but remains to inform you of my decision.” He spoke very coldly. In +that moment he knew that he was going to refuse the post offered to +him. Then Roxhythe looked up and across at him, smiling. + +“But will you not sit down, Mr. Dart?” + +Christopher sat down. + +“I had--thought to--accept your offer, Lord Roxhythe.” + +The quizzical brown eyes held his. + +“But since you have seen me again you realize that it were impossible +to work with one so utterly distasteful to you as myself.” + +For a moment Christopher stared. + +“I confess, sir, that was in my mind. However, I trust I put my Country +before my personal feelings. I will accompany you to Holland.” He had +not intended to say that. Even as the words left his mouth he regretted +them. + +“Why, that is very well,” nodded his lordship. “But are you quite sure +that you mean it?” + +There was another silence. + +“Yes, sir,” said Christopher meekly. + + + + + CHAPTER IV + + FLUSHING + + +THUS did Christopher enter the service of Roxhythe against his +will, against his inner promptings. When once the step was taken, +he resolutely choked the warning voice within him, and refused to +re-consider his decision. + +He took up his position as secretary within the week, and busied +himself most conscientiously with his master’s private affairs. For the +most part they were trivial enough, leaving him plenty of time in which +to amuse himself. + +He observed Roxhythe closely during those days, but he always found +that my lord baffled him. He was by turns charming and insufferable. +There were moments when Christopher’s dislike for him became acute; +moments when his lordship was curt, or distrait to the point of +rudeness; but just as Christopher’s anger could not longer be +controlled, Roxhythe would disperse it with some look, or remark that +Christopher could not withstand. Gradually dislike gave place to +amusement, and ripened then into liking. + +Beyond outlining the steps of the journey, Roxhythe had not mentioned +their mission to Holland since the evening when he first met Dart. He +appeared to give no further thought to the matter, and his indifference +added fuel to Christopher’s enthusiasm. + +In one short week the boy saw more of town and its ways than in all the +time that he had previously spent in London. He met men who had been +hitherto but names to him; he grew accustomed to receiving courtier, +politician and poet, whom a month ago he would have been elated to set +eyes on. His head was turned a little, but not unpleasantly so. There +was never anything of the coxcomb about Christopher. + +He learnt with amazement that Roxhythe was in disgrace at Court. He +heard the tale through various sources and hardly credited it at +first. Fashionable London hummed with the news. It appeared that +Roxhythe had taken some liberty with the King, for which he had +received not only a public rebuff but afterwards a cold shoulder. +Christopher laughed at the tale. Ignorant of Court life he might be, +but he was not so ignorant that he did not know of Roxhythe’s almost +life-long devotion to Charles. Never had my lord received a snub. Then +came the rumour that Roxhythe deemed it advisable to leave England for +a spell. This set Christopher’s brain to work. Perhaps the rebuff was a +blind for spies. He determined to ask Roxhythe. + +Outwardly my lord remained impassive; Christopher tried to imagine what +must be his real feelings. He could conceive the galling degradation of +it, and he felt slightly nervous of speaking to Roxhythe on the subject. + +It was one morning as he sat writing in the library that he at last +ventured to broach the question. My lord had entered the room with +several papers which he laid on the desk beside Dart. He turned to go, +and as he did so, Christopher rose. + +“May I--ask you--something, sir?” + +Roxhythe paused. + +“Perhaps you will think me impertinent, sir,” went on Christopher, +stammering. “I hardly--like to--” + +Roxhythe sat down. + +“Of course ask me what you will.” + +Christopher took heart. + +“It--concerns this--affair at Court, sir.” + +“My dear boy, I shall not be offended if you say exactly what you mean. +’Tis my disgrace, eh?” + +“Ay, sir. At first I was perplexed; then I thought a little. It is a +blind for spies?” + +“For everyone. I wondered if you would have the wit to perceive it.” + +Christopher flushed, and laughed. + +“’Tis not so very subtle after all!” + +“But neat, I flatter myself,” said Roxhythe. + +Christopher’s eyes widened. + +“The plan was yours, sir?” His voice was incredulous. + +“Whose else?” + +“I thought--His Majesty--” + +“Oh, lud, no! Now confess, Chris, you did not think I had it in me?” + +“’Tis not the wit I marvel at,” said Christopher. “I think it was a +brave thing to do.” + +“But then you are not acquainted with His Majesty,” said Roxhythe. + +There the matter ended, but it left a great impression on Christopher’s +mind. It was from that moment that his everlasting love for Roxhythe +had birth. + +A week later they were aboard a sailing ship bound for Flushing. +Nothing could have been more devoid of interest than their passage. + +At Flushing they stayed at the Sceptre Inn, and Christopher, once +recovered from his sea-sickness, resumed his effervescent _joie de +vivre_ and started to look about him. He had little or nothing to +do, as Roxhythe hardly ever desired his company, so when he met Mr. +Edward Milward he was pleased. + +He stepped on his toe as he passed him in the coffee-room and +apologized in excruciating Dutch. Whereupon Mr. Milward fell into his +arms, metaphorically speaking, and called him friend. It appeared that +Mr. Milward had not seen a fellow-countryman for months; naturally he +was delighted to meet Christopher. They partook of sack together. + +Mr. Milward was a great traveller. He was even now on his way to the +Hague, where he intended to stay for an indefinite period. He had +lately been in Italy. Altogether he had much to tell Christopher. In +fact he was a remarkably pleasant companion and Christopher liked him. + +Roxhythe returned next day from Middleburgh, where he had been visiting +friends, to find his secretary full of his new-found acquaintance. + +Christopher confided that Mr. Milward was a remarkably interesting man +who had seen much, and who had much to say. + +“Ask him to honour us at dinner,” suggested Roxhythe good-naturedly. + +So it came about that Mr. Milward supped in my Lord Roxhythe’s private +parlour and enjoyed himself exceedingly. + +It seemed to Christopher that Roxhythe was not himself. He was, if +possible, even more languid than usual, and once or twice he rested +his head in his hand as though it ached intolerably. Taxed with it, he +roused himself with an effort, denying that he was at all unwell. + +“I do trust you have not caught some low fever, sir!” exclaimed Dart +anxiously. + +Roxhythe laughed the idea to scorn, but he excused himself at an early +hour, leaving his secretary to entertain the guest. + +“Lord Roxhythe hath the air of a sick man,” remarked Milward, and +nodded wisely. + +Christopher strove to conceal his anxiety. + +“We had intended to ride to Bergen to-morrow,” he said. “But I fear my +lord will not be well enough to sit the saddle.” + +“To Bergen? Why, I was to have ridden there to-day but that my horse +cast a shoe! I had decided to remain here some few days, but if you go +to-morrow, why--!” He left the sentence unfinished. + +Christopher was polite, but not enthusiastic. + +Later he visited Roxhythe, and found him in bed. He stood looking at +him, full of concern, until my lord begged him to be seated. He could +never bear an unrestful companion. + +Christopher sat down on the edge of the bed. + +“I doubt you’ll not sit the saddle to-morrow, sir,” he said gravely. + +“Art a pessimist,” was the lazy response. “What of your friend Milward?” + +“’Tis of him that I wish to speak.” Christopher wrinkled his brow in +perplexity. “He--he wants to ride with us to-morrow.” + +The brown eyes opened. + +“Does he so? Well ... we shall not be lonely.” + +“I did not know--that is, I rather thought you would prefer to ride +alone, sir.” + +The eyes closed again. + +“By all means let the man come. What of it?” + +“Naught, sir. I only thought--” + +“Oh, ay, ay! God’s Body, but my head’s a-fire! Go you to bed, +Christopher!” + +Christopher rose reluctantly. + +“There’s nothing I can do for you, sir?” + +His fine white hand was across Roxhythe’s forehead, shading the upper +part of his face, but Christopher saw his lips curve. + +“Poor Chris! You shall not be called upon to play body-servant as well +as secretary!” + +“I would do aught I could for you, sir!” + +The hand moved away. Christopher looked straight into my lord’s eyes. + +“Then go to bed,” said that sleepy voice. “And Christopher!” + +Christopher paused. He was drawing the curtains about the bed. + +“Well?” he smiled. + +“Don’t worry your head over me!” + +Outside the room Dart met Roxhythe’s servant. + +“I fear his lordship is a sick man, John,” he said. “And he will not +own it.” + +The man looked at him curiously for a moment. Then he grunted. + +Rather to Christopher’s surprise he found Roxhythe already dressed next +morning when he went to his room. My lord was in the act of fastening a +diamond pin in his cravat when the tap fell on the door, and his glance +as he met Christopher’s eyes in the mirror was one of pure amusement. + +“You thought to find me abed, my friend,” he remarked. + +“Yes,” admitted Christopher. “But I rejoice to find you up. You are +better, sir?” + +“I am well enough,” shrugged his lordship. He gave a final touch to +his ribands, and turned. “Well, to breakfast--and the amiable Mr. +Milward.” + +“You had rather he did not ride with us?” asked Christopher quickly. + +“On the contrary,” smiled Roxhythe. + +Thus it came to pass that Mr. Milward joined the little cavalcade +and did much to beguile the tedium of the journey with his sparkling +conversation. He had a fair knowledge of the country and he spoke Dutch +perfectly, so Roxhythe, whose Dutch was fluent enough but hopelessly +marred by his English accent, allowed him to parley with the landlords +of the inns at which they halted. + +Christopher, whose first visit abroad this was, greatly enjoyed the +ride. He drank in every fresh sight and sound with avidity; nothing +escaped his notice; his eyes were on everything. Roxhythe regarded him +thoughtfully. + +Now and again Christopher glanced at his lordship with a worried eye. +He saw how he flagged, how weary were his movements, but guessing that +Roxhythe did not wish him to call attention to his indisposition, he +held his peace. + +For some time Roxhythe talked inanities to Mr. Milward. Christopher +wished that he need not appear so foolish, and fretted. The lazy eyes +never looked his way. + +Presently Roxhythe spoke of his disgrace at Court. Mr. Milward’s tact +was most praiseworthy. Roxhythe explained that he must needs absent +himself from Whitehall till the storm should have blown over. He told +Mr. Milward that he was desirous of pressing on to the Hague where he +intended to visit all his old friends. Mr. Milward was all interest. +Friends made, no doubt, during the period of his exile with the King? +Roxhythe nodded pensively, and proceeded to expatiate on the subject. + +Christopher saw the half-veiled scorn on Milward’s face and fumed +inwardly. Roxhythe continued to talk. + +And so at length they arrived at Bergen-op-Zoom. Roxhythe was worn out +and he excused himself from appearing at the supper-table. + +Milward and Christopher dined alone. Christopher thought that he +detected a patronizing note in Mr. Milward’s voice when he spoke of +Roxhythe. He decided that he no longer liked Mr. Milward. As soon as he +could he left him and went upstairs to Roxhythe’s room. + +My lord was seated before the fire, wrapped in a gorgeous +dressing-gown. The remains of supper stood at his elbow. + +“Sir, you cannot ride to-morrow,” said Christopher firmly. + +The arched brows rose. + +“So!” said Roxhythe politely. + +“You may say what you will, sir, but I know you have the fever, and I +will not let you ride until you are well.” + +“Why, that is very entertaining--Mr. Dart.” + +Christopher reddened. + +“You think me impertinent, sir, but--” + +“No. Over-zealous, and--importunate.” + +“Nevertheless, sir, you do not travel to-morrow.” + +My lord fingered his peruke, his eyes grown hard as steel. + +“I see you will have it, Mr. Dart. You force me to remind you that you +are here to obey without question.” + +Christopher had much ado to choke back his anger. + +“But, sir, I cannot see that our hurry is so--” + +“I think there is no need to pursue the subject,” said Roxhythe. + +Christopher drew himself up. + +“You are right, Lord Roxhythe; there is no need. You will not find me +over-solicitous again.” + +“It is outside your part,” agreed Roxhythe. He leant back in his chair, +closing his eyes. + +Christopher seethed inwardly. + +“Then, if you have no commands for me, sir, I’ll retire.” Nothing could +have been colder than that hurt young voice. My lord said nothing. + +Christopher was very youthful; it was all he could do to refrain from +slamming the door as he went out. He was furious that Roxhythe should +treat him thus. He told himself that he had been right when he dubbed +his lordship insufferable; not easily would he be won over again. + +Relations were strained between them next morning. Christopher +treated Roxhythe with punctilious politeness, and addressed all his +conversation to Milward. Surreptitiously he watched my lord, and more +than once he wondered whether he would last the journey. Roxhythe rode +in silence, looking straight between his horse’s ears. They halted very +few times upon the way, and dismounted not at all, so Christopher was +not surprised when, at Gertruydenberg, which was their destination, +Roxhythe, having dismounted, reeled, and would have fallen but for his +prompt assistance. He helped him into the inn and gave him into John’s +care. When he had arranged for the stabling of the horses, and changed +his boots, he visited my lord in bed and spoke with ill-concealed +triumph. + +“Do you wish me to fetch an apothecary, sir, or shall you ride +to-morrow?” + +“Neither,” said Roxhythe, his handkerchief to his mouth. “You’ll--make +my--apologies to the--amiable Mr. Milward--and say that I shall--hope +to meet him--at the Poisson d’Or Inn at the Hague. Odd rot! my head is +like to split!” + +“I am grieved, sir,” said Christopher primly. + +Milward awaited him downstairs. + +“My lord is worse?” + +Christopher shook his head. + +“He’ll not ride to-morrow, nor yet the next day. He is a sick man.” + +“Oh!” said Milward uncertainly. His eyes searched Christopher’s face. + +“He bids me tell you that he is sorry to break up our party, but he +hopes to see you at the Poisson d’Or at the Hague.” + +“Oh!” said Milward again. “I hope so too.” + +So Mr. Milward departed next day in solitary state, very loth to leave +his travelling companions, but looking forward to seeing them at the +Hague. + +Watching him ride away, Christopher felt suddenly very lonely. He +wished that he had not fallen out with Roxhythe. He walked slowly back +into the house. + +As he passed through the crowded coffee-room, he paused to survey the +occupants. For the most part they were dull-looking burghers, and did +not interest him, but in one corner, by the window, sat two men who +attracted his attention. They were playing dominoes, and at first, +Christopher watched out of idle curiosity. Then he studied the men’s +faces. It struck him that the one nearest the window was vaguely +familiar. He racked his brains in the effort to remember where he had +seen him before, but with no success. He concluded that he must be +mistaken when the man called an order to the landlord in excellent +Dutch. + +He went upstairs, feeling very depressed. + +Instead of finding Roxhythe in bed as he had expected, he found him in +his dressing-gown, writing. He stared in amazement, for Roxhythe had no +longer the air of a sick man. His person had lost its languor, his eyes +their sleepiness. Roxhythe raised them as he entered, and the boy was +startled by their unaccustomed keenness. + +“John!” Roxhythe addressed his servant curtly. + +The man came forward, holding one of his master’s perukes in his hand. +Roxhythe’s head was bent over his work. + +“I wish to be private with Mr. Dart.” + +Christopher watched John go out, marvelling at this change in Roxhythe. + +As the door closed, my lord glanced up quickly. + +“Sit down, Christopher.” + +So he was restored to favour? Christopher drew up a chair, reflecting +that if anyone had the right to be magnanimous over the late +_contretemps_ it was himself. However, he was growing accustomed +to the ways of Roxhythe, and he was not so indignant as he would once +have been. + +For a few moments Roxhythe’s hand continued to travel to and fro across +the parchment, but he was only a short while finishing. He pushed the +paper away, and leaned back in his seat. + +“Poor Chris! I owe you an explanation, eh?” The tone was so winning +that the remaining shreds of Christopher’s rancour fled. + +“I do confess, sir--I am at a loss.” + +“Of course you are. Has Milward departed?” + +“Ay, sir. I sped him on his way just before I came to you.” + +“And you gave him my message?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“And you showed him your concern for my health?” + +“I thought it best to counterfeit unconcern, sir.” + +Roxhythe’s eyelids drooped suddenly. His mouth twitched. + +“Very good, Chris. What of the other guests?” + +Christopher looked up, bewildered. + +“What of them, sir?” + +“Describe them.” + +Understanding dawned on the boy. He described the people he had seen in +the coffee-room very readily. Then he remembered the man by the window, +playing dominoes. He paused, cudgelling his brains anew. Roxhythe sat +still watching him. + +Suddenly Christopher started up. + +“Odd’s body! Of course I know!” + +“Well?” Roxhythe had fallen back into his old drawl. + +“At Ashley’s that day! Outside with the horse!” + +“My dear Chris!” expostulated Roxhythe. + +Christopher sat down again, laughing a little. + +“I had forgotten you did not know! It was the day I--you engaged me. I +had been to see Lord Ashley, and as I came out I met Mr. Hyde in the +hall. I thought nothing of it at the time but I remarked his servant, +outside. He was holding Mr. Hyde’s horse and ’tis he downstairs!” + +“You infer--” + +“Why, sir, Mr. Hyde is the Duke of York’s brother-in-law! The man is a +spy!” + +Roxhythe nodded casually. + +“Is he of medium height with a bulbous nose and light eyebrows?” + +“Well, yes!” admitted Christopher, smiling. + +“Ah! I wondered.” + +“When have you seen him, sir?” + +“At Flushing the other day.” + +Christopher stared at him, open-mouthed. + +“Yet I did not!” + +“No? But you were not on the look-out.” + +“I--I hardly thought that you were!” Christopher blurted out. + +“I am old in intrigue, my child,” said Roxhythe. “So he is a creature +of Hyde’s? Well. Milward, then, is probably in French pay.” + +“Milward!” Up started Christopher again. “I--never--thought--of--that! +Why--why what a dolt I am! Of course Milward is a spy! Why did you not +tell me, sir? Warn me?” + +“You would have been less useful,” explained Roxhythe. + +“But I might have let fall anything! Had you told me I had been on my +guard.” + +“Precisely,” nodded his lordship. “And you are young in intrigue.” + +“Oh!” said Christopher rather blankly. He thought for a moment. “Did +you but feign sickness, sir?” + +“To shake him off; ay.” + +“Then why did you not remain at Bergen yesterday? Why come here? He +would not have suspected, for indeed you had the look of a sick man.” + +“Because I had laid my plans otherwise--which plans you, my young +hothead, did your utmost to o’erset.” + +The ready colour rose to Christopher’s cheeks. + +“I am sorry, sir. But I did not know. Is it possible that you foresaw +all this?” + +“It was so obvious,” sighed his lordship. + +“Was it, sir?” asked Christopher admiringly. “And what now? Or--or am I +to be kept in the dark?” He spoke deferentially. + +“No, I am going to expound.” My lord lifted up a quill, and surveyed +it idly. “To-morrow I keep my room; on Wednesday we travel by coach +to Rotterdam. I am afraid I shall be ill again, Chris. You will be +suitably perturbed, and you will fetch a certain Mynheer de Staal, +an apothecary, and a friend of mine. He will give it out that I am +suffering from a low fever and must not be disturbed. I shall make my +escape by way of the window at night and proceed to de Staal’s house +where I shall wait till morning. Then I shall ride to the Hague, +leaving you and John to trick the spy into thinking me abed. De Staal +will come every day; I can trust him. At the Hague, I shall stay at +the Three Fishers, and, with the aid of your brother, gain access to +the Prince, when I shall lay His Majesty’s proposition before him. +That done, and the Prince his answer given, I return to Rotterdam, and +recover from the fever. For the rest it is easy. We proceed to the +Hague; we meet our friend Milward. Presently, behold! His Majesty has +forgiven me! We return to London. I think the amiable Mr. Milward will +be perplexed.” + +Christopher’s eyes glowed. + +“It is a marvellously well thought-out scheme, sir. But I am afraid.” + +“On what score?” + +“You may be discovered. The French spies may have orders to prevent +your gaining access to the Prince at any cost.” + +Roxhythe’s lips curved haughtily. + +“They dare not.” + +“Dare not?” + +“I am Roxhythe.” + +“Then you think they would not murder you?” + +“I know it. They dare not touch me. They are not certain on any point +concerning this expedition. They suspect, but they cannot molest me on +their suspicions. Had it been a lesser man, they might have dared. But +I--I am Roxhythe.” + +“I see,” said Christopher, abashed. + + + + + CHAPTER V + + MYNHEER DE STAAL + + +DURING the coach journey to Rotterdam, Christopher suffered from +suppressed excitement, much to Roxhythe’s amusement. + +As soon as they arrived at the inn Roxhythe retired to his room, +leaving Christopher to explain to mine host that his lordship was most +unwell and must be kept very quiet. At first the landlord was not +desirous of having a sick man in his house, but when it was clearly +borne in upon him that Roxhythe was an English milor’ and would pay +lavishly, his objections faded. + +Christopher repaired to Roxhythe’s room, and found him in the act of +writing to de Staal. + +My lord refused his proffered services, and finished the letter with a +flourish. + +“Tell the landlord to have it conveyed to 19, Prinsen Straat, Chris.” + +“I will take it, sir.” + +“My dear boy, do as I bid you.” + +“Yes, sir,” said Christopher, chastened, and bore it off. + +“Has M. the Spy arrived?” asked Roxhythe on his return. + +“Not yet, sir.” Christopher shook his head. “I can see him nowhere.” + +“I should be sorry if de Staal arrived before him,” remarked my lord. + +Presently Christopher went downstairs again, on some pretext or other, +and took a casual survey of the coffee-room. The spy was not there, but +as Christopher turned to go, horses’ hoofs sounded on the cobble-stones +without. Feeling that he was very deep in intrigue, Christopher +affected to take no notice and strolled towards the stairs. + +“Party o’ three,” rumbled the landlord, coming out of an inner room. +“Plague take them, we’re nearly full already.” + +He waddled away to the door and set it wide. Through it Christopher +caught a glimpse of the new arrivals. Two of them had their backs to +him, the third came forward to speak with mine host. He was plainly +dressed and eminently respectable. Christopher did not know him at all. +Then one of the other men turned, and he saw that it was the spy. He +went upstairs with forced calmness, but his heart was bounding within +him, and his eyes, when he burst in upon Roxhythe, sparkled and glowed +with excitement. + +“Fiend seize you, Christopher! What now?” protested Roxhythe, opening +one heavy eyelid. + +“He hath arrived!” + +The other eye opened with an effort. + +“Hath he indeed?” mocked Roxhythe. “What shall we do?” + +“Nay!” blushed Christopher. “But you must admit that ’tis monstrous +exciting, sir!” + +My lord yawned and prepared to go asleep again. + +“’Tis all a damned plaguey nuisance,” he murmured. “And I would I were +at home.” + +“So do not I,” retorted Christopher. “I swear I am enjoying myself as +I have never done before. I marvel that you can go to sleep in this +fashion!” + +“I cannot with so much chatter in my ear,” complained his lordship. He +opened his eyes to watch Christopher laugh. He always averred that to +see Chris laugh afforded him much pleasure. + +“Well, may I go out, sir?” asked Dart impatiently. + +“By all means. You’ll find Rotterdam dull and unprofitable, but don’t +let that dissuade you.” + +“I’m not so blind that I cannot see from the window what a quaint place +it is,” answered Christopher. He walked to the door. “I wish you might +come with me, sir.” + +“Go away!” begged Roxhythe. + +Christopher found Rotterdam a prosperous town. He walked about its +streets for some time, and in the course of his peregrinations, met +a fat tradesman with whom he had speech. He wanted to hear the +tradesman’s views on State Affairs, and what his feelings were towards +the Prince of Orange. It seemed that the man was a butcher. He gave +Christopher a long account of the price of meat. He deplored the +fact that three of his bullocks, all very fine and in their prime, +had lately sickened and died of a mysterious disease. He had dark +suspicions that this was the work of a certain enemy of his who lived +at the other end of the town and boasted that his custom was far +greater than Mynheer Dagvelt’s. Christopher, only half comprehending, +tried in broken Dutch to bring the conversation round to the Prince. +Mynheer Dagvelt told him that his neighbour had had a spite against him +from the day that two of his customers left him to deal with the far +superior Dagvelt. Disgruntled, Christopher passed on his way. + +He returned to the Flaming Sun shortly after sundown. Roxhythe had +shaken off some of his sleepiness and was studying a map of Holland. He +had changed his clothes and his nails had been carefully polished. He +looked up as Christopher entered, and smiled. + +“Well, what of the town?” + +Christopher did not tell him of his encounter with Mynheer Dagvelt. + +John put his head in at the door with the news that Mynheer de Staal +was below. Roxhythe nodded. + +“At once, John.” + +Christopher rose to depart. + +“Don’t go, Chris,” said my lord languidly. “You’ll like de Staal.” + +The door opened again in a minute, and a small, white-haired gentleman +came hesitatingly into the room, hat in hand. + +Christopher was between him and Roxhythe, obscuring the latter. A pair +of gentle blue eyes looked up into his face, and the finely cut lips +smiled doubtfully. + +“Milor’--Roxhyt’e?” said de Staal. + +Roxhythe had pulled himself out of his chair, and now he came forward, +hands outstretched. + +“De Staal!” + +“Milor’!” The sweet voice trembled. Before Roxhythe could prevent him, +de Staal had carried both hands to his lips. “Milor’! Ah, milor’...! To +see you again after all these years!” He spoke in Dutch. + +“And you, de Staal! You are well?” Roxhythe’s English accent had +disappeared. + +“I grow old,” answered the other. “Yes, I am well. The sight of you +would refresh a dying man, milor’.” + +Roxhythe led him to a chair. + +“You missed us, de Staal? Well, we’ve missed you, and all the old +friends. Sometimes we pine for the sight of the old haunts--my little +master and I.” + +“Ah, the Prince! He is well? He is happy in his England?” + +“Yes, he’s happy, de Staal.” + +“And you?” + +“Oh, I! But of course!” + +De Staal regarded him wistfully. + +“We heard how great you are in England, milor’; how powerful; what a +courtier. Eh, eh! And it likes you, that life?” + +“It likes me very well, de Staal. I am as my master--I’ve no mind to +set out on my travels again.” + +De Staal nodded slowly. His eyes never left Roxhythe’s face. + +“You find me changed?” asked my lord. + +“A little,” admitted de Staal. “There are lines where there were not, +and your eyes have grown not so bright.” + +“That is age,” smiled Roxhythe. + +“It is the soft living,” replied de Staal. “I do not see the soldier, +milor’.” + +My lord gave a strange little sigh. + +“He hath gone long since, my friend.” He sighed again. + +“You almost make me wish I was a wanderer once more.” His smile was +rather crooked. “You were surprised to get my letter?” + +“I could not believe mine eyes! The sight of ‘Roxhyt’e’ across the page +stunned me. I came as soon as I could leave the house. You want my +help?” + +“You guessed that?” + +“You would not else have sent for me, milor’.” + +Christopher cleared his throat. De Staal was a pathetic figure, and +these calm words, spoken entirely without bitterness, made his eyelids +smart suddenly. + +Roxhythe did not expostulate. + +“I am here on the King’s business, de Staal; business of a very private +nature, and I am spied upon.” + +“You have been spied upon before,” smiled de Staal. They both laughed. + +“Ay, but this is more serious.” + +“Your life is in danger?” + +“Not a whit. But I must shake off the importunate gentleman. He is +downstairs now, thinking me in bed with a low fever. I must ride to the +Hague no later than to-morrow night and I do not desire the company of +my friend.” + +“Ah! You kill him?” + +Roxhythe bit his lip. + +“There are three of them or I might be tempted. No, I leave him here. +De Staal, I want you to give it out downstairs that I am indeed +ill--remember you have never seen me before--and that I must not be +disturbed. Only Chris here, and my servant are to be allowed into my +room, and you will come every day until I return from the Hague. That I +hope to do in three or four days’ time. Will you do it?” + +“Milor’!” De Staal looked his reproach. “You ask me _will_ I do +it?” + +“You will. Another thing. I want you to procure me a horse, and to +stall it for me until I come to fetch it. You’ll do that too?” + +“Assuredly. So you escape by night, _hein_?” + +“By way of the window. With your permission I’ll spend the rest of the +night with you.” + +De Staal nodded. + +“I wish I were coming!” said Christopher suddenly. + +Roxhythe shook his head. + +“You would greatly complicate matters, my dear Chris.” + +De Staal looked enquiringly from one to the other. Roxhythe translated. + +“Aha! De adventure appeal to you, _hein_?” + +“I should like to be there, to help Lord Roxhythe.” + +De Staal smiled approvingly. + +“You should take heem, milor’.” + +“_Sacré nom!_ I think not.” + +“If only you would, sir!” Christopher looked appealingly across at him. + +“De Staal, why must you put such ideas into the child’s head? No, +Chris, it’s impossible.” + +“I am not a child.” + +“I crave your pardon. An I thought you one, I should not leave you to +dupe Mynheer Spy during my absence.” + +Christopher was not appeased. + +“It is so little to do, sir!” + +“Chris, this is your first intrigue, and you expect to play the leading +part! I have given you an all too difficult task as it is. Be assured +that it is of great importance.” + +Christopher was silent. He escorted de Staal part of the way home, and +again he broached the subject. + +“I would I might prevail upon my lord to take me with him, mynheer.” + +“He tell me you are of grit use to heem here,” replied the Dutchman. + +“Did he? I was afraid--I mean I do so little--I did not think I was of +any use.” + +“But yes. He t’ink a grit deal of you, Mynheer Dart.” + +“Oh, is that true?” + +De Staal cast him a shrewd glance. + +“I should not say it eef eet were not. He tell me you are a ver’ prince +of secretaries. Eet ees not often t’at milor’ t’ink a grit deal of a +man.... You like heem, yes?” + +“Yes,” said Christopher. “But I do not understand him.” + +“No one understands heem,” answered de Staal placidly. “He ees what you +English call--enigma. He ees a ver’ grit man. He throw a spell over +you, hein? He make you do what he say?” + +“He has great fascination,” admitted Christopher. + +“He make all men love heem eef he like. Only he not like ver’ often.” + +“No. He is sometimes very--very--” + +“He make you angry, _hein_?” + +“Yes, very.” + +“I know. Eet ees hees way. You must always do what he say, nevair--what +you call eet?--dispute with heem.” + +“I am learning that!” grimaced Christopher. + +“T’at ees well. You will love heem ver’ mooch one day, only, I warn +you, do not love heem too mooch, for he ees Roxhyt’e, and he not care +for any one save heemself and hees Prince.” + +“Oh,” protested Christopher. + +“You not belief me. You t’ink heem onselfish, and ver’ good. Well, I +warn you, eet ees not so. You remember t’at always and you not get +hurt.” + +“But, mynheer, why should I get hurt?” + +“Eef you love a man ver’ deeply, t’at man he have de power to hurt +you ver’ mooch. Me, I love heem ver’ gritly, but I know t’at he +ees--Roxhyt’e. One day perhaps he hurt you ver’ mooch eef you not take +care. So I warn you.” + +“Thank you very much, mynheer. But--oh, I feel sure that he is not like +that!” + +“You will see. You not belief me now, but one day you will remember +what I say to-night, _hein_?” + +“I hope not,” said Christopher gravely. + +On his way back to the Flaming Sun, he decided that de Staal was very +charming, but very morbid. He gave not another thought to the evening’s +conversation. + +De Staal visited my lord just before noon next day and Christopher saw +him off the premises. For the benefit of all who might chance to be +within earshot, de Staal gave him minute instructions concerning his +“patient’s” treatment. Christopher hoped that the spy was near at hand. + +He could hardly possess his soul in patience during the rest of the +day, and Roxhythe’s placidity was a source of wonderment to him. + +“One would think you were trying to get out of the way,” my lord +twitted him. “I only hope you will not run your head into a noose while +I am gone, in your lust for adventure. Sit down and write to your +brother.” + +“Why?” asked Christopher. + +“How argumentative you are! Tell him that you are coming to the Hague, +with a certain Mr. Curtis, and have rooms at the Three Fishers. Tell +him to visit you at six in the evening to-morrow. And tell him to ask +for Curtis. Say naught that spies might not read with impunity.” + +Christopher looked up. + +“Oh, Roderick is not suspect, sir! He was engaged by De Witt himself.” + +“Yet he is the Prince, his man?” + +“He is now.” + +“Ah!” said Roxhythe. + +Christopher scratched away at the parchment. + +“Seal and address it,” ordered Roxhythe. + +Christopher obeyed, and handed it over to him. + +“There’s naught else, sir?” + +“I think not. You know all that you have to do. Keep Mynheer Spy +content, and listen every night for the hoot of an owl, twice repeated.” + +“I do trust you will come to no harm, sir,” said Christopher anxiously. + +“You had best wish success to my mission,” was the gloomy response. +“God knows, it needs it,” he added beneath his breath. + +At half-past ten he was ready to start. A voluminous cloak concealed +his rich riding dress, and heavy top boots were on his feet. He thrust +his gloves into his belt and donned his beaver. + +“So it is fare ye well, Chris! You took that package to de Staal?” + +“For your journey? Yes, sir.” + +Roxhythe opened the window softly, and looked out. It was very dark. + +“None too vigilant a spy,” he remarked. “Did you say he was playing at +picquet?” + +“Five minutes ago he was. But you had best hasten.” + +“Oh, I am going, I am going! Lud, how anxious you are to be rid of me!” +He held out his hand. “Good-bye, Chris; have a care to yourself, and +remember that John may be trusted implicitly.” + +“Yes, sir. And, oh! pray, be careful.” + +“There’s naught to fear on my account.” He looked at Christopher for a +moment. “I could not have accomplished this without you, child.” + +The two hands gripped. Then Roxhythe swung one leg over the sill. + +“Quickly, Chris! The rope.” + +Two minutes later he was on the ground outside, and blackness had +enveloped him. + +Christopher shut the window. He felt strangely forlorn and alone. + +Downstairs the spy continued to play picquet. + + + + + CHAPTER VI + + RODERICK DART + + +ROXHYTHE clattered through the streets of Delft until he came to a +likely inn. There he drew rein, and there he lunched. In spite of his +air of leisure he was well on his way again within the hour. By three +in the afternoon he was at the Hague. + +The Three Fishers was an insignificant little inn on the outskirts of +the town, not frequented by the quality, so Roxhythe’s lack of baggage +excited no suspicion. A slight sensation was caused by my lord’s +request for a private parlour, but when he explained that he was to +have a friend to dine with him whom he had not seen for years, it died +down. The landlord was impressed when he learnt that the friend was of +the Prince’s household and he readily undertook to have Christopher’s +note delivered to Mr. Dart. + +Roxhythe was prepared to be very much on his guard with Roderick. +Christopher had told him that he had been specially engaged by De +Witt, but had since become a devoted adherent to William. Roxhythe was +a cynic; he had lifted his eyebrows at that. Christopher had assured +him that his brother might be trusted with Ashley’s packet; Roxhythe +preferred to take no risks. He fully expected to find Mr. Dart an +informer, feigning love for the young Prince as a means whereby to worm +himself into whatever Orangist plot might be afoot. Roxhythe knew that +William was very closely guarded; he also knew that De Witt chose his +attendants carefully, and paid them well. He mistrusted Mr. Dart. + +Without Roderick’s aid he could not hope to gain entrance to the +palace, yet with his aid he might easily walk into some trap. He cast a +loving glance at his pistols. + +Punctually at seven Mr. Dart was announced. My lord rose at his entry, +scanning him closely from beneath drooping lids. + +The door closed behind Roderick. He took a quick step into the room, +looking all round. Then he stared at Roxhythe and his lips tightened. + +He was not very like his brother, except for his eyes which were grey, +and as honest as Christopher’s. His mouth was thin and straight; +his expression cold and watchful. He was dressed in a plain dark +suit, wearing none of the furbelows that were in fashion. His whole +appearance was severe. + +“Have I the honour of addressing--Mr. Curtis?” His voice was crisp. + +“The name will serve,” answered his lordship. “You are Mr. Dart, I +think?” + +Roderick bowed. + +“I am come at my brother’s request, sir, but I do not see him.” + +Roxhythe ignored the hostility of his tone. + +“Christopher is at Rotterdam, Mr. Dart. ’Tis I who requested your +company.” + +Roderick’s hand went to his belt. + +“Oh, no!” drawled my lord. “It is no shooting matter. Pray, will you +not be seated? Dinner will be served in a moment.” + +Roderick swung his cloak from his shoulders and laid down his hat. + +“I thank you. I take it you have not desired my company for the mere +pleasure of seeing me. You are come on business, my Lord Roxhythe?” + +My lord opened his eyes admiringly. + +“I felicitate you,” he said. + +Roderick’s lip curled scornfully. + +“On my perspicacity, sir?” + +“On your power of recognition, Mr. Dart.” + +Roderick brushed that aside. + +“I have seen you many times, my lord.” The words bit. + + * * * * * + +“... One would almost have inferred that I did not find favour in his +august eyes,” afterwards remarked Roxhythe. + +“I am delighted,” sighed his lordship. “It greatly facilitates matters. +Did you know that Christopher is my secretary?” + +“I did not. Since when is this, sir?” + +“Nigh on a month ago, I suppose. He is not very like you.” + +“Christopher is easily led--easily influenced!” said Roderick. + +Roxhythe conceived that the news of his brother’s latest venture did +not meet with Roderick’s approval. + +“Just so,” he agreed. “A most useful boy.” + +At this moment the one maid that the inn boasted entered the room with +a tray. When she had gone: + +“I must apologise for such poor hospitality,” said Roxhythe. “It is the +best the inn can afford.” + +Roderick seated himself at the table. He unbent slightly. + +Until the maid had finally withdrawn, leaving the men to their wine, +they spoke of Christopher, the atrocious condition of the roads, or +London gossip. It was then that Roxhythe inwardly dubbed Roderick a +strait-laced Puritan. His disapproval of his host was very apparent, +as was his disapproval of King Charles and his Court. Roxhythe was +consumed with amusement. + +“I suppose you have moderately good entertainment at the Palace, Mr. +Dart?” he asked indolently. “But no doubt you miss the London life.” + +“No,” said Roderick. “Whitehall and its customs do not appeal to me. We +of the Prince’s household live very quietly. We observe Whitehall and +the Louvre from afar, and we do not desire to emulate them.” + +“Dear me!” said Roxhythe. “The Prince, then, has no taste for Court +life?” + +“None whatsoever.” + +“Heaven forfend I find not a psalm-singing Quaker for Prince!” thought +Roxhythe. Aloud he said: “Why, you surprise me, sir! I had thought so +young a boy--and a Stuart--had had some taste for gaiety. Well, well!” + +“His Highness, sir, looks with disgust on the ways of his uncle’s +Court,” said Roderick deliberately. + +“Good luck to my mission!” thought Roxhythe. + +“He cannot see that King Charles has any man about him--with one or two +exceptions--” he bowed, “--whom he can trust.” + +Roxhythe stared at him over the rim of his wine-glass. + +“Is His Highness then surrounded by men whom he can trust?” + +“The Prince his servants are faithful unto death,” was the proud answer. + +“His Highness is singularly fortunate,” said Roxhythe drily. + +Roderick pushed his chair back from the table. + +“Have we dilly-dallied long enough, sir? You have business with my +master?” + +For a moment Roxhythe did not answer. Then he spoke slowly, his eyes on +Dart’s. + +“Why, I do not know, sir. It depends.” + +“On what?” + +“On who your master is,” said my lord. + +Roderick looked puzzled. He flushed angrily as Roxhythe’s meaning +dawned on him, and half rose in his chair. + +“Do you insult me, my lord?” + +“By no means,” replied that imperturbable voice. “I was told that De +Witt chose you to be one of the Prince his gentlemen. You speak of +yourself as the Prince his faithful servant. What am I to understand?” + +“I am the Prince his servant.” + +“Yet you are not suspect by De Witt?” + +“No.” + +“You are lucky,” smiled his lordship. + +“There is no reason why I should give you an explanation, sir, but you +may know that I was engaged not as an informer, but as one not likely +to be won over by His Highness. So Mynheer De Witt said.” + +“I take it Mynheer De Witt was wrong?” + +“Ay. You do not know His Highness or you might understand.” + +Roxhythe bowed. + +“I am looking forward to making the acquaintance of this Prince.” + +“You are a messenger?” Roderick surveyed him critically. “An envoy from +King Charles?” + +“I have that honour.” + +“You want me to bear a packet to His Highness?” + +“No,” said Roxhythe. “I want you to help me to gain access to the +Prince.” + +Roderick gasped at his audacity. + +“Impossible!” + +“A word I do not know,” drawled his lordship. + +“The Prince will not receive you!” + +“I think he will.” + +“He will require proof of your identity!” + +“He shall have it,” Roxhythe drew a heavy signet ring from his finger, +and laid it before his guest. + +Roderick stared down at the magic initials: C.R. There was no mistaking +the ring. For a minute he sat thinking. Roxhythe polished his +thumb-nail. + +“I may take this to His Highness?” asked Roderick, at last. + +“You may.” + +“And there is no packet to be conveyed?” + +“None that I cannot convey myself.” + +“I think His Highness will require you to send it!” flashed Roderick. + +“Alas! My orders are to deliver it into his hands myself.” + +“In that case there is no more to be said. You seem to think it is an +easy matter to gain access to the Prince. Pray have you thought how you +will do it?” + +“No,” said Roxhythe. “I never worry myself unnecessarily.” + +“Unnecessarily!” + +“You see, I leave it to you,” said my lord sweetly. + +“Indeed! Remember, I hold out no hope.” + +“I am dismayed,” said Roxhythe placidly. + + + + + CHAPTER VII + + WILLIAM OF ORANGE + + +ROXHYTHE had scarcely finished his breakfast next morning when once +again Mr. Dart was announced. + +Roderick was colder than ever. He returned King Charles’ ring to my +lord. + +“His Highness commands me to say that he will receive you this evening, +sir.” + +“Yes?” said Roxhythe. He drew forward a chair. “Can I offer you +breakfast?” + +“Thank you, I breakfasted two hours since,” said Roderick. + +“Then you must be very hungry,” sympathised my lord. “Allow me to cut +you some of this quite excellent bacon!” + +“Thank you, no.” + +Roxhythe sighed. + +“You must know, sir, that His Highness has been suffering from a slight +indisposition these last few days which has compelled him to keep his +room.” + +“I did not know.” Roxhythe was gravely concerned. “I am grieved to hear +it.” + +“You misunderstand me, sir. The Prince had intended to leave his room +to-day, but since you are to have audience with him he deems it more +prudent to allow De Witt’s spies to think him still unwell. If you +will come to the Palace to-night at eight and ask for me, you will be +taken to my rooms which are at some distance from the Prince’s. You +understand that I am not suspect, so my guests may come unchallenged. +I have already spoken of you to the Governor, Mynheer Van Ghent, and +he is satisfied. You may trust me to smuggle you to the Prince his +apartments.” + +“Very neat,” approved Roxhythe. “Be assured that I shall be punctual.” + +“If you please,” bowed Roderick, and took his leave. + +“If the Prince his manners are like those of his servants, I am like to +enjoy myself,” reflected Roxhythe. “Odd’s blood, but the young cockerel +might be equerry to His Most Christian Majesty from the airs that he +affects.... A damned Puritan lot,” he added gloomily. + +In spite of this nonchalance, Roxhythe was curious to see Prince +William. He had always heard that he was a youth of parts, and he +thought now that he must be a youth of very forceful parts if all he +had gathered from Roderick’s conversation were true. + +At eight o’clock he presented himself at the Palace. He was conducted +through the great hall, up the stairs, and along a corridor to a small, +sparsely-furnished room. + +Roderick rose and came forward, hands outstretched. + +“Ah, Curtis! So you have come!” In Dutch he addressed the servant. +“Bring glasses, Hans.” + +The man withdrew. + +“I must ask you to await his return,” said Roderick stiffly. + +Roxhythe was shaken with silent laughter. Mr. Dart’s cordiality had +dropped from him so suddenly. + +Roderick eyed him with cold hostility. + +“I think, too, that you had best retain your hat, sir, or stand with +your back to the door.” + +My lord bent over the fire, warming his hands. + +“I trust your face has not been too closely observed,” continued +Roderick. + +Roxhythe always complained that Mr. Dart thought him a fool. + +The servant re-appeared. He set glasses on the table, drew corks, and +retired. + +“I do not wish to be disturbed, Hans,” warned Roderick. + +“No, Mynheer.” The door closed softly. + +Roxhythe picked up his hat and gloves. Roderick nodded. + +“If you will follow me, please.” + +The mocking light had gone out of my lord’s eyes. Roderick looked into +the barrel of a small, gold-mounted pistol. + +“I deplore the seeming churlishness of my behaviour,” said Roxhythe, +“but if there should be foul play, Mr. Dart, you will suffer for it.” + +Roderick was scornful. + +“You may put that plaything away, my lord. There will be no treachery.” + +“You relieve me,” said his lordship, still holding the pistol. “Lead +on!” + +Roderick shrugged. He went to a door at the opposite end of the room. +“This way, sir.” + +They passed into a narrow corridor, faintly lighted by an oil-lamp at +one end. Roderick led the way along it, and up the flight of winding +stairs that branched off from it. They came out on to a broad landing +which was dark except for the light streaming from an open door. +Someone came out of that door, and turned to look at them. + +Roderick seemed not to see. He spoke crossly to Roxhythe in Dutch. + +“You should not have left it until this late hour, Franz. If His +Highness is asleep I cannot get the gloves for you, and I think it +probable that he is asleep. He will be most displeased when he finds +them still unmended.... Good-evening, Van Druyslet!” + +A good-natured voice laughed: + +“Those gloves again, Dart!” + +“There has been enough bother about them already,” said Dart, walking +on. + +“Ay. Good-night.” + +They went on down another passage, better-lighted, and not so narrow. A +man was standing by a low couch outside one of the doors that flanked +the corridor. Roxhythe took a firm hold on his pistol. + +The man came forward, eyeing Roxhythe curiously. He addressed himself +to Dart. + +“In the Prince his study, Roderick.” He spoke in English. + +“Thank you, Heenvliet. The Governor has visited His Highness?” + +“Half an hour ago. His Highness feigned the migraine. It is quite safe, +but in case of accidents I will cough outside the door, and you, my +lord,” he turned to Roxhythe, “will secrete yourself in the cupboard by +the fireplace.” + +Roxhythe bowed. Roderick opened the door, and they entered a large, +well-lighted room. It was empty, and, like the rest of the Palace, +richly, but severely furnished. + +Roderick held out his hand. + +“That pistol, if you please, my lord.” + +Roxhythe handed it over, smiling. + +“Did you think I meant to assassinate the Prince?” + +“I take no risks, sir,” said Roderick quietly. He went to where a heavy +curtain hung, and pulled it back. “His Highness will be with you almost +at once.” He disappeared. + +My lord was again shaken with laughter. + +“Oddsfish! ’tis as good as Etheridge his best!” he told himself. “The +little princeling!... But he would appear to have good servants,” he +added, thinking of the man on the passage. + +The Palace was very silent. A cinder falling on to the hearth caused +his lordship to start as at an explosion. The candles were burning +steadily; not even the wind moaned. + +“A damned gloomy place,” said Roxhythe. He drew a bulky package from +his breast, and laid it on the carven table. + +There was not a sound anywhere; no movement, no sign of life; +everything was eerily silent. Roxhythe shivered. + +“William of Orange has my sympathy,” he murmured. + +The heavy curtains swung noiselessly back. A slight youth, with great +eyes burning in an unnaturally pale face, came quickly into the room. +Dart followed him, and the curtain fell back into place. + +The boy was dressed as plainly as Dart. Light curls fell to his +shoulders and framed his hawk-face. His eyes were hazel, cold and keen, +the nose aquiline; the mouth thin. He gave Roxhythe the impression of +one much repressed, and old beyond his eighteen years. + +My lord swept a low, court bow. + +“Your Highness!” + +William spoke haltingly. His voice, even then, had a harsh timbre. + +“Mi--lor’--Roxhyt’e?” + +My lord bowed again. + +“I have to thank Your Highness for receiving me at this hour. I am very +sensible of the honour you do me.” + +William inclined his head gravely. He spoke over his shoulder to Dart. + +“Rodrigue, you may leave me.” + +Roderick frowned quickly. + +“Will Your Highness not permit me to remain?” + +“It is not necessary. Heenvliet will show Milor’ Roxhyt’e back to your +room. I wish you to go.” + +“Very well, Sir.” Roderick went out. + +William brought his eyes back to Roxhythe. He continued to speak Dutch. + +“Well, milor’? You bring me a message from my uncle?” + +“Yes, Highness. I have a proposition to lay before you on behalf of His +Majesty,” said Roxhythe, also in Dutch. + +“It is here?” William stepped to the table where lay Ashley’s packet. +His hand closed over it. + +“That contains the proposition, Sir, as writ by Lord Ashley.” + +The Prince looked up quickly. + +“So? Ashley.” He sat down at the table, and broke open the seals. “Be +seated, milor’.” He spread the close-written sheets out before him, and +resting his head in his hand, started to read. + +Nothing broke the stillness save the crackling of the parchment, and +occasionally a cough from the Prince. + +While he read, Roxhythe studied the boy’s face, waiting for him to +betray his feelings by some change of expression. + +William read on steadily. Not an eyelid flickered. + +Roxhythe marvelled more and more at this extraordinary youth. He +realised that here was a personality as strong as, or even stronger +than his own master’s, and at the same time, totally dissimilar. +William’s manner was almost repellent; he employed no wiles to +attract; he rarely smiled. To Roxhythe he had been brusque to the +point of rudeness, yet his lordship was conscious of an overwhelming +magnetism. He could understand now how it was that William was so +well served. Instinctively he felt that William had the strength of +character that his uncle lacked. He felt, too, that William could +inspire unlimited confidence, and he knew, without knowing why, that +even he, cynic that he was, would trust him implicitly. + +William put the sheets together, and rested his hand lightly on them. +For some time he did not speak, but sat looking straight before him, +eyebrows drawn close across his forehead. His tapering fingers drummed +on the folded parchment; a ruby ring caught the light of the candles, +and winked sagely. It was the only ornament he wore. + +“So this is Ashley’s proposition....” he said slowly. “What has my +uncle to say?” + +“His Majesty but endorses what you have read, Highness,” answered +Roxhythe. + +William looked at him thoughtfully. + +“I do not see what King Charles stands to gain by this,” he flicked the +parchment. + +Roxhythe was taken aback. He was not prepared for such ruthless +perspicacity. + +“Your Highness has a knowledge of men,” he said. + +“Is it likely that King Charles would offer this----” again he flicked +the parchment--“and demand naught in exchange?” + +“No, Highness, it is not likely. Yet King Charles stands to get the +worst of the bargain.” + +For the first time William smiled. + +“I cannot credit it, milor’.” + +“Nevertheless, it is so, Sir. Have I your leave to speak?” + +William nodded. His eyes never left my lord’s face. + +“The matter is this, Highness: King Charles is desirous of seeing his +nephew in his rightful place, and not a State prisoner. He hath no love +for De Witt, and he thinks that the people of Holland have none either. +He will aid you to overthrow their High Mightinesses, and he will make +you Stadtholder--even King, if the thing were possible. It should +not be difficult. You know, Sir, that the people grow tired of the +Pensionary, and murmur your name again. At Rotterdam, at Middleburgh, +at Amsterdam, and a score of other towns I could mention, feeling is +very strong in your favour. King Louis is an all too powerful enemy and +the Provinces require a leader. It is thought that you, Sir, inherit +your great-grandfather’s genius. Were you to break free from De Witt +and raise your banner at the right moment, crowds would flock to it. +The nobles are on your side and the middle-classes will follow when +they realize that in you lies salvation. King Charles will help you to +drive out the French, and the combination will surely prove too strong +for Louis.” + +“Yes,” interrupted the Prince. “And the price?” + +“You have read it, Sir.” + +William moved impatiently. + +“I have read many meaningless words and vague terms, milor’.” + +“Briefly, Highness, it is this: In return for setting you in your +rightful place, His Majesty requires the State to pay him a certain sum +yearly, to be afterwards decided on. There would be some compact, of +course.” + +“I think that is not all,” said William. “What of that compact of which +you spoke?” + +“An alliance between the two countries, similar to the existing bond.” +Roxhythe looked up. “That should benefit you, Sir.” + +“It should also benefit King Charles,” said William drily. “And your +English Parliament? They would like this?” + +“Your Highness has read Lord Ashley’s letter.” + +“Lord Ashley stands by the King.... Strange! Or does Lord Ashley +work in the dark? He says nothing of this tribute to be paid to King +Charles.” + +Roxhythe’s brain worked swiftly. It was very evident that William +was no fool. He saw through the offer and he would see through all +subterfuges, however glib. The only course was to be frank. + +“Highness, King Charles is in need of money. You know enough of the +relations between King and Commons in England to see that he must look +abroad for it. Two ways he may look: to France, or to you. France will +ask too much in return; she would want to hold England ’neath her +thumb----” + +“Much as King Charles wants to hold me,” nodded the Prince. + +“By no means, Sir. His Majesty wants to help you to the +Stadtholdership. He will benefit by the compact; you will benefit still +more, and the Commons will think they benefit.” + +“His Majesty’s scruples are very nice,” said William. “He will not make +England a catspaw of France, but he would like to make the Provinces a +catspaw of England. A subtle distinction, milor’.” + +“Your Highness hardly states the case,” said Roxhythe gently. “There is +no question of catspaw.” + +“No? Then I have greatly misunderstood you, sir!” + +“Your Highness has said so.” + +William looked down at the paper beneath his tightly-clenched hand. All +at once he grew rigid and his eyes flashed. He began to speak, quickly, +and with suppressed feeling. + +“King Charles his offer is no less than an insult! He seeks to bribe me +to sell my country to him--to barter mine honour! He has made a great +mistake, sir! He thinks to frighten me, Nassau! with his evasive talk +of Louis. Oh, ay! I have seen very clearly what he means! He is very +sure that I may be bribed, and bought, and tricked! He thinks to dupe +me with these vague promises”--he struck the parchment--“But I know +him! These armies he will put at my disposal--this King Louis whom he +will drive from my country! Does he think me such a fool that I do not +know he will never offend the French King? Bah! ’Tis I who am to fight! +I who must provide the money wherewith to equip mine army! I who must +lead them! I who must do all, while he stands by, encouraging me, and +tricking me with his subtleties, and his empty promises! The compact? +I can imagine it very easily, milor’! A string of evasions with but +one clear clause amongst them! And that that I should pay him tribute +yearly! He thinks me a child not to be reckoned with. He does not know +Nassau! You spoke of my great-grandfather’s spirit which my good uncle +thinks I inherit. Tell him that he spoke sooth, and that William of +Nassau treats his offer thus, and thus!” William tore the parchment +sheets across and across. + +“Highness, you misjudge His Majesty very grievously----” + +“Do I so? Bah! He is afraid! He fears that Louis may be making me this +same offer, and he cannot afford to have France and the Provinces +united. His good intentions!” He laughed shortly, furiously. “He does +not like to see me a prisoner! Yet he has seen me thus all these years, +and raised but the feeblest finger in protest. He is slow to decide, +your King! Well, there is mine answer!” He pointed to the scattered +pieces of paper on the floor. “And further tell him that William of +Orange will not stoop to intrigue behind the back of the State, nor +will he sell his people for his own advancement!” He paused and pressed +his handkerchief to his mouth. A violent fit of coughing tore and +racked his slender body. + +Roxhythe waited for him to cease. When the Prince leaned back in his +chair, quiet now, and with exhaustion written about his eyes, he +answered him. + +“Your Highness would do well to consider. Have you bethought yourself +that it is not wise to offend the King of England?” + +The pale lips parted. + +“While I remain a prisoner King Charles cannot harm me. When I am +Stadtholder he will not dare. There is Louis.” + +“Your Highness is very sanguine. If you will not sell your country, as +you call it, by whose help do you hope to overthrow the Oligarchy?” + +“Have I said that I hoped to overthrow them? I desire to hold my +rightful office, but I will raise no hand against a Government that I +fully acknowledge. It will be by the people’s will alone that I become +Stadtholder.” + +“And if the people will it not?” + +William’s eyes flashed again. + +“Did you not assure me that they were ripe for my standard?” + +“For your standard, Sir, yes. But if you raise it not they cannot stand +by it. They will not rise for Prince William alone. Prince William with +a force to back him, yes. It is a very different matter.” + +“I do not fear.” The Prince spoke calmly now. + +“Your Highness is young. You do not know the temper of a mob.” + +“Then I shall learn, milor’.” + +“By bitter experience.” + +“Perhaps even that.” + +There fell a long silence. It was useless to attempt further argument. +The Prince meant what he said, and he knew what he was saying. Yet my +lord tried to reason with him once more. + +“Highness, I counsel you most sincerely not to reject my master’s offer +thus lightly. You must realize what an impossible task it is that you +set yourself. You will have your country divided against itself, some +standing for you, others for the Pensionary. Also you will have a +French army marching upon you; perhaps, too, an English army. You would +do well to consider.” + +“I have considered. What King Charles asks is impossible. I am not a +Stuart--I cannot so unconcernedly sell my country. Milor’ Roxhythe, I +beg you will not waste your breath seeking to persuade me. Do you think +I have not had just such an offer before? I have considered well, and +there lies my answer.” + +Roxhythe rose. + +“Then there is no more to be said, Highness. I trust you will not +regret this day’s work. Again I implore you to consider well. I shall +return to the Hague in a few days’ time, staying at the Poisson +d’Or. A message will bring me very swiftly. Think it over carefully, +Highness, and remember that together England and the Provinces would +be very powerful.” He picked up his hat. “I have to thank you for this +audience, Sir. I fear it has tired you.” + +“No, milor’.” William pressed his handkerchief to his lips again. “I am +sorry that you should have been put to this unnecessary trouble. Your +King has sent you on a fool’s errand. My answer is final.” + +“Nevertheless, Highness, I shall be at the Poisson d’Or for ten days.” + +William shook his head. He struck the hand-bell at his side. + +Heenvliet appeared. + +“Conduct milor’ to Mynheer Dart,” ordered William. “Milor’”--he moved +his head wearily--“I will not detain you longer. I thank you for your +patience.” + +Roxhythe bowed as he would have bowed to the King, his master. + +“I do not despair, Highness. Permit me to compliment you on your +integrity.” + +So he left William, Prince of Orange, seated in the high-backed chair, +with the scattered scraps of parchment at his feet, a solitary figure, +bodily frail, but with the light of indomitable courage shining in his +dark eyes, and a steadfast purpose before him. + +He knew that he had failed; he knew that the little princeling whom he +had pitied--whom he still pitied--was one of the world’s great men; a +prince who, one day, would have to be reckoned with; a prince who was +not to be bought; a prince who was also an honest man. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII + + THE AMIABLE MR. MILWARD PERPLEXED + + +TO Christopher, waiting by the window, came the hoot of an owl, twice +repeated. In an instant he was on his feet, and had leant out of the +casement. Roxhythe’s voice reached him. + +“That rope, Chris! ’Tis plaguily damp out here.” + +Christopher vanished. When he re-appeared it was with the rope, one end +of which he secured to the stout hook in the wall. The other end he +cautiously let down. + +Roxhythe swung gracefully up. He climbed over the sill into the room, +and threw off his hat and cloak. Christopher drew in the rope, and +watched my lord go to the fire. He saw how grim were the lines about +his mouth. + +“You’d no trouble, sir? No mishaps?” + +“None,” said Roxhythe curtly. “And you?” + +“Everything has gone very well, though I fear the spies grow anxious. +They removed to the inn across the road the day after you left me.” He +poured out a glass of wine and handed it to my lord. + +“You saw the Prince, sir?” + +Roxhythe sank into the nearest chair. He gave vent to a prodigious yawn. + +“Yes, I saw him.” He volunteered no further information, and +Christopher did not like to question him. Instead he told him all that +had passed during the last few days. + +“... So Mynheer de Staal gave it out to-day that you were better, and +he thought it possible that you might be up to-morrow.” + +“Very good,” said Roxhythe. “Your suggestion?” + +“Yes,” admitted Christopher. “I thought you could not well be later +than to-morrow, and it seemed a pity to waste time.” + +“You are invaluable,” sighed my lord. + +Presently Christopher felt that he could no longer curb his curiosity. + +“Was your mission successful, sir?” he ventured. + +“It failed,” answered Roxhythe. “A novel experience. I shall go to bed.” + +He appeared downstairs next morning for a short space and spent the +rest of the day, sleeping in his chair. He complained that he was bored. + +After three days he announced that he was tired of Rotterdam and should +go to the Hague. + +Christopher was surprised. + +“I had imagined that we were to return to London,” he said. + +“Had you? But then you are so impetuous. You forget our amiable friend.” + +“Milward? Does he matter?” + +“He would think so,” said my lord, and would vouchsafe no more. + +They said farewell to de Staal that afternoon. The old man was +distressed. Christopher left him alone with Roxhythe. + +_En route_ for the Hague he spoke of him to my lord. + +“Mynheer de Staal hath a great regard for you, sir.” + +“Yes,” replied Roxhythe, unmoved. + +They found Mr. Milward at the Poisson d’Or. He seemed relieved to see +them. Roxhythe invited him to dinner and Christopher went forth to meet +his brother. + +He and Roderick dined at a little inn not far from the Palace. They had +not met for two years, and there was much to be said on both sides. +Not until dinner was over did Roderick speak of Roxhythe. Then he went +straight to the point. + +“Christopher, what induced you to enter the service of that man?” + +“That man?” interrogated Christopher with uplifted brows. + +“Lord Roxhythe.” + +“He was in need of a secretary; I, of work.” + +“There are a score of better men in need of secretaries!” + +“Indeed?” + +“Don’t speak like that, child! You should have consulted me. I might +have known you would act foolishly when my father died.” + +“I am perfectly well able to care for myself! And I resent--your tone!” + +Roderick ignored this. + +“Were my father alive he would be more than displeased to see you in +such company.” + +“Roderick, what do you mean? What have you against my lord?” + +“What every sane man has against him. He is a libertine--a rake-helly +fellow, with no morals, and less honour.” + +“How dare you say that? He is no more rake-hell than the others at +Whitehall! And as to honour!--You speak of what you do not know!” + +“Do I so? Even an what you say is true, which it is not--that he is no +more rake-hell than the rest of that licentious circle, it is no excuse +for entering his service. I would not have my brother in the company of +one of them.” + +Christopher essayed a sneer. + +“Why, are you turned Puritan?” + +“I am no more Puritan than ever I was, as you very well know. Had I +been in England a month ago I would have prevented you taking this +disastrous step.” + +“And I tell you that you would not! My Lord Roxhythe is a very +honourable, brave gentleman, and I am proud to be in his service!” + +“A patriotic gentleman also, I suppose?” + +“Yes!” + +“You are infatuated.” + +“Then so are you! What induced you to enter the Prince of Orange his +service? I would not work for a foreigner!” + +Roderick gripped his wrist, shaking him. + +“You young fool, be silent!” + +“Why?” Christopher stared. + +“Do you think no Dutchman understands English that you shout what might +be mine undoing in an inn parlour?” + +“Your pardon!” ... Christopher rolled the words out caressingly. “I had +forgot you played a double part. Odds-life, Roderick! I would not serve +two men as you do. To my mind it is no gentlemanly thing to do.” + +Roderick coloured angrily. + +“You do not understand. I serve the Prince and no other!” + +“Who is imprudent now?” jeered Christopher. “I thought you served +De Witt once? Your devotion to the Orange smacks somewhat of +double-dealing.” + +“I am not going to quarrel with you, Christopher.” + +“Then do not seek to malign my master to me! I know him as you do not, +and I tell you he is the soul of honour!” + +“You fool,” said Dart quietly. “Do you believe that? I warn you that +one day you will be disillusioned. Roxhythe works for himself alone. +He would dupe you did the need arise, or crush you beneath his heel. +You think him a man of scruples, but I tell you--and I know--that he is +without heart and without honour. Chris, you are very young, be advised +by me and quit his service. He only wants you for a tool.” + +“’Tis you who are the fool! My Lord wants me for a secretary! There is +no question of duping, or tools.” + +“Do you deny then that you are with him solely for the purpose of +bringing King Charles his message to the Prince?” + +Christopher was silent. + +“Roxhythe hath it in mind to use you in his machinations for his +master. And if you are over-nice in your scruples, he’ll trick you. Be +warned, Chris, I implore you!” + +“You are undoubtedly mad,” said Christopher with conviction. “If I were +required to work for His Majesty there would be no need of trickery. I +would die for His Majesty and the Country.” + +“You cannot die twice!” snapped Roderick. + +“The King and his Country are one, as you should know.” + +“Are they?” said Roderick heavily. “Not your King and his Country.” + +“You are disloyal! My King? He is also yours!” + +“Alas, yes!” + +Christopher betrayed anxiety. + +“Roderick, consorting with these stiff-necked Dutchmen has affected +your brain. I do not pretend to understand this strange talk of yours. +You had best quit Holland and come home!” + +“My dear brother, living as I do, I have had opportunities of studying +politics, and of viewing politicians and Princes that you have not. I +have seen the intrigues within intrigues that are always afoot--the +treachery, the lying! More I cannot say, but rest assured that I +speak the truth. I have seen what manner of men live in England and +in France, and I know that amongst them all there is not one who is +honest. There is only one man to be trusted. Him, I serve.” + +“You have become bigoted, Dick, and hard. What you say is utterly +false. Is it possible that you think your master the one honest man? +Why, even I, whom you so freely call fool, am not so mad!” + +Roderick sighed. + +“I see you will go your own wilful way, Chris. You have fallen a victim +to Roxhythe’s notorious charm, and I suppose you will follow him +headlong to destruction.” + +Christopher leaned his head in his hands and gave way to helpless +laughter. When he had recovered, Roderick started to talk on some other +topic. They spoke no more of Roxhythe that evening. + +My lord was in his dressing-gown when Christopher came back to the inn. +He gave his secretary one shrewd, calculating glance. + +“You look heated, Chris. You have been quarrelling with your brother.” + +“Nearly,” said Christopher. “I fear for his sanity. He speaks so +wildly, and so foolishly.” + +“In fact he disapproves of my Lord Roxhythe most sincerely,” nodded his +lordship. “Does he seek to remove you from my evil influence?” + +“Oh, yes, sir! I think he seeks to put me in a glass case, for he avows +that there is but one honest man alive to-day, and he will not have me +serve under any other!” + +“Lud! Does he expect you to enroll yourself under the Prince’s banner? +Don’t do it, Chris! ’Tis a gloomy youth.” + +“Not I, sir!” said Christopher flippantly. “I had sooner tread the path +to destruction in your company.” + +“So ho!” said Roxhythe to his reflection in the mirror. He was seated +before his dressing-table. “Is that the way the wind blows? Be warned, +Chris! I am an unscrupulous fellow.” + +“I know,” said Christopher, smiling. “He told me so.” + +“Well, it’s true enough.” + +“Is it, sir?” Christopher’s voice vibrated with indignation. “Do you +seek to warn me ’gainst yourself?” + +“It would appear so,” said Roxhythe. + +Three days later my lord entered their private parlour, and sat down at +the table. He dipped a quill in the ink, and drew a sheet of parchment +towards him. + +“Milward sticks like a leech. I feel it behooves me to write to my +little master.” He bent over the parchment. + +Christopher assented vaguely. + +The quill scratched tranquilly along. Presently Roxhythe sat back, and +dusted the sheet. He folded, addressed, and sealed it. + +“That will go by special courier. It should interest Mynheer Spy.” + +“If it goes by courier, how should Milward see it,” asked Christopher. + +“There are ways,” placidly replied his lordship. + +“But he would scarce dare to steal a letter from you to His Majesty, +sir!” + +“No,” agreed Roxhythe. “He would very easily dare to borrow it for some +few minutes, however.” + +“To read the contents? He hopes to learn the result of your +mission--or--or whether you have been on a mission at all--so that +Louis might make an outcry?” + +“Something like that, no doubt.” + +“I see,” said Christopher profoundly. “Yet how dare he break the seal?” + +“You do not realize that I have been so considerate as to place the +seal on the wafer,” said Roxhythe, pained. “He will not break it.” + +“Were you born in intrigue, sir?” asked Christopher. + +“I believe I must have been,” said his lordship. + +Thus it came to pass that when the not incorruptible courier slept off +his doctored potations at Delft, his late host, accredited agent to his +Most Christian Majesty, removed a certain document from his wallet, and +in the deserted coffee-room, carefully slit open the wafer that sealed +it. He was well versed in cyphers but he found a cypher unnecessary. +The letter was short, and was written in English. + + “YR. MAJESTY,--Has Yr. Majesty punished His Servant enough, + or must Roxhythe Remain a Wanderer? If he might Crave Yr. Pardon + againe, he Does so, Still more Humbly and Contritely than Before. Yet + more earnestly Does he Implore Yr. Majesty to Allow him to Return, + when he will Endeavoure To Showe Yr. Majesty How Great is his Remorse + for that Unpardonable Offence which he Committed. + + “He is Yr. Majesty’s most Devoted, Humble Servant, ROXHYTHE.” + +His Most Christian Majesty’s accredited agent was annoyed and +perplexed. Deftly he re-stuck the wafer, and restored the packet to the +courier’s wallet. Then he rode back to the Hague. + +The amiable Mr. Milward when apprised of the contents of the letter +wrinkled his brow uncertainly. + +“It seems we are come on a fruitless errand, Dupont. Roxhythe has not +the wit to write such a plausible blind. King Charles is not a fool, +and only a fool sends a fool to work his intrigues.” + +“You are assured that milor’ is a fool, then?” + +“He is a brainless court-darling. Yet.... It was strange that he +should fall into such sudden disgrace. I had thought him too perfect a +courtier to offend as he did. I confess I am at a loss. He has not had +word with the Prince, nor any of his servants, unless it be Mr. Dart +who is De Witt’s man. I have dogged his steps, and he suspects naught!” +He laughed contemptuously. “I believe we are on a fool’s errand!” + +“Maybe, _m’sieu’_. But I do not think that milor’ is quite the +brainless nincompoop he pretends to be. I would I had been at Rotterdam +in place of Grant. I am uneasy.” + +“He is either a fool or a marvellously astute man. In any case, what +more can be done?” + +“Naught,” said Dupont sadly. “But I mistrust him.” + +In due time came a letter for Roxhythe. It was brought to him as he sat +at dinner with Christopher and Mr. Milward. + +“From my master,” he said. “You will excuse me?” He tore open the seals +and read. Then he gave a relieved laugh, and laid the sheet down in +such a way that Mr. Milward might easily read what was written there. + +“His Majesty is pleased to forgive me! So it’s boot and saddle for us, +Chris, as soon as may be.” + +King Charles’ letter ran: + + MY LITTLE DAVY,--My Majesty must needs Forgive you, for I + cannot Live Without You. I am Surrounded by Dolts and Sycophants; I + must have My Roxhythe. Return at once.--CHARLES R. + +Mr. Milward tried to drown his fears. + +Before they left the Hague, Roderick had speech with Roxhythe again. + +“His Highness desires me to say, sir, that his answer is final.” + +“That is his last word?” + +Roderick bowed. + +“I am sorry,” said Roxhythe. + +The brothers parted on quite cordial terms. Roderick, seeing that it +was useless, did not again press Christopher to leave my lord’s service. + +Mr. Milward bade the travellers a touching farewell. Roxhythe addressed +him mournfully. + +“I shall miss your pleasant companionship, Mr. Milward. We have seen +much of each other of late.” + +Mr. Milward watched the little cavalcade depart. He became aware of +Dupont at his elbow. + +“He laughs at us,” said the Frenchman gloomily. “He slips through +our fingers like water. Me, I have had dealings with him before. I +suspected, but evidence? Pouf!” + +“Nonsense!” said Milward uneasily. “I have scarce left his side since +he has been at the Hague!” + +“It would not worry him. I tell you, he is a devil. You might be bound +to him with chains, and he would give you the slip. He is not a man. He +is a devil.” He walked away, depressed. + +Four days later, on board ship, Roxhythe broached a subject that had +been weighing heavily on Christopher’s mind. He laid his hand on the +young man’s shoulder, and spoke with some affection. + +“Well, Chris, so the journey is at an end. In a few hours’ time we +shall be in London. What then?” + +Christopher looked at him. + +“You will be no longer in need of a secretary, sir?” + +“I? Oh, I must have a secretary, of course.” + +Christopher became still more crestfallen. + +“I--you--that is, you wish me to leave you now, sir?” + +“No. But I think you would be wise to be counselled by that excellent +brother of yours.” + +“Oh, sir, never give him a thought!” cried Christopher. “If I might +stay with you, I will serve you--unquestioningly.” + +“Very well,” said Roxhythe. “You shall stay.” + + + + + CHAPTER IX + + THE KING OF ENGLAND + + +GORGEOUS in a pale-blue velvet suit with crimson facings and ribands, +and much rich lace, the Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe entered the +doors of Whitehall. He carried his gloves and his cane in one hand +and in the other he held his comfit box. The page at the door cast +one glance at the handsome face beneath the wide brimmed hat with its +drooping feather, and straightened in every line of his body. + +Roxhythe’s slumbrous eyes travelled over him. + +“His Majesty?” he said. + +The page bowed. + +“I think His Majesty is in his closet, sir. Shall I send Master +Hutchins to announce you?” + +“Do,” said Roxhythe. + +An elegant gentleman crossed the hall towards him. + +“I protest ’tis a joy to see you again, Roxhythe,” he simpered. “You +had a fair crossing?” + +“I believe I did,” assented my lord. “How doth her ladyship?” + +“Very well, very well,” said the elegant gentleman. “His Majesty is all +a-fret to see you. He will be delighted. He had not expected you so +soon.” + +On his way up the Grand Staircase, Roxhythe met some half a dozen +gentlemen, who were all duly enthusiastic over his return. He reflected +that his was something of a triumphal entry. + +As he neared the King’s closet he spoke to the page beside him. + +“Is His Majesty disengaged?” + +“I think Lord Lauderdale is with him, my lord.” + +“In that case you may announce me,” said Roxhythe. + +“Yes, my lord. His Majesty gave orders that you were to be taken to him +at once.” He knocked on the door of the closet. + +Charles’ voice bade him enter. It held a peevish note. + +The page opened wide the door. + +“The Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe!” + +Hat in hand Roxhythe walked into the room. + +Charles was seated at the table, opposite Lord Lauderdale, but at the +favourite’s entrance, he pushed back his chair and rose quickly to his +feet. + +“David! Already!” He embraced Roxhythe before my lord had time to make +his bow. He held him by the shoulders, scanning his face. + +“Zoons, Davy! how I have waited for this moment!” + +“Not so impatiently as have I, Sir.” Roxhythe smiled back into his eyes. + +My Lord Lauderdale rose, a red spot on either cheek. + +“I take it Your Majesty has no further use for me,” he grated. + +“None whatsoever, my lord,” answered Charles gaily. “Some other +time....” + +Lauderdale jerked a bow to him, and another to Roxhythe. He went +angrily out of the room. + +“A good riddance to his dourness,” said Charles. “Davy, Davy, I have +missed you so sorely I swear I’ll never send you from me again!” + +“I am glad you have missed me, Sir,” said Roxhythe. “So you may have +some conception of my poor feelings. These weeks have seemed months!” + +Charles drew him to a couch. + +“I vow you have had the best of it, David. I have been harassed and +over-run with petitions, and what not, and empty-headed dolts beside. +You would not believe the number that have tried to take your place! +But there is only one Roxhythe. How have you fared?” + +Roxhythe grew solemn. + +“Very badly, Sir.” + +“What’s that? You have been in trouble?--danger?” + +“Not I, Sir. ’Twas my errand that I spoke of.” + +Charles showed surprise. + +“Did you fail, David?” + +“Ay, Sir. There was no hope for success.” + +The King laughed a little ruefully. + +“Well, well! And so you failed! Has such a thing ever before come to +pass?” + +“Seldom,” said his lordship. “But this time I was very grievously +beaten.” + +The King settled himself against the cushions. + +“If ’twere not so damned annoying, ’twould be most diverting,” he said. +“Tell me, David.” + +Roxhythe proceeded to relate his adventures up to the point of +Roderick’s appearance on the scene. + +“I would Your Majesty could have seen that man!” he sighed. “He gave +himself the airs of a duke, and he paraded his Puritan views for my +edification. I do assure you, Sir; that I have never been so set at +naught in my life. He spoke of the Prince as though he were Master of +the Universe, and his whole manner was as formal as your father his +courtiers never were. He came the second day with the news that the +Prince would grant me an audience, as though ’twere some giant favour +he were bestowing. I went to the Palace at eight in the evening--I +should tell you, Sir, that I was requested to be punctual--and taken +to Dart’s room. He led me out by another door, along countless gloomy +vaults, each darker than the last, until we came to a hall. Then we met +one of the Prince’s not so faithful gentlemen and I became a lackey, +and was severely reprimanded. We shook off the man, and proceeded to +the Prince’s apartments. Outside one of the doors was yet another man. +He, though, was one of the Prince’s faithful ones. He sped us on our +way. Dart ushered me into the room with all solemnity. Then he took my +pistol from me. I suppose he thought I might assassinate His Highness +in a fit of depression. At all events he took it, and left me to kick +my heels, awaiting the Prince. And all as though I were in very sooth a +lackey! I, Roxhythe, the King’s envoy! + +“Then came William of Orange ...” he paused. + +Charles, who had been shaken with suppressed laughter, sat up. + +“I’ faith, Davy, I’d give much to have been with you! So you were +pushed from pillar to post, my poor Marquis? Oh, lud!” Again he shook. +“But what of my nephew?” + +Roxhythe spoke gravely. + +“Sir, he is a remarkable youth. In appearance he is slight, with a hook +nose, and eyes that see everything at a glance. His manner is cold, +brusque, repressed. His personality is overwhelming.” + +“So?” said Charles, interested. “As great as mine?” + +“In its way, Sir, greater. He has none of Your Majesty’s charm, but he +forces himself into one’s memory. He attracts, and he repels. In spite +of his youth, and his lack of polish, he holds the stage.” + +“Why, Roxhythe, this is marvellous! Proceed!” + +“He received me with as much ceremony as I had by that time learnt +to expect. He had the air of an Emperor giving audience to one poor +subject. He read Ashley’s packet. Then he asked me what Your Majesty +hoped to gain by the bargain.” + +Charles burst out laughing again. + +“That I should have missed all this!” + +“I do confess, Sir, I was taken aback. In a very short time he showed +me that if he was young in years, he was old in wisdom. He perceived +that Ashley was little more than a catspaw; he sneered at the idea of +your helping him to his rightful place. In fact, Sir, he desires to +know why you have not come to his aid before now.” + +“The impudent young cockerel!” + +“You would not think so did you but see and hear him, Sir. He asked +me what was to be the price of all you offered. I told him--glibly +enough, and evasively. He caught me up, and told me all too rightly +what I meant. He saw through and through that proposition, Sir, and at +last I was frank with him. I explained Your Majesty’s attitude--with +reservations. Then the storm burst. Odds body, Sir, but when the Prince +loses his temper, one shivers in one’s shoes. He hailed words about me. +He cried that Your Majesty was asking him to barter his Country and +his honour for his own advancement. He bade me tell you that he was not +a Stuart. He said he saw very clearly how you were seeking to trick him +into an alliance by which only you would profit. Finally he tore the +packet into shreds and bade me tell you that that was his answer. Then +he fell to coughing, and I tried to collect my wits. Sir, I argued with +that boy until my throat was parched, and always he had a ready answer +wherewith to dumbfound me. He gave away naught without meaning to, +and I could not gather what were his intentions. But he has evidently +received advances from King Louis, and I think he hopes to frighten +you by holding that over your head. That he will ally himself with any +foreign power to gain the Stadtholdership, I do not think for a moment. +He is as honest as the day, and as astute as old Nick himself. He +thinks to rise without foreign aid, but he told me he would not seek to +overthrow a Government that he fully acknowledged. He is to be feared, +Sir.” + +“My dear David, I must make his further acquaintance. Did he send any +more insulting messages to me?” + +“A score. He does not trust you or anyone else, Sir, and he told me so +in good round terms. He bade me tell you you that Nassau does not stoop +to intrigue behind the backs of his ministers. I think already he has +quite a little Court.” + +Charles was deeply interested. + +“And you think him one to be reckoned with?” + +“More than that, Sir. I think him a great man; one to be propitiated at +all costs. I foresee that he will rise suddenly, and at no very distant +date.” + +“We must invite him to England,” said the King. “I am agog to see him.” + +“I doubt he would not come. He holds England and the English in +contempt. Also King Louis. All this he told me. I spent a pleasant +evening, Sir.” + +Charles rocked with laughter. + +“And I thought I could twist him round my finger! Zounds, why was I not +there to see?” + +“It is no laughing matter, Sir. I am too old to be ordered about by +petty princelings and their servants.” + +Charles sobered suddenly. + +“But, Roxhythe, it is a plaguey nuisance. This means I must turn to +France.” He bit his finger-nail, frowning. Then he smiled again. “So +you came away with a flea in your ear, my poor Roxhythe? God’s Body, +how I have ill-used you! But tell me more of William. You say he has +personality; he attracts. But does he inspire his followers with +confidence?” + +“Judging from Dart’s airs, yes, Sir. He is very well served. It seems +his servants would undergo any torture ever invented sooner than betray +him.” + +Charles made a rueful grimace. + +“And,” continued Roxhythe, “he says himself that he will not have any +man about him whom he could not trust implicitly.” + +“If I said that, I had only you left,” remarked Charles. + +“Precisely. And he seems to allow no familiarity--no license. He lives +in an atmosphere of gloom and depression.” Roxhythe looked round the +luxurious room. “Thank God for Whitehall, and mine own Prince!” he said +devoutly. + +Charles smiled. + +“He is more kingly than I am, eh?” + +“No,” said Roxhythe instantly. “He is too young to unbend. But in +intrigue, Sir, you have met your match in William of Nassau.” + +“I must have a care,” laughed the King. + +“Indeed yes, Sir. Remember, the Orange is a man, and one who must not +be forgotten. I foresee trouble. Guard against him.” + +“I will,” promised the King. “And now, David, we must look to France.” + + + + + BOOK II + + THE WAYS DIVERGE + + + + + CHAPTER I + + JANUARY, 1669 + + +CHRISTOPHER settled down very quickly on his return from Holland +and took up his abode at Bevan House, Charing Cross. His duties +as secretary were not arduous, and consisted for the most part of +attending to the affairs of Roxhythe’s country estate, and answering +the many invitations that flocked in. + +He was supremely happy. In spite of all Roderick’s gloomy +prognostications his love for Roxhythe grew steadily. True, he had to +some extent re-adjusted his ideas. He no longer held my lord up as a +model of good behaviour; he knew that Roxhythe was careless, frivolous, +sometimes ruthless. A year ago these facts would have been enough to +damn my lord in his eyes, but now he flattered himself that he was +broader-minded. He no longer condemned the immoral lives that were led +by Roxhythe and his associates. Their frivolity and their rakishness +were at times to be deplored, but Christopher could not see that they +were without honour. Roderick had insinuated that those who frequented +Whitehall were entirely lacking in morals. He had said that each one +would barter away his honour for position or money. He had even hinted +that there were few who would scruple to betray their country. + +As far as Christopher could see there was no question of such a +contingency. It might be true of some, but of others it was manifestly +untrue. With regard to Roxhythe it was ridiculous. He had no interest +in politics; he laughed at intrigue. His whole life was spent in +waiting on the King, and amusing himself either at Whitehall or at the +Louvre. He was above the petty machinations of the day; he belonged to +no party; he never schemed for his own ends. + +Christopher did not pretend to understand him. It almost seemed as +though his was a dual personality, yet the second side of him had +appeared for so short a space that Christopher half doubted whether he +had not been suffering from an illusion. + +In Holland Roxhythe had shown himself to be cool-headed, energetic, +astute. Above all he had proved an expert plotter. He had dropped much +of his lazy cynicism; his languor had mysteriously vanished. But when +the intrigue was at an end back had come the old Roxhythe, just as +languid, just as indifferent. No word of politics ever passed his lips; +no suspicion of plotting was evident. + +Christopher was nonplussed. Eventually he came to the conclusion that +Roxhythe was not an intriguer from choice. It was only when commanded +by His Majesty that he roused himself. + +Roderick had inferred that Roxhythe worked not for England but for his +own ends. The idea was beneath contempt. Roxhythe had shown clearly +that he worked for the King alone. The King, of course, worked for the +Country. It was all one. + +Christopher understood that Roxhythe did not wish his powers as an +intriguer to be known. That was natural. Once discovered, he could +not act with the same freedom. At first Christopher had thought his +habitual indifference a mask, but as time went on he decided that it +was as real as the other half of him. He realized that he could never +hope to fathom the depths of my lord’s nature; perhaps he did not wish +to try. He was content to love an enigma. He knew that Roxhythe could +be astute; he knew that he was mostly obtuse; he could be ruthless, or +he could be kindness personified. To Christopher he had been kind. He +seemed to take an amused pleasure in fathering him; he introduced him +at Jeremy’s, one of the great coffee-houses; he took him to routs and +to balls. In all matters of dress and fashion he advised him; his house +and servants were at Christopher’s disposal. + +It was a curious friendship. On the one side was boundless affection +and unlimited confidence; on the other a casual liking and absolute +reticence. Partly it was accounted for by the difference in age. +Roxhythe was more than twenty years Christopher’s senior and it was not +to be expected that he should confide in the younger man to any great +extent. But Christopher knew nothing of Roxhythe’s life. The surface +was free for inspection. There were countless _amours_, countless +trivialities, but of what lay beneath the boy had been allowed only +a glimpse. Never again had he seen it; all that met his eyes was a +cynical _roué_, fascinating and repellent by turns. He loved this +_roué_ as he had never loved before. There had been no woman in +his short life, there still was not. Roxhythe possessed his whole +heart. Whatever Roderick might say to the contrary, Christopher knew +that Roxhythe would always possess it. It was to no avail to analyse +the why and wherefore of his love; there was no reason for it but that +subtle attraction which my lord held for him. He was content to love, +secure in the belief that his love would never be betrayed. He wanted +nothing in return; he asked no confidences and was not disappointed +that he received none. He gave the very best that was in him, happy +that this should be so. + +Before he had entered Roxhythe’s service his life had been singularly +devoid of colour. His mother died when he was a child, and his father +had had Roderick’s cold nature. They came of old Puritan stock; they +were very godly, and also very repressed. Madam Dart, who was not of +her husband’s persuasions, had bequeathed her sunny personality to +Christopher. She had nothing else to give him. On account of this +bequest there had been no understanding between Christopher and his +father, and very little between Christopher and his brother. Both Mr. +Dart and Roderick felt that he was not akin to them; they feared that +he was weak and easily led astray. They deplored his early craving for +excitement, and they did their uttermost to quench the craving. Then, +shortly after Roderick’s departure for Holland, Mr. Dart died. At first +Christopher felt lost and vaguely frightened, but the feeling had faded +and given place to a glorious sensation of freedom. Then Roxhythe had +blazed into his life, shocking him. Disapproval had, in its turn, given +way to love. His mind had broadened; he lost the shreds of intolerance +that had been instilled into him. One thing he retained: love for +Country counted above all else. His father’s creed as Christopher’s +also. Nothing mattered as much as England. Her honour and welfare must +stand first. + +Roderick had conceived that they did not stand first with either +Roxhythe or the King. He was undoubtedly crazed. The King was naturally +above reproach. Equally above reproach was Roxhythe. Christopher cast +his brother’s warnings to the four winds. + +He was interested in politics and listened closely to all the arguments +that took place at Jeremy’s. There was usually some conversation +concerning Home Affairs and the King’s intentions. It was well known +that Charles squandered away more money than he possessed, and men +wondered how he would contrive to pay off his load of debts. + +Foreign Affairs were also discussed, especially the menace of France to +Holland. Everyone knew that Louis would never rest until he had annexed +those Provinces which he claimed, and everyone hoped that England would +throw herself seriously into the conflict. Such a contingency would +surely turn the scale against Louis. King Louis was universally feared; +he was growing too powerful, and too belligerent. It was known, too, +that he coveted the throne of Spain for one of his own children. If the +ailing young Spanish King died, matters would become serious. On no +account must Louis be allowed to seize Spain. + +Christopher was deeply interested. He had the hatred of the average +Englishman of the time for France. He wished that Roxhythe would +discuss these matters with him, but Roxhythe only laughed and protested +that such conversation was too deep for him. + +At the present moment my lord was in Paris. He had been away a week, +and on Christopher’s shoulders had fallen the strenuous task of making +his excuses to the various people whose invitations to routs and +dinners he had ignored. + +These visits to France were always unexpected. Suddenly my lord would +remark that he could bear London no longer. He would depart with +perhaps a day’s warning. More suddenly would he return, with no warning +at all. Christopher supposed that he went because of some Frenchwoman. +Gossip said so, and he, knowing Roxhythe, believed Gossip. + +He was seated in the library one morning, sorting out my lord’s +correspondence, when he heard a leisurely footfall without. He lifted +his head, listening, for the step was familiar. + +The curtains over the doorway parted. Roxhythe came into the room. + +Accustomed as he was to my lord’s ways, Christopher was still +surprised. He sprang up. + +“Sir! I had no idea you were in town!” + +Roxhythe smiled at him. + +“Nor was I until an hour ago.” He went to the table and turned over his +letters. “You are well, Chris?” + +“Very well. And you? You had a pleasant visit?” + +“Quite amusing,” nodded Roxhythe. “Need I look at all these?” He +flipped a pile of letters with his finger. + +Christopher glanced through them. + +“There are one or two letters from Lady Flora, sir,” he said. + +“They will keep. She is becoming wearisome.” He sat down. “Have you any +news, Chris?” + +Christopher put the letters in the drawer. + +“Nothing of great import, sir. Lord Buckhurst requests the pleasure of +your company at a supper-party he is giving on Wednesday. I accepted +for you. Sir Malcom Digby begs you will honour him on Friday at Shawn +House. Mr. Carver gives a dance for Miss Rosiland next month. I have +not answered that.” + +“Carver? I do not think I have the honour....” + +“You have forgotten, sir. He is the man who gave us shelter the night +we rode to Bevan in the storm.” + +“That wealthy tradesman?” asked his lordship. “What impudence!” + +“I am to refuse?” + +“Naturally. Stay--this Rosiland--have you seen her?” + +“She’s young and shy, sir.” + +“Oh, refuse, refuse!” said Roxhythe impatiently. “Odds-life, what is +the world coming to that that upstart should invite me to his house? +Naught else?” + +“Naught else, sir, unless it be my Lord Arlington’s invitation to +supper and cards. I accepted.” + +“Well I need not go,” remarked my lord. + +“Then I think you will greatly offend Lord Arlington, sir.” + +One haughty eyebrow rose the fraction of an inch. + +“Oh? What maggot has Bennett in his head now?” + +“He seemed anxious that you should go. And--and he has influence. He +was not pleased that you refused his last invitation.” + +“Oho! You think I should do well not to offend his lordship?” + +“Well, sir, he would make a powerful enemy.” + +“But not, I think, so powerful an enemy as Roxhythe.” My lord rose and +stretched himself. “I suppose I must to Whitehall.” He lounged out. + +An hour later, his dress changed, his person powdered and perfumed, he +walked into the King’s presence. + +Charles was in the midst of his Court, talking to Lady Castlemaine. +Way was made for my lord to pass up to his couch. He went forward +gracefully, bowing to right and left in answer to the many nods and +smiles. + +“Why, here is our good Roxhythe!” cried her ladyship, welcoming him. +“See, Sir!” + +“I see a base deserter,” said Charles. He held out his hand. “I believe +you love his French Majesty more than me, David.” + +Roxhythe bent over it. + +“No,” he said, inimitably. “His French Majesty was an interlude, no +more.” + +Charles joined in the general laugh. + +“How doth His Majesty?” he asked. + +“Very well,” said Roxhythe. “Very expensively.” + +“Surely that’s Roxhythe?” came a voice from behind. “I thought so! +Well, my lord? So you’ve returned to us?” + +Roxhythe bowed to the slim, graceful youth who came up to the group +about the King. + +“As your Grace sees,” he said. + +Monmouth leant on the back of the couch, above Charles, smiling, +debonair. + +“I thought I could not be mistaken. I would swear to your presence in a +room of a thousand people!” + +“You are a flatterer,” Roxhythe shook his head. “You had best visit +Versailles.” + +Monmouth sighed. He put back his curls with one delicate, white hand. + +“I have a mind to. I have a great desire to visit the French Court.” + +“Ah, no!” said Charles, quickly, raising his hand. He laid it +affectionately on his son’s arm. “I cannot spare you, James.” + +“You spared Roxhythe,” shrugged Monmouth. There was a suspicion of +triumph in the glance he shot at my lord. + +“Needs must,” quoth Charles, ruefully. “Roxhythe stays for no man.” + +“Not even for Your Majesty?” asked Lady Castlemaine. + +Charles smiled. + +“I wonder?” he said. “Can one catch a star?” + +“I take it ’tis a question of holding a star,” remarked Killigrew, +coming up to them. “’Twould be interesting to test Lord Roxhythe his +devotion.” He spoke lightly, jestingly, but there was too much of the +sneer in his voice for Charles’ liking. The look he gave him was cold. + +“See the wretch now!” exclaimed Lady Castlemaine. She was in great good +humour to-day. “I’ll swear he is searching for his lady-love! Are you +not, Roxhythe?” + +Roxhythe turned his head. + +“Which one, Lady Castlemaine?” + +She spread out her hands in mock protest. + +“The latest; the dearest!” smiled Monmouth. + +“Alas! There is no dearest.” + +“What! Dead, my lord?” + +“No.” Roxhythe sat down. “Faded, sir.” + +“Already? I thought the little Crosby woman--” + +“But I tire so easily,” complained his lordship. + +“You are a scoundrel, Roxhythe.” It was the King who spoke. “I vow I do +not know why I keep you near me!” + +“Oh, I can give Your Majesty the answer to that!” replied Roxhythe, +placidly. + +“Give it then!” Charles turned, ready to be amused. + +Roxhythe’s eyes travelled slowly round the room. + +“Amongst so much virtue....” he began, and got no further. Protesting, +laughing voices chided him. + +Charles rose. + +“Ye all appear horrified at the idea of any virtue being found amongst +you,” he sighed, his eyes alight with laughter. “Well, I’ll set your +minds at rest. Without doubt ye are the most outrageous subjects in +Christendom. David, I want you! I have it in mind to give a ball which +shall excel all others ever held between these walls. I must have +your sage counsel.” He linked his arm through Roxhythe’s, and shook a +reproving finger at his small court. “I’ll leave you to your various +wickednesses,” he said. “God wot, ye are not fit company for me!” + +A slight stir by the door announced the entrance of the Queen. She +came slowly across the room on her way to her apartments, a short, +insignificant figure, primly garbed in riding-dress. + +Charles withdrew his arm and went to meet her. + +Her dark eyes with their vague unhappiness scanned him a thought +anxiously as he bent over her hand. + +“Well, madam? You have been riding?” The King spoke kindly, as one +speaks to a child. + +Katherine inclined her head. + +“Yes, Sir.” Some of the apathy went out of her voice. “The daffodils +are already blooming in the Park.” + +“Are they so? It was a pleasant ride, sweet?” + +“Not very, Sir. I wished you had been with me.” She looked up at him +sadly. “The people would have cheered.” + +“Why, madam, they cheer for you!” said Charles, patting her hand. + +“No,” said the Queen. “No.” She looked round the room. Lady Castlemaine +curtseyed as the lack-lustre eyes passed her. Katherine made no sign. +Then she saw Roxhythe, and smiled. The smile changed her whole face. It +held appeal, shy coquetry; it dispersed some of her stiffness. + +“I did not know you were in London, my lord,” she said. + +Roxhythe came forward at once, and kissed her hand. + +“I hope Your Majesty is better than when I left you?” His tone held +something near warmth. + +“I am very well,” answered Katherine. “We have missed you, my lord.” + +“Your Majesty is too kind,” he said gravely. + +“You should have been with us to-day,” she continued. “The spring has +come so early this year! The flowers are all opening in the Park. It +was very pretty.” Her eyes went back to the King, wistfully. Charles +had no interest in flowers; he was not attending. Roxhythe it was who +answered. + +“I shall beg you to let me come in your train again one day, madam,” he +said. “You have not asked me of late.” + +“Because I thought you would not care to,” she replied. “I do wish, +though, that you might accompany me.” + +“I should be very greatly honoured, madam,” he bowed. “I shall await +your commands.” + +“One would almost imagine that he wanted to ride with her!” murmured +Killigrew in Buckingham’s ear. “Is it possible that the fastidious +Roxhythe is _épris_ in that direction?” + +Buckingham shook his head. + +“No. He has always been the same with her. I suppose he seeks to curry +favour!” He sneered. + +Roxhythe followed Charles to his closet. There the King flung himself +down on the luxuriously cushioned window-seat. + +“I doubt the Queen is not happy,” he remarked, frowning. “She takes no +interest in our pleasures and she hath always the air of one moped to +death.” + +“The Queen hath a great regard for Your Majesty,” said Roxhythe +deliberately. + +Charles jerked an impatient shoulder. + +“Oh, ay! Ye think I do not notice her enough. She should be more +cheerful. She wearies me--poor woman,” he added. “Ye heard to-day; the +people do not like her nor cheer when she passes. Well, ’tis not my +fault.” + +“If Your Majesty went with the Queen, the people would cheer,” answered +my lord. + +“Roxhythe, I will not be taken to task like this!” said Charles +pettishly. “You had best accompany her! The people do always cheer when +you ride out. Mayhap she will think ’tis for her.” + +“You make a mistake, Sir, when you dub Her Majesty a fool.” + +Charles stared at him. + +“Are you an admirer?” he asked. + +“I admire, and have always admired Her Majesty’s brave spirit,” said +Roxhythe. + +Charles was silent. Presently he changed the subject, speaking coldly. + +“Well, did you ascertain Louis his attitude?” + +Roxhythe shrugged. + +“He realizes that he must come to the movement of your finger, Sir.” + +Charles’ brow cleared as if by magic. + +“I always thought he would! He may rest assured that I shall move that +finger to some purpose. I tell you, Roxhythe, I must have money, or I +fall. What is Louis his figure?” + +“I do not know, Sir.” + +“Arundell said two million.” + +“I am sorry to have to disagree with my Lord Arundell, but it is too +much.” + +“Are you sure, David?” + +“As sure as I am over anything, Sir.” + +“A pity.” Charles rested his chin in his hand. “Ye think Arundell a +fool?” + +“No. I do not think he understands the French mind.” + +“Nor I. ’Tis for that reason that I want you to help me. Colbert has +proposals to put before me.” + +M. Colbert de Croissy was the French ambassador, brother to the great +Colbert, Minister of Finance in France. + +Roxhythe was amused. + +“It should be interesting to hear what he says,” he remarked. + +“So I think. Roxhythe, I have seen that Clifford may be won over.” + +“Our incorruptible Chancellor!” said Roxhythe. “Well, well!” + +“Not at all. He hath great faith in mine integrity. From what he said I +gather that Colbert means to put the matter very plausibly. Arlington +is, of course, my man; Arundell also. I propose to summon Clifford to +my chamber next week when I shall also receive M. Colbert. Then we +shall see how the matter strikes Clifford.” + +Roxhythe nodded. + +“And what of His Grace of York, Sir?” + +“James is mad for the promotion of the Catholic faith in the country. +All else will fade before that.” + +“It seems very well,” said Roxhythe. He sighed. + +Charles heard the sigh. + +“You do not like it, Roxhythe?” + +There was a pause. + +“No, Sir, I do not.” + +“You do not like that I should make an alliance with France?” + +“I would it might have been otherwise.” + +“But it cannot be otherwise,” fretted the King. + +“No, Sir?” + +“You know it cannot! I tried to avoid it by an alliance with Nassau, +but he’d have none of it. What else can I do? I must have means or I +shall be entirely dependent on Parliament. I am sore beset! And now if +you turn against me--” + +“I shall never do that, Sir.” The answer came quietly, but very +emphatically. “If you want a compact with France you must have it. It +matters nothing to me. Only one thing do I consider and that is your +pleasure.” + +Charles put out his hand. + +“Ah, David! And yet you dislike it?” + +“I dislike it--yes.” + +“Because you think I am planning to sell England to Louis?” + +His smile crept into Roxhythe’s eyes. + +“Now you are ridiculous, Sir.” + +Charles’ hand gripped his. + +“You believe in me?” + +“I believe that you will contrive to out-wit Louis.” + +“That is evasive. You think I am not acting for England?” + +“I know you are not.” + +Charles laughed. + +“I suppose you are right. But I do not think I shall harm her.” + +“Nor I, Sir. And I do not think you will do her any good.” + +Charles looked at him curiously. + +“Roxhythe--you care for England?” + +“I used to, Sir.” + +“And now?” + +“Nothing counts save your pleasure. I stand or fall with you.” + +Brown eyes met brown. + +“And naught else counts ... not even the Country?” said Charles slowly. + +Roxhythe carried the hand that lay in his to his lips. + +“Since your ways diverge, Sir, no.” + + + + + CHAPTER II + + THE OFFER + + +JAMES, Duke of York, sat at the table drumming on it with restless +fingers. Charles, the King, lolled as usual on the window-seat, playing +with one of his spaniels. Sir Thomas Clifford, Chancellor, sat stiffly +by the fire and looked ill-at-ease, which indeed he was. There was +silence save for the yapping of the spaniel. + +Presently the Duke pushed back his chair. + +“Will the man never come?” he said. + +Charles did not raise his eyes. Sir Thomas glanced at the clock. + +“It--it wants ten minutes to the hour, sir,” he said propitiatingly. + +James shrugged impatiently. He looked over at his brother. The +spaniel’s yapping jarred on him. + +“Is Lord Roxhythe not expected until three, Sir?” he asked. + +“No,” answered the King. + +“Would it not have been better to have seen him before M. Colbert?” +James did not conceal his impatience well. + +“Wherefore?” + +Charles yawned. + +Quick footsteps came along the passage. + +“Perhaps this is he?” hazarded Clifford. + +“My Lord Roxhythe never hurries,” sneered James. “This is M. Colbert.” + +The French ambassador entered, and cast a swift glance round the room. +He swept a bow to the King. + +“Sire!” He turned. “Altesse!” He turned again. “Sir Thomas!” + +Charles nodded easily. + +“Pray sit down, monsieur. We are delighted to see you.” + +James rose jerkily and went forward. + +“You are very punctual, M. Colbert. Will you take this chair? We still +lack Lord Roxhythe.” + +“It still wants three minutes to the hour, sir,” remarked Clifford. + +“No doubt ye have heard from His French Majesty?” asked James, ignoring +the interruption. + +Colbert bowed. + +“A plaguey damp day, eh, monsieur?” drawled the King. + +The Frenchman’s dark eyes twinkled. + +“As Your Majesty says,” he agreed. + +“You don’t have such weather in your country,” went on Charles. “’Tis a +fortunate land.” + +The Duke shut his eyes, exasperated. Charles glanced at the clock. + +“The hour,” he said. “And--I think--Roxhythe.” + +The three other men turned to look at the door. + +It opened. Mr. Chiffinch, the King’s confidential page, announced my +Lord Roxhythe and my lord came in unhurriedly. + +His chestnut wig was nicely curled, and hung down over his shoulders; +his dress was carefully chosen. In one hand he carried his hat; in the +other, his comfit-box and cane. His calm, rather ironic eyes travelled +slowly round the room, and came to rest on the King. He made a very low +bow. Then he made another which included all the room. + +The Duke of York’s brows drew closer together. + +“Davy,” sighed the King. “You are punctuality personified! How a-God’s +name, do you manage it?” + +“I really don’t know, Sir,” said Roxhythe. “I believe it must be a +habit.” + +“A vice,” answered Charles, mournfully. “One which I do not possess. I +think you know M. Colbert?” + +“I have that honour,” bowed Roxhythe. + +“Then I need present nobody,” said the King. “How very fortunate! Oh, +sit down, Davy! sit down!” He waved him to a chair. + +Roxhythe sat down and crossed one leg over the other. He looked +expectant. + +Charles sighed. + +“Proceed, gentlemen,” he counselled them, stroking his dog’s head. + +“Do you wish me to--conduct the conversation, Sir?” asked James bluntly. + +“Pray do!” begged the King. + +James turned to the Frenchman. + +“M. Colbert, you advised His Majesty some time since that you had +certain propositions to lay before him, coming from King Louis. For the +sake of these other gentlemen, will you be good enough to repeat them?” +He sat back in his chair, his eyes keen and alert. + +M. Colbert twisted one of his rings round. + +“But certainly, m’sieu’. It comes to my master’s ears that King Charles +was not quite at one with his Cabinet over the Dutch Alliance. He is +relieved, _naturellement_, for he has always been King Charles’ +very good friend and cousin. He feared once that the alliance might +lead to war between England and France--oh, ridiculous, of course! but +there was a chance of such a thing--and he would be loth to fight one +whom he wishes so well. Of course. He knows that there are in England, +many Catholic gentlemen ...” he bowed to Clifford. “... of whom Sir +Thomas is one. The interests of the Church are his, as they are of +every good Catholic ...” he bowed to James. “... he is desirous of +seeing England return to the old Faith. He believes, too, that King +Charles would give much to see this.” + +King Charles twisted the spaniel’s ears above its head, and eyed the +effect pensively. + +“He realizes, however, that it is not an easy matter for King Charles +to drive the true Faith into his country--without assistance. But for +such a cause--a cause that is ever nearest his heart--His Majesty would +readily lend assistance. + +“There is also another side, messieurs. For many years England and +France have been enemies. His Majesty desires that this shall be so no +longer. He would make a compact with England that should seal forever +the friendship of two countries that lie at each other’s doors--two +countries that are the most powerful in the world. He thinks it more +than a pity that such countries should be at enmity, as must be the +case if England allies herself with the Provinces. + +“His Majesty knows that, together, England and France are all-powerful. +Together they might do aught they pleased. It might be thought, +messieurs, that His Majesty would be desirous of annexing England +for his own. Such could never be the case. His Majesty would never +interfere with England save at England’s wish. It might be thought +that he would desire England to pay him tribute. He does not. If it +should be that France makes war, he would want England to join her, +should he call for help. He would share with King Charles, not the +expenses, which he would pay himself, but the profits of war. He would +hold himself bound to come to England’s aid if ever she should call, +exacting naught in payment, messieurs, save a share in the profits. +More than that even would he be prepared to do: he would bear all the +expenses of any war of his making, and a large share of the expenses of +a war on England’s side. You must agree, messieurs, that His Majesty is +generous.” + +Clifford moved, turning his head. + +“To what ends, monsieur?” + +“To the end, Sir Thomas, that he may prove himself England’s friend, +and the Church’s friend.” + +Clifford pursed his lips. + +“If this be so, His Majesty is indeed generous,” he said. + +The Frenchman inclined his head. + +“There is another private matter,” he pursued, more slowly. “His +Majesty apprehends that King Charles finds it difficult to live as +should live a Monarch of his degree.” He turned to Charles. “Your +Majesty will forgive me if I speak too plainly.” + +Charles nodded casually. + +“I thank Your Majesty. King Louis, I say, knows this. During the years +of his exile, King Charles his purse was very surely drained, as was +natural, in his efforts to come back to an ungrateful people. The +many grievous losses that he sustained could not be re-paid to him +in full. His Majesty, my master, hath a great regard for his cousin; +it grieves him to see King Charles in any way pressed for money. He, +King Louis, has not had to bear such drains on his private purse, and +he is, as you, messieurs, no doubt know, moderately wealthy. Because +of this love which he bears King Charles, he is anxious to supply him +with means wherewith to live as he should. He knows that King Charles +is too noble, too kindly a man to tax his people as did--forgive me, +Sire--his father. He thinks it little less than shameful that by reason +of this true nobility of mind King Charles should be in want. Quite +privately he would desire to make King Charles an allowance. This he +could not do, as you must realize, messieurs, if England were at enmity +with France. But this private matter has naught to do with the other +matter of which I have already spoken. It is a gift from one cousin to +another, if King Charles will have it so, and not deem himself insulted +by King Louis his offer.” + +There was a long pause. + +Roxhythe played idly with the tassels of his glove, his face +inscrutable. James was looking at Clifford, who sat staring into the +fire. + +“It is for you, Sir Thomas, to speak,” said the Duke at last. + +Clifford raised his head. He spoke bluntly. + +“M. Colbert, King Louis his offer would appear to be generous to an +extreme. Yet this offer of money to His Majesty savours too much of +bribery for my liking.” + +The Duke of York stiffened. Over M. Colbert’s face came a look of +pained surprise. Roxhythe stopped playing with his gloves. Only Charles +paid no heed. + +“Sir Thomas, I am sure you cannot realize that such a suggestion is +little less than an insult to His Majesty!” said James harshly. + +“And to my master,” came haughtily from Colbert. + +“I crave His Majesty’s pardon if I offended,” answered Clifford, red to +the ears. “But I still say that the offer has that appearance.” + +James was about to reply, but with a deprecating smile Colbert +forestalled him. + +“You are perfectly right, Sir Thomas. To an evil-thinking world that +to no man accords the desire to do good for goodness’ sake alone, King +Louis’ entirely disinterested offer smacks of bribery. It is for this +reason that he would wish the matter kept secret. He expects to gain +nothing by this offer. It is made out of his love for King Charles, not +from any desire of gain for himself. He could not, of course, voice +such a proposal were England and France at disagreement. I have given +you his reasons for wishing their friendship; this private offer to +King Charles is no part of it. It has naught to do with the State; it +is between man and man. Yet His Majesty foresaw that the public, who, +being low-minded, credit all others with their same motives, would cry +shame to King Charles for accepting a bribe. The muck and run of men, +Sir Thomas, will not believe that a man can be generous, hoping to gain +nothing by his generosity. I had not judged you to be of this class; +I still do not. I know that you spoke in the heat of the moment, not +giving yourself time to reflect. Had you done so, you would have seen +how wrong--pardon me--how base were your suspicions.” + +Clifford met his reproachful look, and stammered hopelessly. + +“His Majesty knows--that I--that you--that I meant no offence--by what +I said. Perhaps--that is, of course, I spoke heatedly. I would not +accuse King Louis--of--of descending to--bribery. I could not think +that His Majesty--” he cast a flurried glance at Charles, “--would +countenance a--a bribe. I--I but said it savoured of that, as--as I +think it does, sir!” + +“It is for that reason that the matter should be kept secret, Sir +Thomas. I confess, if I had thought you would take this tone I had not +mentioned the matter to you. Knowing you to be an upright man, I had +hardly expected you to impute dishonourable motives to others.” + +Sir Thomas collapsed. + +“Sir, you misunderstand me! I--I meant no rudeness to His Majesty! +I--” he floundered hopelessly and stopped. + +M. Colbert wiped his lips with a delicately laced handkerchief. + +“I am much relieved to hear you say so, Sir Thomas. May I now go on to +my next point?” + +The Duke nodded shortly. + +“It is this: His Majesty is fully alive to the fact that there are in +your English Cabinet many honest gentlemen who are yet very stubborn +and narrow. They, like many other ignorant people, are averse from +dealing with France. They are Protestants, messieurs. They may be +drawn to the right way of looking at a French alliance, but at present +they will not listen to reason. Once it was proved to them that +France desired nothing but friendship from England, their objections +would fade. They would see that an alliance with France was for their +country’s good. In holding away from it they, all unwittingly, work +great harm on England. They cannot be brought round at present, but is +it to be permitted that they should do England this great wrong? They +have proved stubborn; they have showed that they will not listen to +argument. Shall they not then be ignored? They would raise an outcry; +they would prevail upon the ignorance of the people; they would prevent +an alliance. Then they must know naught until the thing is done, when +they will soon see that it is not a great evil, but a great good.” + +“You mean a secret treaty?” asked Clifford blankly. + +“Secret only for the moment,” promptly replied Colbert. “Think on what +I have said, monsieur, and tell me if this great thing for England is +to be quenched by a party of dogged Protestants.” + +“I do see the truth in what you say, sir, but there are many points +against it.” + +“Will you not name them, Sir Thomas?” + +“The first and foremost of them is this, sir: what you propose is +no less than a violation of the Triple Alliance, whereby we bound +ourselves to stand by Holland against France if need be. Your proposal +is a treaty with an enemy country made behind the backs of the rest of +the Cabinet. It likes me not.” + +“It is true that we ignore these ignorant gentlemen. But have I not +proved to you that it is for England’s good? Do you value these +gentlemen’s feelings above your country?” + +“Not I, sir. But I had sooner that they were made cognizant of the +affair.” + +“So they might hold lengthy debates, raise an outcry, and howl it down? +You must see that it is impossible. They will realize afterwards that +it is for their country’s good.” + +Clifford spoke sarcastically now. + +“Not if you seek to force Catholicism down their throats, sir.” + +James frowned, biting his lip. Colbert waved his hand expressively. + +“You do not credit my master with much perspicacity if you do not +realize that he has foreseen that, Sir Thomas. He is not an impetuous +man. He sees that the introduction--rather, I should say, the +furtherance--of Catholicism in England must be brought about slowly, +and with great care. He has no mind to raise a hubbub. He has no mind +to ‘force’ the Faith into England. He even sees that it cannot be as +yet. He is content to wait until King Charles calls to him. If King +Charles finds it not necessary to call, he will be the more thankful. +He wants not to interfere in another man’s country. Very earnestly does +he counsel King Charles not to hasten this great work to its undoing. +The time is not yet.” + +James stirred restlessly, and seemed about to speak. Then he checked +himself. + +After a short pause Colbert continued. + +“I would not ask you to give a hasty decision, Sir Thomas. I ask you to +think over all I have said before you speak.” + +“I shall most certainly do so,” said Clifford. “I cannot but see that +there are great points in favour of this plan, but, as I have told +you, there are points which like me not. But I will think on it. Is +there--anything further?” + +“At present, nothing, sir.” + +“Then...?” Sir Thomas looked hesitatingly at the King. “Have I Your +Majesty’s leave to withdraw?” He rose as he spoke. So did Colbert. So +also did Charles and Roxhythe. + +“I too,” said the Frenchman. + +Charles nodded. He spoke for the first time since the beginning of the +interview. + +“We have to thank you, M. Colbert, for your patience. We will speak on +this more fully later on. We will not keep you.” + +Colbert bowed over his hand and went out. + +Charles turned to Clifford. His wonderful smile dawned. + +“You will think me seriously on this, Sir Thomas? And you’ll not +believe ill of your poor King?” + +“Sire!” Clifford caught his hand, kissing it. “I crave Your Majesty’s +pardon again and again.” + +“Why, there is naught to forgive,” said Charles gently. “I but ask that +you’ll not think evil of me.” + +“I could not, Sir! I--I--” Clifford kissed his hand again. “I spoke in +heat.” + +“Then that is very well,” smiled Charles. He watched him leave the +room, smiling. + +“M. Colbert--speaks you very fair, Sir,” said James. + +Charles regarded him thoughtfully, his eyes alight with laughter. He +shifted the dog under his arm. + +“Damned plausible, a’n’t he?” he chuckled, and walked slowly back to +his seat. + +The Duke watched him uneasily. Roxhythe continued to play with his +gloves. + +“You don’t believe in the French King’s offer, Sir?” asked James +abruptly. + +“I want to know what lies behind.” + +“You heard M. Colbert.” + +“I heard a deal of smooth talk.” + +James sighed. + +“You don’t trust Louis, Sir?” + +“Do you?” riposted the King. + +James stared down at his hand lying clenched on the table. + +“I trust very few people, Sir. I want no French yoke about our necks. +But is this a yoke?” + +“Louis would wish it to be without a doubt,” replied the King. “The +question is: can I circumvent him?” + +“Yes.” It was Roxhythe who spoke. “Louis cannot afford to offend you, +Sir.” + +“If it comes to that, I cannot well afford to offend Louis,” remarked +the King. + +“Better than can he, Sir. At all costs he must have England, if not at +his side, at least not against him. England turns the scale.” + +“That is so,” agreed James. “If Louis plans more wars on the Continent +he must be assured of England’s help. And there is the cause. For that +the alliance is all-important.” + +Charles became exasperated. + +“James, I am thinking of the Cause, as you call it. What matters it to +us if England is Catholic or no? It is a secondary consideration. I am +thinking how I may profit by the alliance and yet prevent Louis making +of me a catspaw.” + +“Then, Sir, we are privy to this thing from different motives! I wonder +that you weigh your own petty advantages before the great Cause! I am +privy to the bond only for the good it may do the country! With France +at our back we may successfully drive the Faith into the country. It +seems that you are privy to the thing for the pecuniary good it may do +you!” + +Charles nodded amiably. His brother’s outbursts never had the slightest +effect on his good-humour. + +“Quite right, Jamie. And if I am not like to profit over-much I’ll have +naught to do with an alliance that bids fair to be a plaguey nuisance.” + +Roxhythe laid his hat on the table. Charles glanced affectionately in +his direction. + +“And that brings us to Roxhythe his share in the business. Davy, I +have had but one word with you since you returned from Paris. Tell us +exactly what you ascertained.” + +The Duke leaned back in his chair, scowling. He never liked Roxhythe. + +“There is not much to tell, Sir. As yet the scheme is in embryo. Madame +d’Orléans is very secret.” + +“I wonder if I did right to negotiate through her?” said the King. “But +I could trust Holles.” + +“You did quite right, Sir. Madame is to be trusted. At present she is +vague--partly because Louis is vague. We must walk carefully. It has +been made clear to me that Louis wants to hold England at his beck +and call. The offer of aid to you is a bribe, of course. If he fails +to snare you he will try to bribe the more corruptible members of the +House. At all costs he must have England to back him in his wars on +Holland. Roughly speaking what he wants is this: to have England aid +him in these wars, and to have England uphold him in his right to any +new titles that may fall to him.” + +“I had guessed the Spanish business to be in his mind,” said Charles. +“That will not harm me. War with the Dutch? H’m! Does he know my +people’s temper, I wonder?” + +“I think he has great faith in Your Majesty’s adroitness. He stipulates +too that the Catholic Faith shall be propagated in England. But +remember, Sir, war on Holland is his first thought!” + +“Is it?” said Charles cheerfully. “I do not think it is mine, though.” + +James lifted his eyes. + +“The Promotion of the Faith is the first matter to be attended to,” he +said. + +Charles pursed his lips. + +“I might stipulate for that, Davy. I should gain time.” + +“You might, Sir.” + +“You must!” corrected James sharply. “It serves a double purpose. If +you successfully drive the Faith in you make your position the more +secure, and you know that you have done your duty as a Catholic.” + +“Very comforting,” said Charles. “The first purpose appeals to me more. +There is another thing, Roxhythe.” + +“What is that, Sir?” + +“If Louis subdues the Provinces I want provision made for my nephew.” + +James stared at him. + +“Why?” + +Charles did not look at him. + +“You understand, Roxhythe?” + +“Yes, Sir.” + +“But why?” persisted James. + +“Another double purpose, Jamie. Because I pledged my word to his mother +to protect his interests.” + +“You’ve not done much to protect them during all these years!” + +Charles spoke with quiet majesty. + +“I have done all that was in my power to do.” + +“Beyond protesting to De Witt--” + +“I could do naught. Nor was it necessary. The Prince has been well +cared for, and he was but a child. Now it is different. + +“Evidently!” said James. “But where is your double purpose?” + +The King’s eyes met Roxhythe’s. + +“I believe it were politic to placate my nephew. I desire to stand well +with him.” + +James pulled at his lip. + +“A mere child. Why?” + +“Because I think that he will one day become a power not lightly to be +overlooked. Are you satisfied?” + +James was silent. + +“And now, Roxhythe, it is for you to determine the price. Louis refused +the two million.” + +“Two million?” exclaimed James. “What folly!” He rose. “With your +leave, Sir, I’ll withdraw. You will best arrange this alone!” + +“Very well,” said Charles. He watched him go out. “Roxhythe, you must +discover my sister’s attitude in the matter.” + +“I believe that Madame is fair-minded, Sir.” + +“What mean you by that?” + +“That she will favour neither side. If it were possible she would +strive for you. As it is she holds herself neutral. She is a wise +intermediary, Sir.” + +“So it seems,” said Charles. “We shall see. In the meantime, Roxhythe, +go you to Paris. I shall put this matter before Arlington. I fancy we +shall have trouble with him.” + +“I thought he was your man, Sir?” + +“So he is. But his wife is Dutch--and of the House of Orange.” + +“True. Yet he will stand, I think, by you.” + +“We shall see,” repeated Charles. + + + + + CHAPTER III + + HER LADYSHIP + + +THUS began the negotiations between the Kings of France and England. +They were necessarily slow, and they entailed many journeys for the +favourite to and from Paris. Christopher noticed that the French visits +were becoming more and more frequent and decided that the lady must be +unusually attractive. He did not worry his head over it at all. + +Towards the end of the year came a lull in the proceedings. A deadlock +had been reached, and it almost seemed as though the alliance would +not take place. Lord Arlington hesitated and demurred, irritating +King Louis; and Madame, the fair intermediary, would give Roxhythe no +definite answer as to the price that Louis would pay. Both parties +were dissatisfied with one another, both demanded what the other would +not give. For a time Roxhythe ceased his visits to Paris and found +amusement with a certain Lady Crewe, a bride, newly come to town. She +was young, beautiful and rather unsophisticated. She was very much in +love with her husband, but she was flattered by Roxhythe’s attentions. + +In October the deadlock had to some extent been passed. The journeys +to Paris became more frequent again. During one of them a little stir +was created in fashionable London by the arrival of the Lady Frances +Montgomery, daughter of the late Duke of Rochefort, and wife of Sir +Jasper Montgomery, of the Diplomatic. She had returned from Spain, +where she had been for the last three years. She was cousin to my Lord +Roxhythe, and before she had married Montgomery there had been much +talk of an alliance between her and my lord. Her father had wished it, +but evidently she and Roxhythe had not, for London had been denied +the thrill of seeing my lord caught at last. The Duke had not looked +favourably on Montgomery. His daughter might have married the bluest +blood in France or England had she liked. She had been bred in the +French Court; she had beauty, wit and that mysterious something known +as charm. She had had many suitors, but not one had she accepted. She +preferred to remain single, and, as the Duke could refuse her nothing, +single she did remain. When she came to the Restoration Court she made +a huge success. Charles himself paid her extravagant compliments; the +men fell at her feet. Rumour said that she was as astute as Madame, +Duchesse d’Orléans, and had more than once had a finger in various +intrigues. Then she met Sir Jasper and electrified Society by deciding +to marry him. As usual she had her way. There was a magnificent +wedding, and she went away with honest but dull Montgomery and was seen +no more. + +Now she had returned because her husband had been ordered home. As +soon as the news became general every scrap of gossip concerning her +was retailed. A great many people wondered whether she had wearied of +Montgomery and whether she would amuse herself with her cousin. + +It was said of her that she was the one woman with whom Roxhythe had +not trifled. They had never been anything dearer than very good friends. + +When she had been in London for about a week she gave a reception to +which all London flocked. She had not asked Roxhythe to come because +she believed him to be in Paris, so she was considerably surprised +when, midway through the evening, two gentleman were announced, one of +whom was the Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe, and the other Mr. Dart. + +Roxhythe was magnificent in purple and gold. Diamonds scintillated +from his breast where his several orders hung, and from his long, thin +fingers. He made his entry superbly and swept a glance round the room. + +Lady Frances was standing with the young Duchess of Monmouth. He saw +her at once, recognising her slim, graceful figure. She was talking +animatedly, with many tiny gestures of the hand learnt at the French +Court, and many lightning smiles that showed pearly teeth behind her +red lips. + +Christopher watched her, conscious of her fascination. He could not +take his eyes off her face. It was not so much her beauty which +attracted him, but her great vivacity. Her brown eyes flashed as she +talked; dimples quivered on her cheeks. Around her was gathered quite a +little court, hanging on her lips, waiting for a look or a smile. + +Roxhythe glanced at his secretary amusedly. + +“She is quite charming, is she not?” he asked. + +Christopher drew in his breath. + +“Is--that Lady Frances?” he said. + +“That is Lady Frances. A sad minx.” He laughed softly at Christopher’s +indignant face. + +Frances had seen them. She came across the room, hands outstretched. + +“My very dear David! What an honour!” + +Roxhythe kissed her hand. + +“You did not invite me,” he said. “But I came.” + +“Of course I am delighted! I thought you away, else I should assuredly +have asked you to come.” + +“So I thought,” nodded his lordship, pensively. “May I present Mr. +Dart? Chris, Lady Frances Montgomery.” + +My lady flashed her bright eyes at Christopher. She seemed to search +his face for the fraction of a second. Then she smiled. Her smile was +wonderful. Christopher fell in love with her on the spot. + +“I must introduce you to someone very nice,” she decided. “Come with +me! David, I want to talk to you, so you must not run to Lady Crewe’s +side yet.” She bore Christopher off to the other end of the room. When +she came back she found Roxhythe talking to Lord Buckhurst and one or +two others. + +“No,” she said, emphatically. “You may none of you come with us. I’ve +not seen Roxhythe for three years, and I’ve much to tell him. Charles, +if you love me as much as you swear you do, you’ll entertain Miss +Douglas for me.” + +Buckhurst grimaced. + +“That’s a poor substitute for you, Fanny!” + +“Dear Charles, Arabella disapproves of you very thoroughly! ’Twill +amuse you.” + +Buckhurst looked gloomy. + +“It may. Thy will be done, Fanny!” He walked off. + +Lady Frances and Roxhythe withdrew to a small room, adjoining the +ballroom. Once there, Roxhythe took his cousin in his arms, and kissed +her. Lady Frances made no demur. On the contrary, she returned the +kiss, and settled herself on a blue and gold couch. + +“David, do you know that it is very refreshing to see you again?” Her +humorous eyes challenged him. + +Roxhythe sat down beside her. + +“It must be.” He looked at her quizzically. “The compliment withheld.” + +“You always were provoking,” she retorted. “But are you not glad to see +me?” + +“Superlatively. You never expect me to make love to you.” + +“Of course I am flattered,” she said. + +His lordship was regarding her appraisingly. + +“I was afraid the climate might spoil you,” he pronounced at length. +“Thank heaven, you are as beautiful as ever!” + +She tilted her head on one side. + +“I thought I was more beautiful than ever!” she said. + +“My dear, Jasper is not the judge of beauty that I am. If he told you +that, he lied. It were impossible for you to be more beautiful. Riper, +perhaps.” + +“I do not like the word,” she answered, gravely. “Next I shall be +over-ripe.” + +“And after that, decay,” nodded my lord. + +“How ungallant of you!” cried Lady Frances, letting fall her fan. Then +she laughed. “In truth, we are getting old, Roxhythe.” + +“We are,” he agreed. “Foiled again, Fanny. Is it London for you now?” + +“I think so. Unless Jasper is sent abroad again, which is unlikely. Who +is the charming boy?” + +“I don’t know,” replied Roxhythe. “Have you found one?” + +“David, you must really not try to impress me with your affectations! I +mean the boy you brought here to-night.” + +“Oh, Christopher! Yes, he is rather likeable, isn’t he?” + +“Who is he?” insisted Frances. + +“He is my secretary. One of the Darts of Suffolk.” + +“Your secretary? How came he to be that?” + +“I really don’t remember. I seem to have had him some time.” + +“He was not with you when I left England.” + +“No. I think it must have been shortly after you left. My last was a +fool. And so untrustworthy.” + +“Aha? You wanted a discreet man for some intrigue, I suppose?” + +Roxhythe looked at her in hurt wonderment. + +“My dear Fanny, have you ever known me require assistance in an +_affaire_?” + +“I meant a political intrigue.” + +“Oh, lud!” said Roxhythe, and was shaken with laughter. “Yes, Fan, that +is it. At my time of life I am turned plotter. It is very sad.” + +She looked at him steadily for a moment. + +“I wish you would not think me a fool, Roxhythe. How is your beloved +King?” + +“The same as ever. He will be pleased to see you.” + +“I think he will. I am going to Whitehall with Jasper on Thursday. You +will be there?” + +“Since you are going, yes. The compliment granted.” + +“You know, I am very glad I did not marry you,” she told him. + +“So am I,” said my lord. “We should have quarrelled. ’Tis ever the way +when both have wit. I suppose you never quarrel with Jasper?” + +“Insufferable man! I shall go.” She rose, and held out her hand. “Come, +David! You must make yourself very agreeable to everyone.” + +“Why, I rather thought of leaving!” he protested. “I only came to see +you.” + +“Then you will offend me very grievously. Come!” + +He suffered himself to be drawn to his feet. + +“If you give way to idle passions you will have lost your chief +attraction,” he sighed. “If I succeed in offending you I shall lose all +interest.” + +“What a terrible fate were mine, then!” she mocked. “Oh, here is Jasper +come to seek me! Jasper, Roxhythe is worse than ever!” + +Montgomery grasped my lord’s hand. + +“I am overwhelmed to see you,” he smiled. “But I cannot have my wife +monopolized.” + +“You have it wrong,” retaliated Frances. “I monopolized him! He is the +gr-reat Roxhythe! Oh fie!” she blew him a kiss and rustled away. + +“She is remarkably fascinating,” reflected my lord. “But no doubt I +should have wearied of her.” + +On the way home Christopher informed Roxhythe that Lady Frances had +asked him to wait on her. He also informed Roxhythe that she was the +sweetest, loveliest lady he had ever met. + +My lord settled himself more comfortably in his corner of the coach. + +“Minx,” he murmured. “So she has you in her toils? I had almost come to +think you immune.” + +“I greatly admire and respect her ladyship,” said Christopher with +dignity. + +My lord closed his eyes. + +“Yes, that is always the way. Odso, I can scarce remember my calf-love! +No doubt she was years older than I.” + +“You are most provoking to-night,” said Christopher huffily. + +“So she said,” agreed his lordship. + + + + + CHAPTER IV + + HER LADYSHIP’S PERPLEXITY + + +“THAT nice child has been here to-day,” remarked Lady Frances, +suddenly. “I am at a loss.” + +Her husband looked up, smiling. + +“A novel experience for you, my dear. What child?” + +“Christopher Dart. David’s secretary.” + +“Oh? Why are you at a loss?” + +Lady Frances frowned uncertainly. + +“I cannot understand how he should be in Roxhythe’s service.” + +Montgomery laid down his quill. + +“Proceed!” + +“Now, do not laugh!” begged her ladyship. “I am in earnest.” + +“Did I laugh?” + +“You looked as though you might. That boy is honest.” + +“Yes?” + +“I wish you were more intelligent,” sighed her ladyship. “Though +Roxhythe assures me we should quarrel an you were.” + +“I did not know I had been the subject of your conversation that +evening last month.” + +“Oh, you were not! Please don’t sound so offended! We congratulated +ourselves that we had not married one another. It was very quaint.” + +“Highly diverting,” agreed Montgomery, drily. + +“Indeed, it was! And we nearly did, you know. But never mind that; it’s +not what I wanted to tell you. It is about Christopher. He has been +with Roxhythe for nearly two years, and he worships him!” + +“Well?” asked her husband. “What of it?” + +“That is not all. He--he respects him! And he is such an upright boy! +So very honourable!” + +“You seem to have observed him closely.” + +“Pho!” said Lady Frances. “He is as transparent as air! He knows naught +of plots and plotters. He is a very babe in affairs, and is seemingly +blind to what goes on around him. And he is with Roxhythe!” + +“I cannot see why you marvel at it, Fanny. Roxhythe is no plotter.” + +Lady Frances leant both elbows on the table. She rested her chin in her +hands, and looked steadily across at her husband. + +“Do you really think that, Jasper?” + +“Of course I think it!” he answered, surprised. “Roxhythe a plotter? My +dear, you have some maggot in your head! The man has no mind for aught +save clothes, and women, and witticisms!” + +“You think he is a fool?” + +“A typical courtier,” he amended. + +A curious smile curved her ladyship’s mouth. + +“Do you think the King a fool?” + +Montgomery fingered his quill. + +“No. Alas!” + +“What use then do you suppose he has for fools?” + +“None. Save when he uses them as dupes.” + +“Would he keep a fool ever at his side, think you?” + +Montgomery perceived whither this led. + +“Roxhythe amuses him.” + +“So have other men. Yet they have faded away. Roxhythe remains.” + +“He is a man of some parts, of course,” admitted Montgomery. + +“More than that. He is as clever as sin.” + +“Oh, my dear Fanny, you over-rate him!” + +“I do not. I would wager my reputation that David’s inanities are but a +mask.” + +“Your woman’s imagination runs away with you, my dear. If he were the +clever man you say he is, why should he wish to hide his qualities?” + +“So he might serve the King better.” + +Montgomery twisted one of the curls of his periwig round his finger. + +“Oh. Then you infer...?” + +Lady Frances dropped her eyelids. + +“Nothing,” she said smoothly. “I only know that I would not trust +Roxhythe.” + +“Trust him! No, nor I. But not because I think him clever.” + +“Roxhythe acts a part,” said Frances slowly. “Of that I am assured. In +his position a man sees many things about Whitehall. Yet he is ever +ignorant. He is always indifferent, cynical; he knows nothing. If one +speaks of intrigue, he fences, and is flippant. He would have the +world believe him the idle court-gallant you think him. The world does +believe it. But not Lady Frances!” + +“Lady Frances is very deep,” said Montgomery, sarcastically. + +“Lady Frances knows Whitehall and its ways!” she flashed back at him. +“I have lived all my life in courts! I know what use have Kings for +fools. Why, Jasper, Jasper, where are your wits? Do you forget that +Roxhythe has never been away from Charles his side since they fled the +country? Charles had no room for any but the most astute during those +years. It was plot, plot, plot, all the time!” + +“Through Roxhythe?” + +“Roxhythe and others. But certainly Roxhythe.” + +Montgomery sat silent for a while. + +“I have a great respect for your wisdom, my dear, as you know. Yet I +think in this you are wrong. If Charles had need of plotters, he had +also need of men to divert him. Such is Roxhvthe.” + +Lady Frances shut her lips firmly. After a moment she spoke again. + +“One day you’ll know I was right, Jasper. And you will marvel, even as +I do, that Christopher Dart was ever in his service.” + +“Mayhap,” shrugged Montgomery. He went on writing. + +Lady Frances left the room. She went up to her own boudoir, and, from +her escritoire, took a letter from her very dear friend, Aimée de St. +Morny, Lady-in-waiting to Madame, Duchesse d’Orléans. + + “... I was Interested Yesterday, my dear Fanny, to Meet a Kinsman + of Yrs. I mean le Marquis de Roxhythe, who is perhaps _épris de + Madame_, who is _sans doute éprise de lui_. He is ever in + Attendance on her, and Shows himself _très beau cavalier_....” + +“Oh!” said my lady. “Oh!... Well, it may be so. It is even probable. +And yet ... I think I shall watch my good Roxhythe.” She nodded briskly +and locked the letter away in her desk. + + + + + CHAPTER V + + LADY CREWE + + +IT was some weeks later that Christopher met an old friend, whom he had +not seen for some years. He saw him in the Strand one morning, coming +out of one of the houses. He caught his arm. + +“Sydney Harcourt!” + +Harcourt stared for a moment in perplexity. Then his face cleared, and +he grasped Christopher’s hand. + +“Chris!” + +Christopher linked his arm in his. Together they strolled down the +Strand. + +“I had not thought to meet you to-day, Sydney!” + +“Nor I you. ’Oons, lad, but you’ve changed!” He laughed. “You are a man +now!” + +“I have need to be!” + +“Yes? Roderick is still abroad?” + +“With the Prince of Orange,” nodded Christopher. “I have not seen him +for two years. I was at the Hague in ’68, and I found him greatly +changed.” + +“Is that so? He was a very bright youth when I knew him!” + +“He’s like a psalm-singing Puritan now,” said Christopher gloomily. +“But tell me of yourself, Sydney! What do you do?” + +“I am with Russell as his confidential secretary,” replied Harcourt. +“And you?” + +“I have much the same post, I fancy,” smiled Christopher. “I am Lord +Roxhythe his secretary.” He said it with pride, and was gratified by +Harcourt’s start of surprise. + +“With Roxhythe? You, Chris?” + +Christopher nodded. + +“I have been with him for nearly two years. Roderick is very angry with +me because of it.” + +Harcourt compressed his lips quickly. + +“I confess, I, too, am--surprised. You are with a strange man, Chris.” + +“I am with a very great man,” retaliated Christopher. “If you think to +warn me ’gainst my lord, let me tell you that I take such warnings very +ill.” + +The shrewd grey eyes looked into his. + +“Oh?” said Harcourt. “I am to congratulate you, then?” + +“If you like,” answered Christopher. + +“Then of course I do. Why should I seek to warn you?” + +“Heaven knows! Most people have tried to.” + +“I shall not, I assure you. You should count yourself fortunate to be +with perhaps one of the most influential men of the day.” + +Christopher was pleased. After that they spoke no more of Roxhythe. He +refused an invitation to dine that night, pleading that he was going to +Lady Crewe’s masquerade, but he accepted for Friday. Then they parted. + +When Christopher returned to Bevan House he found that Roxhythe had +returned unexpectedly from Paris. Overjoyed he hurried into the library +where my lord was seated. + +“How very delightful, sir! I did not expect you for another week!” He +kissed Roxhythe’s hand. + +My lord smiled at him. + +“Are you really so pleased to see me, Chris?” + +“Why, of course I am!” said Christopher, surprised. “How can you ask?” + +“So few people are. The King, Fanny, and you. It is quite refreshing. +Is everything well with you?” + +“Yes, very well. Oh, I had well-nigh forgotten! Lady Crewe came here on +Wednesday. She--was very annoyed.” + +“What an imprudent child she is!” said Roxhythe. “What ailed her?” + +“It seems you did not go to her ball last week.” + +“Did I not? No, I remember now.” + +“She said you had promised to be present. I found it quite impossible +to placate her. I explained that you were in Paris, but she was the +more angry. She left a letter for you.” + +Christopher chuckled a little, hunting through the desk for it. +Roxhythe watched him, a twinkle in his eye. When the note was handed +him he unfolded it leisurely and started to read. + +“A woman’s letter,” he remarked at the end, “is at all times a thing to +marvel at. An angry woman’s letter is a thing to ignore. Remember that, +Chris!” He tossed the note into the fire. “Have I an engagement for +to-night?” + +“Yes,” said Christopher, still chuckling. “You have. It is the night of +Lady Crewe’s masquerade.” + +Roxhythe’s lips twitched. + +“It will be amusing,” he said. “We will go to it.” + +It was not until they were seated in the coach that evening on the way +to the Crewes’ that Christopher remembered his morning’s encounter with +Harcourt. He told Roxhythe about it. He always told him everything. + +My lord was mildly interested. + +“Harcourt? Harcourt? Surely I have...? Whose secretary did you say he +was?” + +“Lord Russell’s, sir.” + +“One of the leaders of our respected Country Party. I believe I must +have met Harcourt at his house. Is he tall with aquiline features?” + +“Yes; and grey eyes.” + +“I have met him, then. I fancy he is one of those who disapprove of my +existence.” + +“Oh no, sir! He complimented me on being in the service of one of the +most influential men of the day.” + +Roxhythe lost a little of his sleepiness. + +“Did he so? And he one of the Country Party. Ah, well!” He closed his +eyes. + +Christopher roused him presently. + +“We are nearly come to the Crewes’, sir. Had you not better don your +mask?” + +“I think I left it behind,” said Roxhythe placidly. + +Christopher handed him the strip of velvet. + +“I thought you would. So I brought an extra one.” + +“You are invaluable,” sighed Roxhythe. + +The ballroom at Stoke House was very crowded. As Roxhythe entered, Lady +Crewe detached herself from a group of guests and came towards him, +rustling silks. + +Roxhythe stopped. Lady Crewe stood directly before him, swathed in a +pearl grey domino, her red lips in a straight line. + +“So, my Lord Roxhythe! You deign to visit me?” + +Roxhythe looked down at the golden curls. One hand clutched my lady’s +domino to her breast. The delicate nostrils were quivering. + +“I am indeed honoured,” went on that trembling voice. The lady’s +control broke down. “Oh, how dared you slight me so? How dared you?” + +“I?” said Roxhythe. “Sweetest Millicent!” + +“You are free with my name, Lord Roxhythe!” + +“It is such a pretty name,” pleaded my lord. + +“Don’t try to coax me! Why came you not to my party? Why did you ignore +my letter?” + +“Dear child, I was in Paris at the time of your party? Believe me, I +was desolated.” + +She gave a short, angry laugh. + +“Oh yes, my lord! I make no doubt you were! We have heard of your +escapades in Paris! Desolated, forsooth!” + +“My dearest, most beautiful one, suppose we move away from this very +public spot, and discuss the matter calmly? I will show you that I was +indeed desolated.” My lord offered his arm. + +For an instant Lady Crewe hesitated. Then she looked up into Roxhythe’s +face and saw his smile. + +“Very well, sir.” She allowed him to conduct her to an alcove, slightly +apart from the rest of the room. + +“Now what is the matter?” softly asked my lord. “Is it possible that +you are offended with me because I could not come to your party?” + +“You made no effort to come! And then you ignored my letter!” + +“My dear, it is never wise to address abusive importunities to me.” + +The beautiful mouth drooped. My lady turned away, fumbling with her +fan. A tiny sob reached Roxhythe. + +“Tell me,” he said. “Have I sinned beyond forgiveness?” + +“You are cruel! cruel!” + +“Am I so? I think ’tis you who are the tormentor. Millicent...? Dear +one...?” + +She did not reply. He drew her close to him, so that her head was +almost resting on his shoulder. + +“Most Beautiful?” + +His nearness intoxicated her. She clung to his fingers. + +“You don’t care for ... me! You ... only pretend ... because it amuses +you! You are quite, quite cold!” + +She could feel his arm about her waist, his breath on her hair. Above +all, she was conscious of his strange, relentless fascination that not +all his neglect could destroy. + +“Should I have braved your anger to-night had I not cared?” + +“To ... tease me. Oh, you make me so unhappy!” + +“I could make you happy, Millicent, if you would grant me your sweet +forgiveness. Come! Am I too vile?” + +She twisted one of the ribands of his domino about her finger. His +strong, white hand took hers, and pressed it to his lips. + +“I cannot help forgiving you,” she whispered. “You--you--must not hold +me so--here!” + +“And I must not kiss you?” Roxhythe bent over her head. + +“No--oh no!” She felt his lips on her hair and broke free. “If any +should see us! You must let me go! If my husband were looking!” She +slipped back into the ballroom. + +Roxhythe followed slowly. For a while he stood talking to Lord +Finchhelm, but presently he again sought out Lady Crewe. + +“My sweet life, I want to talk to you.” + +Her depression had fled. She smiled naughtily. + +“Do you, sir? Why?” + +“Can you ask? I’ve not seen you for nigh on a month!” + +She tilted her head. + +“What do you want to say to me?” + +Roxhythe took her hand. + +“I want to tell you how lovely you are.” + +She was a child, playing with a forbidden toy. + +“I do not think I want to hear it.” + +“Then I’ll tell you how much I love you.” + +“And that I must not hear!” + +“You shall feel it, sweetheart.” + +“You are very wicked, you know,” she said, gravely. + +“You would not like me else, dear.” + +“Should I not? Do you think women are like that?” + +“Women, child, are the most incomprehensible, mad, divine creatures on +this earth. Come with me, and I’ll tell you how wonderful one woman is.” + +“I ought not to. And it is only a game.” + +“Nothing is so alluring as the ‘ought not,’ beloved.” + +“No. But should one give way to temptation?” + +“Most certainly one should, for if one does not, it leaves the devil +idle.” + +“Surely he were best idle?” + +“Not at all. If he is idle, he rests for a while, devising fresh +temptations which are more seductive than the last.” + +“You are dreadfully wicked!” nodded Millicent. She went out with him. + +Two days later Roxhythe left for Paris, to carry on the negotiations +between the King of England and an enemy country. Millicent, jealous of +an unknown rival, shed bitter tears. + + + + + CHAPTER VI + + THE PRICE + + +BEFORE Roxhythe went again to Paris he craved and was granted an +interview with the King. The Duke of York was present, and from his +uneasy bearing and his black looks, Roxhythe guessed that he was +assailed by one of the qualmish fits to which he had of late become +subject. He sat by the fireplace, staring moodily into the flames. He +barely acknowledged my lord’s bow. + +The King welcomed his favourite cheerily. + +“Well, my David? Ye have fresh news for me?” + +Roxhythe kissed his hand. + +“I have, Sir. I wished to acquaint you with it before I returned to +France, so I begged this audience.” + +Charles nodded. + +“Do matters progress at last?” + +“Very fairly, Sir. Yet I think you must not hope for a conclusion this +year.” + +“_Mort de ma vie!_ How much longer am I to wait? It is December +now and we have been negotiating for over a year!” + +“If you would give way to Louis’ demands you might conclude the affair +at once.” + +“I’ll not give way! Surely you do not advise that?” + +“By no means, Sir. I counsel you to wait. I think that it will end in +the spring if not before.” + +“I suppose I must be patient then. But have you discovered the price?” + +Roxhythe watched the Duke move angrily and scowl. + +“Madame is ever vague. Evidently Louis is wishful of seeing how much he +need offer.” + +“Ay, he’s close-fisted. What says my sister?” + +“She’s hinted at sixty thousand pounds yearly, Sir.” + +“And you?” + +“I? Oh, I waved it aside, Sir! I told her that if the King of England +was to be bought his price was high.” + +James flushed and stirred again. The King laughed. + +“Incomparable Roxhythe! What said she to that?” + +“Why she affected finality, Sir. Louis hopes that you will give way.” + +Charles played with one of his thick curls. He was frowning slightly. + +“Roxhythe, you walk round and round the point. How much can I with +safety demand?” + +My lord studied his polished finger-nails. For a moment he did not +speak; the King’s frown was reflected on his face. + +“In all, Sir, two hundred thousand,” he said at last. He spoke with +deliberation. + +The Duke straightened in his chair. + +“It is ridiculous!” he rasped. “Two hundred thousand! You must be mad, +my lord!” + +Roxhythe said nothing. Charles who had been fondling one of his dogs +put it down. He was all attention. + +“You think that, Davy?” + +“I know it, Sir.” + +“How?” + +Roxhythe twisted one of his rings round. + +“Madame hath a great regard for you, Sir. She does not wholly play +into King Louis’ hands. She remembers that if she is Louis his +sister-in-law, she is also your sister.” + +“Oh. You said once, Roxhythe, that if it were possible she would play +into my hands rather than Louis’.” + +“I said also, Sir, that she was a very wise intermediary. I still say +so. It is impossible for her to take your part openly, but she can +still help.” + +“She told you that Louis would go to that figure?” + +“N-no. Madame would not be so incautious. She is a very Queen of +intriguers. Rather--she gave me that impression.” + +“You are quick to take impressions, Lord Roxhythe!” sneered the Duke. + +Charles ignored him. + +“You are sure of this, David?” + +My lord shrugged. + +“I am never sure, Sir.” + +This seemed to satisfy the King. He sat with his chin in his hand, +thinking. + +“Louis would never pay me such a sum without a struggle,” he mused. “If +I stand too firm, I may lose all....” + +“No,” said Roxhythe. + +“----Yet, as you so wisely remarked, if I am to be bought, my price is +high.” + +“My Lord Roxhythe speaks airily!” snapped James. “He cannot be certain +of such facts. Louis will never go to that figure. Is it likely?” + +Roxhythe’s calm eyes surveyed him. + +“It is more than likely, sir.” + +“It means a struggle, eh?” asked Charles. + +“The thing is not worth having if you have not to fight for it, Sir.” + +“A King does not haggle!” retorted James. + +“I repeat, Sir, if you are to be bought it had best be for a fair +price. If Louis wants an alliance with England, he must pay dearly for +it.” + +“Roxhythe is right,” agreed the King. “I believe in sucking the French +King of all he can give.” + +James brought his fist down on the table with some force. + +“The whole business is degrading and un-Kinglike! I mislike secret +negotiations. We show ourselves afraid of the Government by trafficking +with France behind its back. Why not do the thing openly and Royally?” + +“Why not leave the country at once?” shrugged Charles. + +“Sir, you are over-timorous! The army is behind you. You have naught to +fear.” + +“No? Jamie, I had thought you wiser. Would you have more bloodshed in +England? Would you put both our heads in danger?” + +“I would have straight dealings, and the Faith at all costs.” + +“You would not get it by foolhardiness. You would only ruin my +popularity; jeopardize my crown.” + +“Anything were better than this hole-and-corner treaty!” + +Charles grimaced. + +“Even exile? No, no Jamie! This is an easier way.” + +“An underhand way! A timorous way!” + +“Let us be honest, my dear. We are afraid of the Government, alack! +It is too powerful. Therefore it must be tricked and turned against +itself. So shall I gain power.” + +“You’ll lose your popularity when the treaty is discovered,” returned +the Duke. + +A little chuckle escaped the King. + +“Shall I, Davy?” + +“With some factions,” answered Roxhythe, gravely. + +“Only for the moment.” + +“That depends, Sir, on how far you play into Louis’ hands.” + +The Duke rose and went over to the window. For some moments he stood +staring out into the gardens. Then he turned, and came back to the +table. + +“Louis will require you to play very deeply into his hands, Sir,” he +said. + +“He may require it, but I do not think I shall do it,” smiled Charles. + +“You will have to,” said James, tersely. “Oh, there are many points +against this alliance!” He paced up and down the floor, his hands +linked behind his back. Suddenly he stopped, and faced the King. “Sir, +I implore you, have the matter put before the Cabinet! Enforce your +will upon them, but make an honourable and a safe treaty! No one wants +the alliance more than do I, but I do not want to play the part of +catspaw to Louis, as we must if we make these secret terms. We show +Louis that we stand in fear of Parliament. Oh, ’tis madness, Sir! I +have thought well on it, and I know ’tis madness.” + +Charles laid his hand on his brother’s arm. + +“James, you are wrong. Can you not see that it is not I who will play +the part of catspaw?” + +James stared. + +“Who then?” + +The most curious of smiles flitted across the King’s face. + +“Louis, my friend.” + +James shook off his hand. + +“The suspense has turned your brain! You must indeed be mad if you +think that!” + +“I do not think, James. I know.” + +“Pah! If you sign this secret treaty they concoct, Louis holds you +in the hollow of his hand! An you fail to fulfil your part, he will +denounce you to the Government! And he’ll fail to pay you your wage!” + +“Expose me? Do you really think that?” + +“Assuredly!” + +“My good brother, he dare not. He would lose all hope of gaining +England, if he did. The nation would be hot for war with France. I tell +you, James, Louis is the one power I do not fear. Be reasonable! Leave +this matter to me! You were not fashioned for the intriguer’s part.” + +“I thank God, no!” cried James. “I see you will go your own wilful way, +but I pray you will not drown us all in a sea of disaster!” + +“You are so inconsistent,” sighed Charles. “A moment back ’twas you who +were the fearnaught. Now you are as timorous as I never was. Do you so +love the Government?” + +“No, by heaven!” + +“Then why hesitate to trick them as they would not hesitate to trick +you? Has the Government treated us so well that we need consider it?” +He snapped his fingers. “Bah! So much for the Government!” + +“’Tis not that I cavil at....” + +“You fear that I shall in my turn be duped by Louis. I shall not. You +fear a French yoke. You shall not be called upon to bear one.” + +“I fear you will sell England to France!” said James, impetuously. + +“I shall never do that, rest assured. Charles Stuart is no man’s +chattel. If I accept Louis his offer ’tis for the furtherance of mine +own ends. I enter into this bond with open eyes.” + +“If I could believe that...!” + +“You can believe it.” + +“And that is your last word? You’ll not lay the matter before the +Cabinet?” + +For the first time Charles showed exasperation. + +“James, in the face of the Triple Bond, how can I?” + +James shook his head wearily. + +“I know not. Ye seem able to do most things.” He paused. “Well, there’s +naught to be gained by argument. I’ll leave you.” + +“You stand by me in this matter, Jamie?” + +“I must.” James spoke over his shoulder. The next moment he was gone. + +“I was never so at one with His Grace,” remarked Roxhythe. + + + + + CHAPTER VII + + THE FIRST SEED OF DOUBT + + +ON Friday, two days after Roxhythe’s departure for France, Christopher +set out to visit his friend Harcourt at his house in Great Queen Street. + +He was pleased to renew the acquaintance, but he could not help feeling +that he and Harcourt would now have very little in common. The Country +Party was always steadily opposed to the Court Party, and most of its +members held the Court and all its ways in abhorrence. Once Christopher +had held their views himself but since he had been with Roxhythe he had +changed his opinions. His father had always pulled a long face when +King Charles was mentioned. He had solemnly warned his sons to have +naught to do with the vicious Court and the dissolute King. Christopher +had never taken him very seriously; he had abundant trust in Charles’ +integrity. He thought it impossible that a King should be worthy of +suspicion; he laughed at his father’s gloomy prognostications. Mr. +Dart had prophesied that the King would make a sorry substitute for +the Protector. He said over and over again that no Stuart could run +straight: they must always choose the crooked path. He warned his +sons to trust neither in the King nor in any of those around him. +Christopher saw now how wrong he had been; life with Roxhythe had +taught him that. He hoped that Harcourt would not inveigh against +the Court, for he felt that he could not discuss the matter calmly. +Since he had been at Bevan House he had become acquainted with so many +courtiers and liked most of them so much, that he could not bear to +hear ill spoken of them by the Country Party whose members he had come +to consider very worthy but very dull. He hoped, too, that Harcourt +would not advise him to quit Roxhythe. From his manner the other day he +thought that he would not, but since he had received so many sinister +warnings he was ever on his guard. + +So he arrived at Great Queen Street. He was introduced to Madam +Harcourt. She came of an old Puritan stock, and she was very properly +grieved at the company that Christopher kept. Several times he caught +her eyeing him with a species of sad gravity that annoyed him beyond +words. He was thankful when dinner came to an end, and the lady left +her husband and his guest to their wine. + +Harcourt pushed the decanter towards him. + +“Fill up your glass, Chris, and tell me all that you have been doing +since I saw you!” + +Christopher obeyed the first behest. + +“I don’t think I have done anything,” he said. “My life is quite +uneventful. You will have more to tell me.” + +“Oh, I...! No, I do my work, and for the rest there’s naught. Come! +Tell me about yourself!” + +Christopher laughed. + +“I do my work, and go out a little, and for the rest----” + +“There’s something! Were you in Roxhythe’s service when you went to +Holland? Or was that before you joined him?” + +Christopher tilted his glass so that the red wine caught the light, and +sparkled. + +“I was in his service,” he answered. + +“Strange! I had thought my lord would not have been absent from +Whitehall for so long.” + +“If you cast your mind back,” said Christopher, slowly, “you will +remember that there was a slight difference--between His Majesty and my +master. Roxhythe found it expedient to go abroad for a while.” + +“I do remember something of the sort,” frowned Harcourt. “I remember +London was a-hum with the news.” + +“Yes?” said Christopher. “Well, that was why he went away.” + +“To Holland.... Lord Roxhythe usually goes to Paris!” said Harcourt, +smiling. + +“He has many friends in Holland whom he wished to visit,” replied +Christopher. + +Harcourt drew him on to the subject of the Prince of Orange. He wanted +to know if Christopher had ever seen him. In fact, there was much that +he wanted to know. He insisted that Christopher should tell him of his +life with Roxhythe. At the end of the recital he regarded Christopher +rather strangely for a moment. Then he smiled. + +“It seems you are very fortunate,” he said. “I’d give much to be in +your shoes!” + +Christopher felt that this was not true. + +“You would find my master a change from Lord Russell!” he said. “I do +not think you would like my life.” + +“Perhaps not. By the way, I saw Lord Roxhythe at the play the other +night. What a comely man he is!” + +Christopher warmed. + +“He is very handsome,” he agreed. “And he is more than that. He is very +great.” + +“Indeed, yes. He has much power.” + +“I did not mean power. I mean he has a great nature.” + +Harcourt pushed his chair back from the table, so that his face was +slightly in the shadow. + +“Ah? I had not thought he had much depth of character, I confess....” + +“You don’t know him!” said Christopher quickly. “He is brave and +upright, and clev----” He stopped. + +“Clever?” ended Harcourt, smoothly. “He does not show it.” + +Christopher recovered himself. + +“Well--no!” he laughed. “Perhaps he is not clever! I am carried away by +my love for him. No, he is brave and honourable. I have never known him +perform a mean act. But I do not think he is clever.” + +“He hath a very lively wit, if all I hear be true.” + +“A ready tongue,” said Christopher. “He is very indolent.” + +“Yes.” Harcourt peeled a nut abstractedly. “I suppose it is for that +reason that he doth not meddle in intrigue.” + +“He has no taste for plotting,” replied Christopher, in all good faith. +“Indeed he laughs at intrigue.” + +“Very wise,” said Harcourt, still busy with his nut. “And what does he +to-night?” + +“I do not know,” answered Christopher. “He is away from home.” + +The shrewd eyes looked up for a moment and fell once more. + +“Again?” asked Harcourt. “I fear your master is of a very gay +disposition, Chris! Paris, I suppose?” + +Christopher sipped his wine. + +“Yes, Paris. I believe he has met a very fair lady whom he adores for +the moment. It is his way.” + +“Oh! In the household of Madame, eh? We hear tales of it even in this +quiet house. Some say it is Madame herself.” + +“Maybe.” Christopher was not interested. He had had enough of the +subject. Evidently Harcourt had not. + +“She must be very fascinating, whoe’er she be,” he remarked. “My +lord has been to France so much during the past year. We thought it +impossible that it should be for a woman and naught else. He must have +business there, surely?” + +Christopher’s brows drew perceptively nearer. + +“No, he has not. It is nothing for my lord to go often to Paris! You +take a great interest in his affairs!” + +Harcourt ate his nut. + +“Forgive my impertinence! I am interested in all that concerns you, +Chris. Let us talk of something else!” + +Christopher went home, thinking hard. Unperceptive he might be, but +he was wise enough to see that Harcourt had been more than casually +curious about his affairs. He went over the evening in his mind. First +the questions concerning the journey to Holland; then the questions +concerning my lord’s French journeys. Christopher remembered that Lady +Frances had talked to him on that subject. She had wanted to know what +it was that drew my lord to Paris. Well, he had not known. He still did +not know. He guessed that it was some woman for it was always that. He +had not puzzled over the matter at all. It was not unusual for Roxhythe +to journey to Paris; no one, save Lady Frances and Harcourt, had +thought it unusual. Why should these two strive to draw explanations +from him? What did they suspect? Why did they suspect? He resolved to +speak to Roxhythe himself. If he had aught to confide, surely my lord +would tell it to him? + +Christopher went into the library and lighted candles. He found an +invitation from Lady Frances to wait on her one day. She chided him for +what she termed his neglect. She believed he had tired of her already! + +It was a letter such as his mother might have written. Christopher +folded it carefully and put it away. + +Next day he went to her house, and was admitted into my lady’s private +parlour. It was a tastefully furnished room, hung in blue and gold to +suit my lady’s colouring. It looked south on to the gardens. + +Frances came to him, wonderfully dressed and coiffed. + +“You wicked boy! To think I had to send for you!” She allowed him to +kiss her hand. “Confess! You’ve no excuse?” + +“I did not like to plague you too often, Lady Frances!” stammered +Christopher. + +“What nonsense!” She sat down. “Did you not know that I like young +things about me?” + +“It is very kind of you,” said Christopher. “I love to come.” + +“That is very well,” nodded her ladyship. “But this time I want you for +a purpose.” + +“If there is aught I may do----” + +“Well, there is, but don’t make a speech about it, dear boy. I am past +the age of such vanities. Reserve them for your sweetheart.” + +“I have none!” + +“Then it is time you had! No matter; you are young yet. Best keep away +from such things....” She sighed. “These are sad times, Chris, and I’ve +led a wicked life! So I know all about it! Unless you find a very nice +girl, I shall not allow you a sweetheart!” + +“Indeed, I do not want one!” + +“Ungrateful boy! But listen! I contemplate a masquerade down at +Hatchley, when the warmer weather comes. Of course it must excel all +others in brilliance.” + +“Of course it will if you are there!” answered Christopher. + +“Naturally I shall be there. You are not to make me pretty speeches! +Well, as I say, it must be a very great success. For I intend to ask +His Majesty to grace it with his presence.” + +“Will he?” asked Christopher, wide-eyed. + +“Why, yes! His Majesty has a fondness for me, even though I have mended +my ways. He will come. Therefore, Chris, I must have Roxhythe. You see?” + +“Is he so needful to your party’s success?” smiled Christopher. + +“You know he is! No one would dream of entertaining Royalty if they +could not be assured of Roxhythe’s presence. So I must be assured of +it. There’s the difficulty. One cannot rely on David. One thinks one is +safe until the last minute, when lo, and behold! there is no Roxhythe!” + +“He would never serve you so.” Christopher shook his head. “You have +only to ask him.” + +“Indeed he would! He has done it before! Oh, la--la! what a state I +was in! I vowed I would never forgive the wretch--no, nor receive +him neither. And then he appeared one day to dinner, and I had not +the heart to chide him.” She sighed. “’Tis always the same. You may +be never so angry with him when he is absent, but the moment you see +him--pouf! The anger is gone! But I deviate, I deviate. My husband +tells me that I can never walk straight to my point. Is he not rude? +Yes. Well, I must have Roxhythe. That is why I wanted to see you.” + +“How can I help you?” wondered Christopher. + +“Dull boy! For one thing you can see that he accepts no other +invitation for that night. Oh yes, that has been known to happen, +Chris. Roxhythe accepts all invitations haphazard, and finds that he +has as many as six for the same night. So he throws them all away and +goes to the one house to which he was not invited. Now don’t laugh! +It’s very serious. Do you give me your word you will prevent this +happening?” + +“I promise it shall not happen!” chuckled Christopher. “But what am I +to do if your invitation comes not first?” + +“Oh, you must destroy the first in that case!” said her ladyship +airily. “He will never remember. Not that he would care a fig for’t an +he did. The other thing that you must do, Chris, is to see that he does +not go to Paris or what not on the day. You must make him come to me. +_C’est entendu?_” + +“I’ll try,” promised Christopher. “But one does not ‘make’ my lord do +anything.” + +“He’ll do what you ask, never fear! I really believe he hath some sort +of an affection for you.” + +Christopher flushed. + +“Some sort...?” he interrogated. + +Lady Frances looked at him for a moment. Her bright eyes softened. + +“Chris, dear, don’t love Roxhythe too greatly,” she said. The laughter +had gone from her voice. + +Christopher’s thoughts leapt back two years. He saw himself walking +with de Staal in Rotterdam, and heard de Staal’s warning: + +“... You will love heem ver’ mooch one day, only--I warn you--do not +love heem too mooch for he is Roxhyt’e, and he not care for anyone but +heemself, and hees Prince....” + +“Lady Frances, why do you say that?” he asked quickly. “Why should I +not love my lord?” + +Lady Frances stared down at her rings. + +“I like you, Chris. I--don’t want you to--get hurt.” + +“... One day, per’aps, he hurt you ver’ mooch, eef you not take care. +So I warn you....” + +“Please tell me why you say that!” begged Christopher. “Why should he +hurt me? What reason have you for misjudging him so?” + +“I can’t tell you, Chris. I do not know. But Roxhythe--is Roxhythe, and +I think one day you will be disappointed. You think him very great, +very good; suppose it were not so? Suppose he were not so true?” + +“It is impossible! When have you found him untrue? What right have you +to warn me against him?” + +She laid an impulsive hand on his arm. + +“None--none! Indeed it may be impossible! But--oh, he would never +return your regard! He cares for no one save himself! I don’t want you +to think him perfect--to reverence him so greatly! I don’t want you to +be so much under his influence!” + +Christopher’s eyes were flashing. + +“Perhaps you would advise me to quit his service, Lady Frances? It +would not be the first time I have received such advice!” + +“I fear it were useless,” she said. “I only beg you not to trust in him +too much. He is utterly, utterly selfish.” + +“He loves his King--his Country!” + +“Don’t let us speak of it any more! You are greatly offended with me, I +know! But--remember, Chris!” + +The angry look died out of his eyes. + +“Forgive me if I have been rude, Lady Frances! I did not mean to be, +but I cannot bear to hear ill of my lord! Because he is indolent, and +does not interest himself in affairs, people dub him untrustworthy. +It is unjust! Even you think it impossible that a man should be above +suspicion! I--well let us talk of something else!” His boyish smile +peeped out. + +Lady Frances nodded. + +“What we really want to discuss is how to bring him to my masquerade,” +she said. “Only I deviated again.” + +“I’ll send him to you,” promised Christopher. “I think he will be only +too honoured.” + +“Pho!” My lady snapped her fingers. “So much for that! And you are to +bring him. Of course I am inviting you.” + +“How--how very kind you are!” exclaimed Christopher. “Thank you very +much, but do you think you want me?” + +“I had not asked you otherwise. Now, listen, Chris! I have decided that +masquerade had best be in June, so unless I change my mind, June it +will be. I shall not send out the invitations for some time yet, but +you may tell Roxhythe. Tell him, too, that the success of my party +depends on his being present. ’Twill flatter his vanity.” + +“I will. I’ll tell him as soon as he comes home.” The words were hardly +out of his mouth before he had regretted them. + +Lady Frances looked up sharply. + +“Home? Where then is he?” + +“I think--in Paris,” said Christopher uncomfortably. + +“Again! Then--” she stopped. “Yes. He is very much in love with Madame, +is he not?” + +“I--I believe so!” said Christopher, who was sick of the sound of the +Duchess d’Orléans’ sobriquet. He prepared to make good his escape. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII + + MADAME + + +ROXHYTHE proceeded to Paris in a blaze of magnificence, and on his +arrival went at once to the Louvre, to the apartments of M. le Comte de +Saint-Aignan. The doors flew open before him, and he was ushered into +the private room of M. le Comte. + +The room was furnished sumptuously and was much gilded. M. le Comte, +swathed in a marvellous satin wrapper, was reposing on a silken-covered +divan. In one hand he had a book of poems; the other was held by his +valet, who knelt at his side, manicuring monsieur’s delicate nails. +The air was heavy with some sweet scent; a fire burned in the grate. +On every embroidered seat were cushions; the rugs that covered the +polished floor were very thick and soft. + +When Roxhythe was announced the Comte dropped his book in surprise and +swung his legs to the ground. + +“_Mon Dieu!_ Roxhyt’e!” + +Roxhythe came forward gracefully. + +“If I am very inopportune, say so, my dear Comte.” + +“Inopportune! _Mais non!_ How could such a thing be?” cried +Saint-Aignan. He rose, and clasped my lord’s hand. Over his shoulder +he addressed the valet. “François, you may go. Tell them to see to +monsieur’s apartments and his baggage. _Vite!_” + +“_Oui, monsieur._” The man slipped out. + +Saint-Aignan drew his guest to a chair. + +“But sit down, _mon cher_! Why are you here?” + +Roxhythe put his hat on the table. He cast the Comte a quizzical glance. + +“My dear Henri, you know as well, perhaps better, than I do myself.” + +The Comte made a little gesture of protest. + +“Roxhyt’e! So blunt! So brusque!” + +“I cry your pardon! You want a pretty phrase, eh? Well, I have come on +account of the _beaux yeux_ of Madame.” + +“Oh, that!” The Comte threw out his hands. “It will suffice. They think +that in England?” + +“I really don’t know. It is quite likely.” + +“They do not know you in England? Not even now?” + +“Henri, you are a rogue. Do you think that you know me?” + +“_Mais oui! Tu es un grand poseur, mon ami!_” + +“Then they know me in England?” + +“No. They do not think you an intriguer.” + +Roxhythe drew out his comfit-box. + +“Let me offer you a sweetmeat!” + +The Comte accepted one smiling. + +“You find that a good way to turn the subject?” + +“An excellent way. I have never known it fail.” + +“Except with me!” + +“Oh, you! You are incorrigible, Henri! But do strive to remember that I +am an idle _flâneur_!” + +“I will try. You do not intend to confide in me?” + +“But certainly! I bought these quite modish boots at Piccat’s. My +gloves I obtained with much difficulty at Dormont’s. You’ll observe the +gold fringe with the blue entwined. I conceived the idea. So now we +have gloves à la Roxhythe. I have my uses, you see.” + +The Comte could not resist inspecting the gloves. He did it +surreptitiously and pretended that he was not interested. + +“_Peste!_ What do I want with your gloves? _Va donc!_ You’ve +naught to tell me of your business in Paris?” + +“You’ll hear it all from His Majesty. Why plague me?” + +Saint-Aignan almost pouted. + +“You are as secret as the dead. _Eh bien!_ Tell me of your cold, +dark city. What of Whitehall?” + +“The same as ever. And the cold, dark city is very bright and +spring-like.” + +“_C’est vrai?_ Ah! Roxhyt’e!” He straightened in his chair. + +“Well, what now?” My lord looked lazily across at him. + +“How dared you stay with de Guiche last month? Why did you not come +here as before?” + +“Two reasons.” + +“Give them, _vaurien_! You will be abominably rude, I know!” + +“I shall. Firstly, de Guiche showed a marked desire for my company; +secondly, I had little or no desire for yours. Are you satisfied?” + +“_Parfaitement!_” The Comte’s mobile face was wreathed in smiles. +“Inimitable one! And for how long do you intend to honour me?” + +“I am not sure. Not more than ten days. Can you bear with me so long as +that?” + +“I could bear with you for much longer. You refresh me. You have made +your bow to the King?” + +“No, I came straight to you.” + +“Ah, you must go to His Majesty! He will be delighted to see you again. +I tell you, Roxhyt’e, it is only in France that you are appreciated.” + +“Oh, no! They appreciate me in England, I assure you.” + +“A maker of gloves! Bah! I shall take you with me to-night.” + +Roxhythe turned an inquiring eye upon him. + +“To the levée,” nodded Saint-Aignan. + +Roxhythe sighed. + +“I believe I shall be indisposed. Your Grand Monarcque is so damned +austere.” + +Saint-Aignan laughed at him. + +“That will be good for you, _mon cher_! A change from your King, +eh?” + +“Yes,” said Roxhythe. “King Charles, thank God, is not of a strenuous +disposition.” + +“But you will come?” + +Roxhythe rose. He smiled down at the brisk Comte. + +“For the good of my soul,” he bowed. + +He went to the levée, gorgeously clad in silver and pale blue, with +slashings of rose-pink. Even the critical Saint-Aignan was pleased to +approve of his costume. He observed that Roxhythe “took the eye.” + +His Majesty was very gracious. He allowed Roxhythe to kiss his hand, +and he stayed for some moments to talk to him. Then he pursued his +regal way, an imposing little figure, bearing himself with all the +haughtiness, the sublime magnificence that characterised him. + +Roxhythe always protested that His Most Christian Majesty was a figure +of fun, but in his heart he must have respected him, although he never +acknowledged it. He remarked, when pressed, that Louis tickled his +sense of humour. + +When the King left him my lord paid some extravagant compliments to +the La Vallière, under the eye of Madame de Montespan, for whom he +possessed some strange fascination, until that eye was flaming with +anger. Then he left La Vallière, and paid still more extravagant +compliments to La Montespan, to the amusement of Mademoiselle. After +that he disappeared in the wake of de Guiche, and was next seen in +attendance on Mademoiselle de Foucheron, one of the Queen’s ladies. + +Monsieur, as was called the Duc d’Orléans, strolled across the room, +saw Roxhythe, exclaimed at him, and claimed his attention. Roxhythe’s +boredom grew. He did not find the King’s brother entertaining. He +presently departed, taking with him one Philippe de Courcillon, Marquis +de Dangeau. He appeared no more that evening. + +Saint-Aignan found him in elegant déshabillé, in his room, some hours +later. + +“_Mais, mon ami!_ Madame has been asking for you!” + +“Alas!” Roxhythe sat down. “I met Monsieur instead.” + +“Madame did not arrive until an hour later. I told her you were +fatigued from your journey and had retired early. And why did you drag +de Courcillon with you? _Mon Dieu, mon Dieu, tu es incorrigible!_” + +“Oh? Was it not permitted? De Courcillon amuses me. We went into the +gardens and exchanged reminiscences. I never believe in outstaying my +welcome.” + +Saint-Aignan caught sight of himself in the glass. + +“I am not satisfied with this wig,” he mused. “It lacks that +indescribable something--My dear Marquis, you could not outstay your +welcome, but certain it is that every one is ten thousand times more +intrigued to see you now that you are gone. It is very curious.” + +“No, very natural. I never stay longer than an hour at a levée.” + +Saint-Aignan started to laugh. + +“_Pardieu, Roxhyt’e! Que tu es amusant!_ And they tolerate you at +Whitehall? La-la! That is why they call you enigmatical! Because you do +things that no one else dare dream of doing! And you have not offended +to-night! No. ‘_Voila_,’ they say.--‘_C’est Roxhyt’e!_’ +_Oh, grand poseur!_” + +“Go to bed,” smiled my lord. “You fatigue me!” + +“I would you might stay here an hundred years,” continued Saint-Aignan. +“I should never weary of you!” He went out, still chuckling. + +Roxhythe arrived at the Palais Royal next afternoon, and inquired for +Madame. + +The lackey shook his head. + +“Madame does not receive this afternoon, monsieur.” + +Roxhythe tapped his comfit-box with an impatient finger. + +“My friend, you are not acquainted with me. I am Roxhythe.” + +The man bowed at once. + +“Pardon, milor’! If milor’ will enter, I will inform Madame. Madame has +said she will receive milor’.” + +Roxhythe was shown into a great room over-looking the courtyard. + +After a few moments the lackey returned. + +“If milor’ will deign to follow me....” + +He led Roxhythe up the grand staircase, and across the hall, to a +smaller room which was Madame’s private salon. + +The Duchesse rose at his entry, and extended her hand. + +“I have been expecting you, my lord.” + +Roxhythe bowed, carrying her fingers to his lips. If he ever bent the +knee to a woman, that woman was Henrietta Stuart, Duchesse d’Orléans. + +“I am honoured, Madame.” + +She waved him to a chair, and made a sign to her lady-in-waiting to +leave the room. The lady went out, gracefully. + +“Sit down near me! _C’est cela!_ Tell me, did you recognize my +_demoiselle d’honneur_?” + +Roxhythe frowned. + +“Was she with you at Dunkirk, Madame?” + +“And in London. You do not remember?” + +“On the contrary. Mademoiselle de Kéroualle. His Majesty conceived a +liking for her.” + +Madame’s great eyes scanned his face. + +“Mademoiselle desires to join the Court at Whitehall.” + +Roxhythe’s lips twitched. + +“I see. Well, you have chosen a fit envoy.” + +“So I think. Charles will permit it?” + +“No doubt he will be delighted.” + +Madame had charming dimples. She showed them now. + +“He is a sad man,” she said. “Poor Charles!” The dimples vanished. +“Well--M. Colbert de Croissy informs us that His Majesty--considers.” + +“What I admire about M. Colbert is his careful truth,” remarked +Roxhythe. + +“Then His Majesty has not come to a decision?” + +“By no means. Subject to certain conditions he will give the matter his +serious consideration.” + +“Ah!” Madame pulled a cushion into place. “Go on, Roxhythe.” + +My lord chose and ate a comfit with great deliberation. Then he snapped +the box and put it away. + +“Madame, you must forgive me an I weary you, but I wish to come to +an understanding. You’ll permit me to go back a little. In February +as you know, M. Colbert was granted an audience at Whitehall. There +were present, His Majesty, His Grace of York, Sir Thomas Clifford, and +myself. M. Colbert laid before us as prettily worded a scheme as it has +ever been my lot to listen to. The second thing I admire in M. Colbert +is his capacity for vague terms. The proposition that he unfolded was +rosy in hue--for England. The only point where we were left in the +dark regarded France. His Majesty was, and still is, curious to know in +what way France stands to profit by the alliance.” + +“Did M. Colbert not tell you?” evaded Madame. + +“M. Colbert showed himself most astute except in one point. That was +his estimation of King Charles. He did not give him credit for any +brain, Madame.” + +“M. Colbert knows that His Majesty is--very wise.” + +“Then he did not intend to flatter him by showing that knowledge. He +gave us fair words but he omitted to tell us exactly what it is that +France requires of England.” + +“Perhaps he thought His Majesty astute enough to guess that.” + +“It may be so. But, Madame, it is not King Charles his custom to sign +treaties on supposition.” + +“Roxhythe, did I not tell you myself? Why recall all this?” + +“Madame,” he answered, bowing. “I have always said that you were born +to be a politician. You also gave me vague explanations and fair words. +I want plain speaking; that is why I recall it. Till now you have +refused to speak plainly.” + +She sat still, twisting the cushion tassel about her finger. + +“You are very bold, my lord.” + +“Your pardon, Madame, no. Rather ’tis you and King Louis who are bold +to seek to cozen my master.” + +Her irrepressible smile peeped out. + +“I think perhaps you are right, Roxhythe. I will be more explicit.” + +Again he bowed. + +“King Louis is at war with Holland. At any moment he may be called upon +to war with Spain. France is very powerful; she can easily support the +cost of these wars. But ...” Madame looked up. “... She must be assured +that England will not enter into the conflict on Holland’s side. That +might--I say might, Roxhythe--turn the scale. Louis is cautious. He +does not want to run the risk of defeat. So he seeks to bring about +this treaty. You know all this.” + +“Yes, Madame, but I wanted it from your own lips. This war with +Spain--I gather it would only come in the event of the Spanish King’s +death?” + +“That is so. The matter is very near to Louis’ heart.” + +“So I apprehend. Now, M. Colbert spoke with his engaging airiness of +wars. He told us that King Louis would require England to aid him in +these wars. Does this apply to the possible war with Spain?” + +“Of course it does.” + +“I wonder if King Louis ever gave the Triple Bond his attention?” + +“Why?” + +“Because if he had carefully read that bond he would have seen that +England has promised to hold Spain inviolate.” + +“He knows that.” + +“Yet he proposes this?” + +“Roxhythe, the whole of this treaty is a violation of the Triple Bond! +Why cavil at that one point?” + +“That one point, Madame, is direct. The rest is vague, and might be +termed a violation. This is too positive.” + +“You want it kept out of the treaty?” + +“I do. It is no matter to King Charles whether or no France usurps the +throne of Spain. But it is possible that Clifford and Arlington might +not see eye to eye with His Majesty there. Can you not employ one of +those vague terms, Madame?” + +“To leave a loop-hole for Charles? Roxhythe, Roxhythe!” + +“All I ask is that you do not specify any particular war. You may +make it as blind as you please, but pray have a thought for Messieurs +Clifford and Arlington their scruples.” + +“They must know what it is that Louis hath in his mind?” + +“They know, yes. But they can shut their eyes to the obvious so long as +it is not made too obvious.” + +Her laughter bubbled over. + +“How wise you are, Roxhythe! I will tell King Louis. Is that all you +want with me?” + +“I fear I am trespassing on your time, Madame. It is not all. There are +two more points.” + +She sighed. + +“Let us have the first.” + +“The first, Madame, is the point on which you have--pardon +me--consistently evaded me. You say that King Louis wishes to see the +Catholic religion furthered in England. He also wishes England to join +him in subduing the Provinces.” + +“The two are not incompatible,” said Madame. + +Roxhythe smiled a little. + +“Are they not, Madame? Yet I think you will agree that they cannot both +be done at one and the same time.” + +Madame twitched her gown with fingers that trembled. + +“Roxhythe, I am tired of this subject.” + +“And I, Madame. Therefore I wished to have the question settled. His +Majesty stipulates that the furtherance of Catholicism in England shall +precede war with the Dutch.” + +“Yes, Roxhythe. And King Louis stipulates that war with the Dutch shall +come first.” + +“I am sorry. May I state my case?” + +“Please do.” + +“It is this: by making England Catholic once more King Charles his +position is strengthened. He may then safely enter into hostilities +against Holland. If he does so now there will be uproar in the Houses, +perhaps discovery of this compact; even failure.” + +Madame looked up. She scanned Roxhythe’s face thoughtfully. + +“My lord, you have known my brother for many years.” + +“I have had that honour, Madame.” + +“I also have known him for many years.” + +“Yes, Madame?” + +“Yes, Roxhythe. I know that he is astute; I see that he wishes to +avoid war with Holland; I know too that this desire for Catholicism +is a blind to King Louis, and possibly a sop to my brother James his +scruples. King Charles can twist and dupe his Parliament with the +utmost ease. Am I right?” + +“Not entirely, Madame. My argument still stands.” + +“Because of James?” + +“No. It is King Charles his wish.” + +Madame bit her lip. She seemed to consider. + +“So I am to bear that message to King Louis?” + +“I shall be greatly indebted to you if you will, Madame.” + +“I think I will do it, Roxhythe. And we shall see. Is that all?” + +“I am very tiresome, Madame. There is still the second point.” + +Suddenly her gravity left her. She threw out her hands, laughing. + +“I know what is coming now!” she despaired. “_Mordieu_, I’ll never +act intermediary again! The price!” + +Roxhythe did not smile. + +“An all important question, Madame.” + +She folded her hands. + +“Proceed.” + +“M. Colbert--I think I told you of my admiration for his vagueness?” + +“Chut!” she reproved him. + +“I thought so. M. Colbert spoke of the bribe--no, I beg your +pardon--the allowance that King Louis wished to offer my master. We +were both surprised and gratified to hear of this matter. But M. +Colbert contrived and still contrives to leave us unsatisfied after +all. He forgot to mention figures. I fear he is very absent-minded, +Madame.” + +“Did I not mention figures when you last were here?” asked Madame. + +“I have no recollection of it. I remember you gave vent to some +pleasantry on the subject.” + +“Pleasantry, sir?” + +“I believe so. You spoke of sixty thousand pounds, or some such trifle.” + +“That was no pleasantry, Roxhythe.” + +My lord’s brows rose. + +“I did you the honour to treat it as such, Madame.” + +Madame studied the cushion tassel. + +“Well? What does Charles want?” + +“He will sign your treaty, Madame, for the annual allowances of two +hundred thousand pounds paid quarterly. No less.” + +Madame bit her lip. + +“Impossible!” + +Roxhythe took up his hat. + +“In that case, Madame, we are wasting time. The negotiations need +proceed no further.” He rose as he spoke. + +Madame raised her hands. + +“Oh, la-la! So haughty? No, no, sit down, Roxhythe! We must talk of +this.” + +Roxhythe relaxed again. + +“What is there to talk of, Madame? Those are King Charles his terms. It +but remains for you to put them before King Louis.” + +“Shall we be quite honest?” said Madame, sweetly. “You name that +figure--why?” + +“It seems a fair price,” answered Roxhythe. “Or do you want me to be +really honest?” + +“I said so.” + +“Very well. I am, as I was informed the other day, very quick to take +impressions. I received one from you that led me to advise my master to +ask that sum of Louis.” + +“Aho! I wondered if you were as stupidly obtuse as you appeared. It +seems you are not. I felicitate you, my lord. But I do not think I gave +you such a decided impression.” + +“You gave me to understand that Louis was prepared to go to a far +greater sum than sixty thousand. The rest I gathered from mine own +intuition, and various other sources.” + +“My Lord Roxhythe, you are either a very clever man or else a fool. I +do not think that Louis will go to that figure. One hundred thousand +perhaps. But two hundred thousand! It is a very different matter.” + +“You will see, Madame. It is King Charles his last word.” + +She looked at him admiringly. + +“You have unbounded confidence in yourself, Roxhythe. Do you tell me +that that is my brother his last word? I seem to see your hand alone in +it. You must be very sure.” + +“I am very sure,” he replied. + +“So was Lord Arundell sure when he asked two million.” + +“But I, Madame, am not Lord Arundell.” + +“No,” she sighed. “I would you were. You are quite certain?” + +“Yes, Madame.” + +“Then we understand one another. I’ll give--King Charles his last +word--to Louis. You are satisfied?” + +He rose. + +“Since I am assured of your support in the matter, yes, Madame.” + +“You are audacity itself,” she said. “Will you wait on me--no, I’ll +send you word what day. Are you staying with de Guiche as before?” + +“No,” said my lord, possessing himself of her hand. “This time I am +honouring Saint-Aignan.” + +“How truly delightful for him!” she retaliated. “Well, you shall hear +from me.” + +Roxhythe kissed her hand. + +“I shall await your commands, Madame. I have to thank you for receiving +me to-day.” + +“Did you see Madame?” asked Saint-Aignan of him, two hours later. + +“I did,” said Roxhythe. + +“Well? What of the interview?” + +“She is the most charming, beautiful lady that I have ever known,” +replied my lord. + +“I consider that you have offered me your comfit-box!” laughed +Saint-Aignan. “I am dumb, then?” + +Roxhythe nodded approvingly. + +“You should never give way to idle curiosity,” he said. He surveyed +his friend critically. “And I do not think I like the mixture of +salmon-pink and orange.” + + + + + CHAPTER IX + + THE GROWTH OF THE SEED + + +LORD Ashley-Cooper desired to see Mr. Dart. Lord Ashley-Cooper was +conducted to the library. Christopher was not there, so my lord was +requested to wait. My lord sat down. He surveyed his surroundings, +which were very handsome. The room was hung in brown and gold; the +chairs were leather-seated, with carved wooden backs; the table was of +solid oak. Over by the window stood Christopher’s desk. The room gave +on to the gardens. + +Presently Christopher came quickly into the room. + +“My lord! This is indeed an honour!” + +Ashley took his hands, looking at him gloomily. It was a different +Christopher from the boy who had visited him two years ago. Christopher +had now an ease of manner; a presence. He dressed well, and with none +of his former sobriety. He still wore his own fair hair, but he had +taken to dressing it very carefully, and it hung in ordered curls +about his shoulders. Ashley had watched the gradual change from afar +but he had rarely seen Christopher for any length of time alone. Hence +Christopher’s surprise. + +He pulled forward a more comfortable chair. + +“Pray sit down, sir! I am delighted to see you. Have you commands for +me, I wonder?” + +“No.” Ashley watched one of my lord’s liveried servants place wine and +glasses on the table. “This is purely a friendly call.” + +Christopher nodded to the servant. + +“You may go, Roger. I am out to all other visitors.” + +The man bowed and departed. Christopher busied himself with the glasses. + +“Some canary, my lord? Yes?” He handed him the glass and poured out +another for himself. Then he sat down. + +“Well, it is a very long while since I have had any private +conversation with you, sir. This is very pleasant.” + +“Indeed, yes. I do not think I have really talked to you since you +returned from Holland.” + +Christopher frowned a little. On that occasion, Ashley had been moved +to adjure him to leave Roxhythe’s service, now that his work was done. +After that there had been a slight estrangement between them. + +“No, I think not,” said Christopher. “Do you hear from Roderick at all, +sir?” + +“Very seldom,” replied Ashley. “Have you any news of him?” + +For a while they talked of Roderick and trivialities. Then Ashley took +advantage of a pause to change the subject. + +“Lord Roxhythe is still away?” + +Christopher sighed inwardly. + +“Yes,” he replied, on guard. + +“Indeed? He is often abroad, is he not? I suppose you manage his +affairs?” + +“I have that honour,” said Christopher. He filled up the glasses. + +“Christopher, have you yet discovered that Lord Roxhythe is a--very +complex character?” + +“No,” said Christopher. “Have you?” + +“I suspect it,” said Ashley. “I fear it. In fact, I fear Roxhythe.” + +Christopher was silent. He was tired of discussing Roxhythe with all +and sundry. + +“I fear he is not so indolent as he would have us believe.” Ashley +ground the knuckles of one hand into the palm of the other. “I mistrust +him. I always have mistrusted him. I may say I am a judge of character.” + +“Oh!” said Christopher. + +Ashley slewed round in his chair so that he faced him. + +“Why is he in Paris?” he asked abruptly. + +Christopher set down his glass. + +“He is in Paris because he is in love with Madame. What else would you +like to know?” + +Some of the worried lines were smoothed from Ashley’s forehead. + +“Is that true?” + +The colour was mounting to Christopher’s cheeks. His eyes sparkled +dangerously. + +“I am not in the habit of lying, my lord.” + +“No, no,” soothed Ashley. “I know you at least are honest. And I know +you are no plotter. Well, well! You then can vouch for what you tell +me?” + +“Yes, I can!” cried Christopher, carried away. “My lord is at Madame’s +feet! That is his reason for going so frequently to Paris! None other!” + +“I may have been wrong.” + +“Do you suspect everyone of plotting, sir?” + +“Everyone!” replied Ashley, quickly. “Everyone!” + +“Even Roxhythe!” Christopher laughed derisively. “Why, I tell you no +thought is farther from his head!” He spoke with unbounded confidence. +Ashley read the transparent honesty in his eyes, and leant back in his +chair. + +“And you know him as well as anyone, I suppose. Oh, do not be angry, +Chris! It is part of my office to guard against possible intrigue. You +say Roxhythe is in love with Madame. I had not thought of that. Yes, it +is very likely. He must ever be in love with some woman.” He sneered. + +“Suppose we talk of something else?” suggested Christopher, controlling +the fury in his voice. + +Ashley leant forward. + +“Ah, Chris! Don’t speak like that! I had no thought to offend you. I +wish you so well.” + +Christopher was mollified. + +“I am not offended, my lord. Indeed, I am sorry if I spoke rudely. But +I do not relish adverse criticism of my Lord Roxhythe.” + +“Then we are friends, Chris?” + +Christopher took his outstretched hand. + +“Of course, my lord!” + +The heavy curtain hanging across the open doorway parted noiselessly. +A tall figure stood there, all in black and gold, with thick chestnut +curls framing his face. One white hand rested on his sword-hilt; the +other fingered the lace at his throat. Calm brown eyes surveyed the two +by the fire. + +The Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe swept a bow to Lord +Ashley-Cooper. + +Christopher was on his feet in a flash. + +“My lord!” he cried joyfully, and hurried forward. + +Roxhythe held out his hand. He spoke to Ashley. + +“I intrude. I apologize. I thought Chris was alone.” + +Ashley watched Christopher kiss my lord’s fingers and saw the quick +pressure of Roxhythe’s hand on his. He too rose. + +“I think ’tis I who am the intruder,” he said. “I have been visiting +Christopher, whom I have not seen for some time. I will now withdraw.” + +Roxhythe disengaged his hand. + +“I beg you will not!” He went to the door. + +Ashley stayed him with a gesture. + +“I was on the point of taking my leave,” he assured him. “I have been +here too long already. I am a busy man, Lord Roxhythe. Chris!” + +Christopher accompanied him out. + +When he came back, Roxhythe had shed his long gold-lined cloak, and was +seated on the edge of the table, swinging one booted leg. + +“Well, Chris? Everything is as it should be?” + +“Yes, sir. There are one or two letters from the bailiff at Bevan. I do +not think him honest. Will you see them?” + +Roxhythe nodded. + +“And for the rest?” + +“Nothing untoward has happened, sir. You are returned sooner than I +expected.” He turned over a pile of papers, searching for the letters. + +“Sooner than I expected myself. I found I was tired of Paris.” He took +two sheets of parchment from Christopher, and started to read. “I did +not know you were on speaking terms with Ashley,” he remarked, not +lifting his eyes from the paper. “A reconciliation?” + +“Something of the sort,” acknowledged Christopher. “I have barely +spoken to him since he counselled me to leave your service. To-day he +came to visit me. A kindly intention, but he contrived to ruffle me the +more.” + +“Oh?” Roxhythe turned the sheet over, and went on reading. + +“Yes.” Christopher knitted his brows. “He wanted to know why you were +in Paris; why you went so often, and a lot more beside. I am sick to +death of being questioned concerning your movements!” + +Roxhythe stopped swinging his leg. Still he did not raise his eyes. + +“I hope you satisfied him?” + +“Well--yes! I think now that I spoke hastily, and had no right to say +what I did. But I was angered, and the words slipped out.” + +Roxhythe laid down the paper. + +“What did you say?” + +“I confirmed the popular tale, sir. Ashley had some fool’s notion of +intrigue. I told him you were at the feet of Madame.” He spoke rather +nervously. + +Roxhythe picked the paper up again. + +“Truthful boy,” he said. + +Christopher was silent for a moment, still frowning. + +“My lord,” he said, at last. “Ashley is not the first who has sought +to suck me of news concerning you. I dined with Harcourt the other +night, and he talked of you until I had perforce to snub him. Everyone +wants to know what you do, and why you do it. Even Lady Frances has +questioned me! And I do not know! I--I can only fall back on gossip, +and I have been so harried and worried that I too am beginning to +wonder: why did you go to Paris?” + +Roxhythe went on reading. + +“You told me yourself a moment ago.” + +“I only told you what gossip says. You have never confided in +me--indeed, I did not expect it. I thought nothing of these sudden +comings and goings. But other people seem suspicious. Why are they +suspicious? Why do they think you--are not what you seem to be?” + +“Heaven knows!” + +Christopher moved an agitated hand. + +“My lord, you know I am not inquisitive. But--but--is there any truth +in Ashley’s suspicions?” + +At last my lord looked up. + +“What precisely are his suspicions?” + +“He told me he mistrusted you; he said you were a complex character. He +hinted at intrigue. I know--I thought I knew--that such a thing would +never enter your head. I said so; I laughed the idea to scorn. He was +reassured, but between them all, I have been set thinking. Is there any +truth in their suspicions?” + +“None whatever,” said Roxhythe. He folded up the letters. + +Christopher heaved a sigh of relief. + +“I knew it!” he said. “But when next you go away I wish you would leave +me some explanation to give these people!” + +“You gave them the right one,” answered Roxhythe. + +“Yes, but I did not know if it was right or wrong. I had to say +something, and oh lud! the good advice I have received!” He laughed +ruefully. “Everyone advises me to quit your service at once, and why +God alone knows! I have been so infuriated, sir!” + +“Poor Chris! You can quit my service if you will.” + +“Sir! Have I shown myself so lacking in affection to you that you +should think that possible? I do not want ever to do that. I--I am so +relieved to know that you are not leading--well, a double life! Of +course I did not really think it, but when several people all show +suspicions one cannot help wondering. And then there was the Dutch +affair. You plotted then, but it was for the King, and the King was +plotting for the country, so it’s all one. You would never plot against +the country, I know. I do not think, either, that you are in the habit +of taking part in intrigue.” + +“You know me rather well, don’t you?” smiled Roxhythe. + +“Better than do these--mischief-makers,” replied Christopher. “I am +wise enough to trust in you implicitly.” + +Roxhythe regarded him curiously. + +“Are you? I am flattered.” He glanced down at his letters. His face was +quite impassive. + +“It is strange that so many people should warn me ’gainst you,” +continued Christopher, airily. “First there was de Staal....” + +The brown eyes lifted, and fell again. + +“... Then Roderick, then Ashley, then Lady Frances. Are they all +crazed?” + +“It seems so. Christopher, I think you must go to Bevan and attend to +this matter.” Roxhythe tapped the parchment with his finger. “I mislike +the tone of the man’s letter. I’ll have you keep a watchful eye on his +doings, and, if need be, dismiss him and engage another in his place.” + +Christopher’s face fell a little. + +“Very well, sir. I suppose I shall be there some weeks?” + +“I am afraid so. I shall miss you sadly here, but it cannot be helped.” + +“When do you wish me to go, sir?” + +“As soon as possible.” Roxhythe stood up. “I’ll look more closely into +this presently.” He tossed the letters on to the table. “What am I +doing to-night?” + +Christopher referred to a tablet. + +“You are going to Lady Caroline Sowerby’s rout, sir.” + +Roxhythe shook his head. + +“What induced you to accept that? Sowerby, forsooth! No, that is too +much to expect of me. I shall wait on Lady Crewe.” He went out. + + + + + CHAPTER X + + MAY, 1670 + + +DURING the weeks that followed Roxhythe lived almost entirely in +France. At first Louis refused to countenance Charles’ demands, and +it needed much skilful diplomacy and tender handling to persuade him. +My Lord Arlington too proved troublesome, and cavilled at first one +point and then another. At length Louis agreed that the furtherance +of Catholicism in England should precede war with the Dutch, but on +the subject of price he remained adamant. It almost seemed as though +another deadlock had been reached, and Charles, urgently in need +of money, was inclined to modify his demands. It was Roxhythe who +counselled patience; Roxhythe who continued the negotiations, calmly, +unhurriedly. + +Christopher stayed at Bevan for nearly two months. Whenever he +announced his intention of returning, as if by magic some new trouble +would arise and he would be bidden to attend to it. It was not until +the beginning of March of 1670 that he came back, and by that time the +negotiations with France were practically at an end. + +Towards the middle of the month Roxhythe had private audience with the +King. Charles was in high spirits. + +“My dear Davy, we have come to the end!” + +Roxhythe was placid. + +“I always said that the spring would see the end,” he remarked. + +Charles drew him to a chair. + +“You did, David. M. Colbert de Croissy has been with me. Louis gives me +the sum I ask. Bealling is to draft the treaty. We win.” + +“Yes, Sire, we win. I was determined that there should not be another +failure.” + +Charles pressed his shoulder. + +“You are thinking of the Nassau intrigue? Does it rankle?” + +“I believe it does,” said Roxhythe. + +It was not until May, however, that the treaty was signed. There was +much argument as to the manner in which it should be done, but it was +at length decided that Madame d’Orléans should come over to Dover +ostensibly to see her brother, and that the representatives of both +parties should sign it there. + +Louis and his Court were making a tour of the country round Dunkirk, so +that it would be no great matter for Madame to sail to England for a +short space. + +On the sixteenth of the month Charles travelled in state to Dover. He +was accompanied by all his court with the exception of the Duke of +York, who was prevented from coming until a few days later. + +The festivities at Dover were riotously extravagant. Every minute of +every day was planned out for Madame’s entertainment, yet in the midst +of all the gaiety Charles found time to have private speech with his +sister. + +The interview did not last long, but it was conclusive. That evening +the King summoned his favourite. + +“David, I have agreed to my sister’s wishes.” + +“Ah!” said Roxhythe. “And they were?” + +“That I should give the war with Holland my first attention.” He looked +closely at my lord as he spoke. + +“You thus make yourself dependent on Parliament, Sir.” + +“Not wholly, Louis gives me three million livres yearly for as long as +the war shall last.” + +Roxhythe walked to the window. + +“In part I applaud you, Sir. It were best to defer the declaring of +yourself a Catholic.” + +Charles laughed. + +“I have always known that to be worse than imprudent.” + +“Of course. I think His Grace of York will not care for the amendment.” + +“Perhaps not. But I think I am wiser than is James.” + +“So do I,” said Roxhythe. + +There the matter ended. + +A few days later came the Duke of York. When he heard that Charles +had given way to Louis he was first furious and then despairing. He +implored his brother to recall the promise; he uttered solemn warnings +and urgent pleas. To all of which Charles smiled and smiled again. + +Madame at once perceived James’ discontent. As soon as she could +conveniently do so she taxed him with it. He came into the room one +evening when she was seated with Roxhythe at the window, watching +the bonfires in the distance. When the Duke entered Madame shot a +commanding glance at her companion. My lord bowed and sauntered out. + +James sat down heavily. After a moment Madame went to him and laid a +caressing hand on his arm. + +“What is it, James? There is something you do not like?” + +The Duke covered her hand with his. + +“I am torn this way and that, Henriette. I scarce know myself what ails +me.” + +She sat down beside him. + +“Why are you so torn, _mon ami_? Is it this bond? You still have +misgivings?” + +“Deep misgivings. This secrecy likes me not at all. It is as though we +were thieves--in the night.” + +She was silent. There was nothing to say. + +“I want this alliance,” he continued sombrely. “I have prayed for it. +But not this way.” + +“How then would you have it?” + +“Openly. With the consent of Parliament.” + +“They would never consent.” + +“They might be compelled. There is the army.” + +“It is not practicable,” she answered. “You know it.” + +He brushed his hand to and fro across the table. + +“Henriette, what we do is not right! It is not honourable! For Kings to +traffic secretly with one another--it revolts me!” + +Again she was silent. + +“And now you have induced Charles to go to war with Holland before he +declares himself Catholic!” + +“James, believe me, it is impossible for Charles to do that now. He +dare not. The time is not yet.” + +“You are all the same,” said the Duke bitterly. “‘The time is not yet.’ +Wait, wait, wait, until it is too late! I tell you I am sick unto death +of the whole affair.” + +“Then leave it to us, James! Charles is acting for the best, as am I. +Is it only this question of Catholicism that troubles you?” Her eyes +searched his face. + +“No,” said James. “I fear a trap.” + +“Who would be likely to lay traps for you?” + +He returned her glance squarely. + +“Louis.” + +Madame took his hands. + +“I swear to you there is no such thing.” + +“You may not know.” + +“If there were a trap Charles had been the first to see it,” she said. + +James’s lip curled scornfully, and a little sadly. + +“Charles thinks of naught save money and women. He is careless--blind.” + +“You misjudge him,” she answered. “Charles is no fool.” + +He shook his head wearily. + +“I do not understand him. I never have understood him. Great issues +weigh with him not at all; he spends his days idling--and making love.” + +“You do not know,” she said quietly. + +“It may be that.” An angry light came into his eyes. “He does not give +me his confidence! He laughs at me, and fences when I question him. All +his confidence goes to that man!” He jerked his head towards the door. + +“Roxhythe?” she asked, watching him. + +His hand clenched slowly. + +“Ay, Roxhythe. That impudent _poseur_! That court-darling! +Roxhythe is never from his side. He employs him always--tells him +his whole mind. Oh, they are fitly matched! Both are without honour! +without decency!” + +“Don’t speak so loud. Remember, Charles is the King.” + +“A pretty King!” he replied bitterly. “He cares for naught save his +own pleasures. Do you think he enters into this treaty from any sense +of patriotism? He does not! He sees a means whereby to gain money! +Money that he will squander on his women and his playthings! He and +his favourite! Oh, they are a fit couple! Roxhythe abets him in his +extravagance! He panders to his vanity! I tell you that man is not to +be trusted! He works only for himself.” + +“No. He works for the King. Never forget that, James. To that one man I +believe he will always be loyal. Why do you so dislike him?” + +James rose jerkily to his feet, scraping his chair back across the +wooden floor. + +“Because I am jealous of him,” he grated; “I admit it freely! He hath +the place that should be mine! He hath the King his ear. There is +nothing Charles does that Roxhythe does not know. There are many things +that I know not of!” + +“’Sh! What reason have you for saying that?” + +He paced up and down the room. + +“I have eyes. I am not the fool Charles thinks me. I know that he plots +behind my back. Oh, I’ve no proofs! But I know for all that.” + +Madame led him back to his seat. + +“James, you are speaking wildly. Your jealousy has carried you away. +Charles has no secrets from you, I’ll swear. You should not make an +enemy of Roxhythe for so foolish a reason.” So she chided him, her hand +in his. + +“Ay, that is it,” he nodded. “I should not make an enemy of so powerful +a man. I, the King’s brother! _Cordieu_, things have come to a +pretty pass!” + +“Oh fie! You over-rate Roxhythe his influence. You know that you stand +first with the King.” + +“I would it were so,” he answered, leaning his head in his hand. + +“It is so. Why, James, to what are you descended that you stoop to be +jealous of a courtier?” + +He sat up. + +“I am over-wrought. I am not jealous of him. I do but mistrust him. +This affair is preying on my nerves till I do not know what I am +saying. Forget it, Henriette!” + +“It is forgotten,” she assured him. “And James! Put all thoughts of +traps and false dealings out of your head. I, Henrietta Stuart, swear +that there is no such thing.” + +He smiled up at her, his whole face softened. + +“I’d not accuse you of false dealing, child.” + +She patted his cheek. + +“There! Now you are sensible! Another thing I’ll tell you: Charles is +not so soulless as you think. Trust in him to see that no harm comes to +the alliance.” + +The smile faded. James turned his head away. + +Someone knocked on the door. A page entered holding the door for +Roxhythe. + +James rose quickly. + +My lord bowed first to Madame, and then to the Duke. + +“I crave your pardon for this intrusion,” he said. “His Majesty sent me +to request your presence in his room, sir.” + +James straightened his cravat. + +“I thank you, my Lord. Madame, you will excuse me?” He left the room. + +Down in the streets below were many lights. A torchlight procession was +passing. There was much noise of shouting and of cheering. My lord went +over to the window, looking out. + +“Roxhythe,” said Madame abruptly. “Why does my brother dislike you?” + +My lord glanced at her over his shoulder. + +“Does he?” he asked. + +“You know it. Do you annoy him?” + +“You see,” apologized Roxhythe. “I am of a flippant turn of mind.” + +That was all he would say. Dissatisfied, Madame broached the subject to +the King next morning. + +“Charles, do you know that James hates Roxhythe?” + +The King was lolling on a couch. + +“My dear, he would hate a fly if it teased him.” + +“Does Roxhythe tease him?” + +“He has a certain air which distresses poor Jamie,” smiled the King. + +“It is a pity,” she mused. “James thinks that you do not give him your +whole confidence.” + +Charles’ mournful eyes widened. + +“Dear, dear!” + +“He is afraid that you will walk into some trap of Louis’ making. He +thinks you are a fool.” + +“I know,” said the King. “And I think him one. Yet we are really very +fond of each other. An amusing situation.” + +“I wish that you understood one another better,” she sighed. “Or rather +that James understood you.” + +“So do not I,” said Charles. “We are very well as we are.” He surveyed +her languidly. “To-morrow the bond is to be signed?” + +“By your Commissioners, and by de Croissy. You’ve no misgivings?” + +“None,” he answered. The glance that passed between them was full of +meaning. + +“I have to thank you for your patience in the matter, Henriette.” + +She shook her head. + +“No, no! I am so glad to have been of use!” + +He put his arm about her. + +“You are a very charming child,” he said, and kissed her. “I would I +might take you back with me to London.” + +Something sparkled on the end of her lashes. + +“Perhaps--I wish--so--too,” she said. + +He stroked her bright curls. For a while there was silence. + +“So I am to have La Kéroualle?” said the King at length. + +Madame smiled again. + +“You asked for her long ago,” she parried. She was finding a novel +amusement in turning the hand she held this way and that so that the +light caught the rings on his fingers. + +“So I did. Louis must think well of her to send her to me.” + +“She is very beautiful,” said Madame, still holding his hand. + +“And very cunning?” The long fingers clasped hers. + +“Charles, do you not want her at Whitehall?” + +“I shall be delighted to have her,” he retorted. + +“She comes not as a spy, but as a--” + +“Secret agent. A nice distinction. But no matter.” + +“I really do not wonder that James is annoyed with you,” said Madame +severely. + + + + + CHAPTER XI + + UNREST + + +SUMMER. Christopher sat on the broad terrace at Bevan Court, looking +out across the gardens into the blue haze. Before him the great house +reared up its turrets, creeper-hung, against the cloudless sky. +Clipped yew hedges dotted the lawns at his feet; flowers grew in stone +pots around him. It was very still, very hot. Somewhere a bird was +twittering sleepily to its mate; lying on the ground beside Christopher +was a huge mastiff, his boon companion. + +Christopher contemplated the scene restfully. He felt at peace with the +world. So much so that presently he closed his eyes. + +Lady Frances came out of the old Gothic door on to the terrace. For an +instant she stood irresolute. Then she saw Christopher and smiled. + +Christopher felt light hands across his eyes. + +“Guess!” whispered my lady, behind him. + +He jumped up. + +“Lady Frances, of course!” + +She came round the seat and sat down. The mastiff wagged his tail; then +he went to sleep again. + +“How hot it is!” said her ladyship drowsily. “How beautiful!” + +Christopher agreed. + +“I came out to give you this,” continued Frances. She handed him a +packet. “The courier has just arrived.” + +Christopher turned it over lazily. + +“Roderick,” he said. “Have you any news of my lord?” + +“A short note. He is escorting the King here in two days time. He +adjures you to have everything in readiness.” + +“I don’t think there is anything more to be done,” said Christopher. +“I have racked my brains to discover something.” + +“There is nothing. Do you read that letter! Perhaps your brother will +have news of the Prince.” + +Christopher broke upon the seals. + +It was late August of 1672. The past years had been fairly uneventful +at home except that in October of 1670 the Prince of Orange had +come home on a visit to England. Roderick had been in his train, +and the brothers had seen a great deal of one another. Roderick had +succeeded in annoying Christopher by regarding him in studied gloom, +and Roxhythe with scarce veiled disapproval. Christopher was thereby +made uncomfortable. He was grateful to my lord for asking Roderick to +Bevan House but at the same time he wished that he had not done it. +He felt that Roderick was not a credit to him. It afforded him some +satisfaction to see that Roderick was impressed by his standing in +society. It was very pleasant when Lord Buckhurst strolled into the +library where they were seated, and hailed him by his Christian name, +asking some questions concerning Roxhythe’s whereabouts. Roderick was +so disdainful and affected such superior airs that little incidents +such as that filled him with unholy joy. + +Abroad much had taken place. In France Madame had died suddenly, +mysteriously, some said poisoned. In Holland, William Nassau had +gradually broken away from De Witt. Lately he had been made, at +twenty-one, Captain-General of the army, and was fighting Louis with +all the energy and indomitable courage of his race. + +The French generals, Turenne and Condé, had over-run three of the Dutch +Provinces, spreading terror before them. Then had been the moment +for Nassau to rise. Many of the great cities clamoured for him. At +Middleburgh and Amsterdam the people grew unruly. De Witt had been +forced to consent to William’s rise. He exacted from him an oath that +he would observe the abolition of the Stadtholdership, and sent him to +the head of the army. Hope revived; Holland hailed the Prince their +preserver. + +De Witt suspecting negotiations between England and France, had made a +treaty with Spain that broke off the last threads that bound the Triple +Alliance together. Charles seized the opportunity to induce his Cabinet +to declare war on Holland. + +Christopher had watched these proceedings with intense interest. He did +not pretend to understand why Ashley headed the desire for war; it was +unlike him to wish to ally England with France. Christopher decided +that politics were very mysterious. + +At home, Charles had introduced his Declaration of Indulgence, +permitting religious freedom. It had passed the Houses, and was greeted +with murmurous opposition. The Duke of York was publicly received into +the Roman Catholic Church. London was uneasy. The sudden closing of the +Exchequer caused a stir, and more unrest. + +Now it was late summer, and Charles was coming to Bevan Court on a +visit. Lady Frances was acting hostess, and Christopher had been sent +on in advance to have all in readiness. + +An exclamation from him made Lady Fanny start, and open her eyes. + +“The De Witts have been murdered!” + +Lady Frances sat up. + +“Chris!” + +Christopher referred to the letter. + +“Roderick writes as though ’twere a natural happening! Oddsblood, +the man has the heart of a fish!... ‘Yesterday the news was brought +to us thatt Jan and Cornelius De Witt have been done to Death by the +Mob at the Hague. Soe Perish all His Highness’ Enemies!’ ... Zounds!” +Christopher crumpled the parchment in his hand. “Murder! Foul murder! I +wonder....” + +“What do you wonder? Not....” + +“I wonder what part the Prince played in this dastardly deed.” + +“Oh, no, Chris! No, no!” + +“Roderick says no more than that ‘so perish all His Highness his +enemies.’ Great Heavens!” + +Lady Frances took the letter from him. + +“May I see?” + +“Oh, you may read it! That I should have such a brother!” + +She spread open the sheets on her knee. + +“... All over the Country the People call for a Stadtholder. At +Rotterdam and Amsterdam they Growe unruly. The Prince His Oathe to De +Witt absolved by Deathe, taketh the Government into His Owne Hands. +Nowe he at last hath His Rightfull Place, after soe Many Yeares Patient +Waiting. Nowe he hath Command over All Things, and no Pensionary to +Oppose Him. He Hath Grate Plannes for the Repulsion of the Impudent +Frenchman, the which, Guided by His Supreme Courage and Steadfast +Purpose, He Goes shortly to put into Action. God Aide and Bless His +Endeavours! He is a very Upright, Grate Prince, Wise beyond His +Yeares, Knoweing not Despair. We of His Household, seeing Him Day by +Day Striving always for His Country, Knowe howe Iron is His Will, +howe Grate His Truthe. I do Counsel You, my Brother, to Leave thatt +Libertine His Service, and to Join me Here, under the Prince His +Glorious Standard. This do I Implore You to do for the Love I Bare +You, which Love Hateth to see You Working for the Truthless Servant of +a King who Lacks Honoure, Loyalty, and all those Things thatt a King +should have....” + +“Bah!” snapped Christopher. “What more?” + +“There’s little else. The rest concerns you alone.” She handed him the +parchment which he thrust angrily into his pocket. + +Lady Frances sat with her chin in her hand. + +“So that is what Roderick says? Warnings, Chris, warnings!” + +“Ay! You are all very anxious for me to quit my lord! And I will not! I +know him as you do not! And I hold these warnings in contempt!” + +She sighed. + +“Don’t eat me, Chris. ’Tis very seldom that I speak to you on this +subject after all!” + +He took her hand quickly, kissing it. + +“Forgive me! I had no right to speak to you like that! You are so good +to me! so very good!” + +“Oh, nonsense!” She patted his shoulder. “I wonder what they think of +this in London? The news will have reached them by now. I would give +much to know the inner workings of it.” + +“Would you? I had rather not know. It must have been at the Prince’s +instigation.” + +“It may have been. De Witt was a block in his path. Therefore it was +right that De Witt should go.” + +“Right? How can you say that?” + +Lady Frances’ eyes were narrowed. + +“It seems to me that De Witt’s day has been ended some time since. +The one man who might save Holland is Nassau. We have seen how he was +hampered by De Witt’s cautious vetoes. Well, down with De Witt.” + +“I cannot agree!” + +“Quite right, dear boy. I hope you never will agree.” + +He stared at her. + +“You hope--but why?” + +“Because it would mean that you had acquired a callous heart, even as +all we who have--never mind! Let’s take the news to Jasper.” + +They walked slowly back to the house. + +The tidings reached my lord at Bevan House as he was in the act of +penning an amorous note to Lady Crewe. + +His servant came hurriedly into the room. He had been with Roxhythe +since his boyhood, and he was permitted these licenses. + +“My lord, the De Witts are dead! Murdered!” + +John felt more than a casual interest in the news. He had several times +seen the Grand Pensionary. + +Roxhythe looked up. + +“What of it?” + +“But, my lord--!” + +Roxhythe went back to his writing. + +“You disturb me.” + +He went later to Whitehall and found it seething with the tale. He was +very bored. + +The visit to Bevan Court was in every way successful. The King was +fêted and feasted most extravagantly. Mademoiselle de Kéroualle, now +Duchess of Portsmouth, and mistress-in-chief, came in his train, and +was pleased to be very fascinating; the Duke of Monmouth, in high +spirits, could talk of nothing but the prospect of his journey to +Holland next year at the head of the English troops. + +Christopher lived the few days in a positive whirl of excitement. +He was very busy, for Roxhythe paid no attention to any of the +arrangements, but this did not trouble him. He was helping to entertain +the most gracious King in the world; he had kissed this King’s hand; +the King had spoken to him several times; his cup was full. + +All through the winter Roxhythe continued to make trifling and +spasmodic love to Lady Crewe. Christopher watched, troubled. He saw +that Millicent was taking his master very seriously, and he was sorry, +for he knew that Roxhythe was beginning to weary of her. He dared not +speak to him on the subject, but he was a tender-hearted boy, and he +wished that my lord would amuse himself with someone older, and more +accustomed to the game. He saw that Millicent was not treating it as a +game any longer. He saw also that Sir Henry Crewe was less and less at +his wife’s side, and had begun to look at her coldly. He wondered how +it would end. + +Meanwhile, great changes were taking place in England. Ashley, now the +Earl of Shaftesbury, was Chancellor, and led the Cabinet. The long +recess of Parliament still went on. The Country party was more than +ever opposed to the Court party and dissension was growing apace. + +From Harcourt Christopher learned that the Declaration of Indulgence +was becoming more and more unpopular. War with Holland was imminent; +the King continued to amuse himself. + +Roxhythe still ignored the universal unrest. Christopher was more +than ever sure that he had no interest in politics, was of no party, +and was above all the petty jealousies and intrigues that went on +daily. Now and then he went to Paris, but mostly he was at Whitehall, +pursuing his brilliant course. Christopher no longer puzzled over these +visits to France. Roxhythe had assured him that his vague fears were +groundless; he trusted Roxhythe. + +And so the year crept out, and the New Year was upon them. + + + + + BOOK III + + QUO VADIS? + + + + + CHAPTER I + + WHITEHALL + + +“NEVER was there a man so beset!” + +Roxhythe looked amusedly across at his master. + +“Was there not, Sir?” + +“Never.” Charles spoke gloomily. “I swear I do not know why ever I came +back to such an importunate, ungrateful people.” + +They were in the King’s private closet. It was late autumn and chilly. +A fire burned in the wide grate and the room was stuffy. One was aware +of the presence of dogs. + +Charles crossed his legs and went on speaking. + +“They would not have my Declaration of Indulgence; they insisted on +an act which should prevent Catholics from holding office under the +Crown. So I let them have their Test Act, thus enraging my brother. I +thought to have some peace. But no. Clifford resigns his office because +he cannot subscribe to the Test. And now they clamour and debate over +James his second marriage. _Mordieu_, what a thing it is to be +King!” He sighed. + +“The Duke would do well to consider,” said Roxhythe. “A marriage +with the Catholic Mary of Este will only serve to gain him more +unpopularity.” + +“So I think. Next the Commons will demand his exclusion from the +succession. I see it coming very plainly. He is so unwise.... And he +was a damned good admiral,” he added with another sigh. “Odso! It meant +so little. He might have been as Catholic as he pleased to himself if +only he would have conformed outwardly to the Test. However, he’d none +of it, and gave up his post. And now he is so chafed and irritable that +he plagues all and sundry and affects them against him. He won’t listen +to my sage counsel; he goes his own foolish way. I know the Commons +will demand his exclusion sooner or later. And then what’s to do?” + +Roxhythe knew that on this one point his master was likely to remain +adamant. He had some affection for his brother. + +“I really don’t know, Sir. I doubt you’ll manage to confound the +Commons when that time comes--if it comes.” + +“Oh, it will come, sure enough, unless he mends his ways, which he will +not.” + +“Then you will skilfully circumvent the Commons,” smiled Roxhythe. + +“But what unpleasantness! What fatigue!” said Charles. “I was not born +for this strenuous life.” He shut his eyes wearily. Then he opened them +again. “David, I am satiated with Ashley.” + +Ashley now led the Cabinet. + +Roxhythe laughed softly. + +“You were like to be that, Sir. ’Tis a dull dog.” + +“My dear David, ’tis the wickedest dog in Christendom--all on a sudden. +He must go.” He said this quite calmly. + +“Very well,” said Roxhythe. “Though I mislike the idea of Ashley’s hand +against us.” + +“I cannot help it. He must go. He opposes me at every turn while +pretending to aid me.” + +“And so?” + +“And so I have another man in mind.” Charles looked at him quizzically. + +“I might guess his name, Sir,” drawled the favourite. + +“You might, Davy, but I think none other would.” + +“Perhaps not. Doth he hail from Yorkshire?” + +Charles nodded. + +“If you ever go over to the opposition, Davy, I shall be undone. You +would foresee all my intentions. Do you like my choice?” + +“Osborne,” pondered Roxhythe. “A tool. Therefore untrustworthy.” + +“I had thought of that. He must be bribed.” + +“So others may think.” + +“Davy, why will you always play the pessimist? You try your best to +dishearten me!” + +My lord rose, and walked over to the window. + +“My heart’s not in it, Sir.” + +Charles stirred uneasily. + +“In what, Roxhythe?” + +“In all this bribing and duping and double-dealing.” + +“Why, David, do you then yearn to tread the straight and narrow path?” + +Roxhythe stood silent, gazing out of the window. There was a hint of +bitterness in the cool eyes; even a little sadness. + +Charles studied his profile concernedly. + +“What is it, Davy?” he asked gently. + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“I was just thinking, Sir. Perhaps we were happier in the old days, +across the water.” + +“We plotted then and bribed,” said Charles quickly. + +“It was rather different. Then we were a few against the world. We had +only ourselves to think of. Now we have the whole of Britain depending +on us, and we plot and trick, and lower her honour.” + +“Davy, I do her no harm! Surely you have seen that? You did not like +the Treaty of Dover, but what ill has come of it?” + +Roxhythe shrugged. + +“Naught save the lowering of the King his honour.” + +Charles bit his thick underlip. + +Roxhythe continued, in that same level, passionless voice. + +“I believe I have a desire to run straight once more, Sir. Sometimes I +think I would give much to be with my regiment again--no intriguer, but +just a soldier.” + +“David!” The King’s eyes were full of pain. “You think that?” + +The smile crossed Roxhythe’s lips again. + +“Until I remember you, Sir.” + +The King flung out his hand. + +“Ah!--and then?” + +“And then I know that had I to choose again I would follow you.” He +came back to the King’s chair, and knelt. “Don’t let this distress you, +Sir. These are but idle regrets, that are not even regrets. I am your +man until I die, or until I fall.” + +Charles’ hand was on his shoulder. + +“Roxhythe, what is this talk of falling?” + +“I hardly know, Sir, save that no man trusts my word. They suspect my +every movement. Because of the Dover treaty, which they guess at.” + +“Can you think that I would ever desert you?” + +“Not I, Sir. I am turned pessimist to-day. I do crave your pardon.” + +Charles pressed his shoulder. He was troubled. + +“Regrets--regrets. I did not think you had any, Roxhythe.” + +My lord rose, shaking back the heavy curls of his peruke. + +“Nor have I, Sir. ’Tis the autumn dampness has entered my bones. Forget +it! I chose long ago which path I should tread, and I’ve no regrets. I +would not lose your friendship for all the world.” + +Charles was still troubled. + +“Which path you would tread.... What mean you, David?” + +“Once I thought them one and the same path. Then they diverged, and I +followed you. The choice lay between King and Country.” + +“It was a struggle then?” + +Roxhythe hesitated. + +“A little, Sir. But I decided to kiss my hands to Country, and here am +I!” + +“And you are happy, Roxhythe?” + +“Despite these moments of gloom, Sir, yes. I have all a man wants; +money, power, the King his favour.” + +“And friends?” + +“Say rather popularity, Sir.” + +“No; friends.” + +Roxhythe was silent for a moment. + +“Then, Sir, not counting yourself, one. Perhaps two.” + +“Who are they?” + +“My fair cousin Frances, and my secretary.” + +“A strange couple. They are all you can name?” + +“They are all.” + +Charles nodded slowly. + +“You sacrificed much for me, eh, David?” + +Roxhythe’s egotism leapt to the fore. + +“No. I gained all. I have everything. Friends? Bah! A name, no more. +Not a doubt on it but those sycophants below,” he waved a contemptuous +hand, “would not hesitate to call me that.” + +“Yet you said you had but one?” + +“Two. The rest hate me covertly. I am too powerful.” + +Again Charles nodded. + +“You do not seek to make them like you. I think you are foolish, +Roxhythe.” + +“Maybe. They do not understand me, and for that reason distrust me.” + +Charles smiled irrepressibly. + +“Why, I do not think that many men trust me,” he said. “But all men +love me.” + +Roxhythe swept a bow. + +“Sire, I am no Stuart.” + +“No, you are Roxhythe, which is perhaps even better. _Mordieu!_ +The great Roxhythe! _A propos_, David, what’s this I hear took +place at Jeremy’s?” + +Roxhythe sat down. He drew out his comfit-box. + +“Yes, it was diverting,” he admitted. + +“Tell me your version. I heard it from Sedley yesterday, but I’d sooner +have it from your own lips.” + +“What did Sedley say? I hardly know what happened at the beginning.” + +The King chuckled. + +“Oh, Sedley was full of the tale! He tells me that that young secretary +of yours was at Jeremy’s on Thursday, and fell to gaming with +Fortescue. Sedley draws a picture of them both in their cups. Then +Fortescue speaks sneeringly of the great Roxhythe, and the next thing +they knew was that his face was all dripping wine, and young Dart was +half across the table in a black fury. Sedley falls a-laughing at this +point, but I gather that the two young cockerels were held apart by +main force, and Dart was spluttering out challenges. It seems the rest +of the party enjoyed the situation vastly, and there was great uproar. +Fortescue--Sedley tells me he was most unsteady on his legs--hiccuped +out _his_ challenge, and called on Digby to second him. Then the +pother was that no one liked to be embroiled in a quarrel against my +Lord Roxhythe. So more uproar. Dart called on Fletcher to serve him. +Fletcher thinks himself best out of that boys’ quarrel. Others were of +his opinion. So then we have young Dart offering to fight the whole +room, and Fortescue drinking more Burgundy to steady himself. Sedley +says by now the whole room was in a roar, and the most of them arguing +what was to be done. Then--Sedley is very fine at this point--the +door opened. In strolled the unwitting cause of all the turmoil: Lord +Roxhythe. He was becomingly languid; he desired to know the reason of +all the noise. Six people explain it to him. My lord looks round with +interest. Fletcher tells him that no one will second the children. My +lord is pained. He looks at Fortescue. ‘You must apologize,’ says he. +‘No,’--hiccup--‘Be--damned an I will!’ ‘Then you must apologize,’ says +my lord, turning to his secretary. Dart was not so far gone in his +cups. ‘Never!’ says he. ‘Then I will apologize,’ says my lord. ‘Your +pardon, gentlemen, for being the cause of so much trouble.’ Then Sedley +grows incoherent. Tell me the rest, Roxhythe.” + +Roxhythe touched his lips with his handkerchief. + +“My young Chris was mighty valiant. He sneered. ‘If a glass of wine in +the face is not enough,’ says he, and left an elegant pause. Fortescue +caught him up. ‘No--damme--,’ says he. ‘I’ll fight you!’ Chris bowed. I +have a fleeting suspicion that he emulates my style. ‘I am relieved,’ +says he. ‘Mr. Fletcher, again I ask: will you serve me?’ Fletcher +nodded. ‘Who’s to serve Fortescue?’ asks that rogue Sedley. Then they +all looked uncomfortable, and shuffled. I conceived that it was time +to introduce a light note. I made my best leg to Fortescue, who was +hanging on to the table. ‘Sir,’ says I, ‘I shall be honoured to second +you.’ He had arrived at the polite stage. He returned my bow, and +managed not quite to fall over. ‘Sir,’ says he, ‘I thank you. Y--You’re +a--g--gentleman!’ + +“My Chris was in such a rage that he was fit to slay me there and then. +He turned on his heel and slammed out of the room. I went away. + +“And there the matter really ended. I was hoping for an amusing duel, +but evidently Fortescue was talked to very seriously. At all events he +visited me next day, all the pot-valiance knocked out of him. Odso, +but he was ashamed! He had come to offer me his apologies! He had not +known what he was saying; he begged I would excuse him. Then he grew +very red, and told me that he could not have me as a second in the +circumstances. So I sent for Chris. Fortescue was all for fighting, but +I made them shake hands. That is all. My name is now safe.” He smiled a +little. + +“No wonder it is the talk of town!” cried Charles. “Oddsblood, I would +I had been there!” Then he became grave. After a moment he said: +“Roxhythe, this Dutch war is becoming vastly distasteful to my people.” + +Roxhythe was amused. + +“Now what ails you?” demanded Charles. “Is it a laughing matter?” + +“Certainly not. I laughed at the sudden change of topic. And have you +but just discovered that the people do not like it?” + +“No. They grow hot. What is more to the point is that the Commons also +grow hot. I think I must have a respite.” + +“How?” + +“I have had enough of Parliament,” said Charles, looking at him. “For +the present.” + +“Prorogation!” smiled Roxhythe. “I admire your consummate daring, Sir.” + + + + + CHAPTER II + + THE HUSBAND + + +LADY Crewe was disconsolate. Out of the corner of her eye she watched +my Lord Roxhythe paying his respects to Mlle. Charlotte d’Almond. +Charlotte was of the Duchess of Portsmouth’s household, something of a +virago, but undoubtedly fascinating. Lady Crewe hated her cordially. +Lady Crewe sat alone, playing with her fan. Presently Mr. Dart +appeared. His hostess, Fanny Montgomery, greeted him with affection. +She told him to make himself useful. So he went across the room to +Millicent’s side and swept her a bow. + +“All alone, Lady Crewe?” + +She forced a smile. + +“No, Mr. Dart; you are here.” + +Christopher was fond of Millicent. He sat down beside her. + +“Shall we stay on this very pleasing couch, or shall we dance?” he +asked. + +“I--I don’t think I will dance, thank you,” she answered. She was +young, and she did not conceal her emotions well. + +Christopher glanced round the room. + +“All the world is here to-night,” he remarked. “What a gathering! I +don’t see Sir Henry?” + +“He is here,” she said listlessly. “Gaming belike.” + +A year ago Sir Henry Crewe was never from his wife’s side. Christopher +regarded Roxhythe across the room with tightened lips. He attempted +another remark. + +“It is quite an age since we last saw each other, Lady Crewe. I looked +for you at the Coventry rout last week but someone said you were in the +country. Was that so?” + +“No,” she answered. “I was not well. I do not think town air agrees +with me. I tire so easily.” + +Time was, reflected Christopher, when this had not been so. Her +ladyship’s cheeks had been rosy then, and less thin. + +“Why, I am sorry!” he said. “You must make your husband take you to the +country for a while, though I vow we should miss you sadly.” + +Lady Crewe was not attending. A lazy, cynical voice reached +Christopher’s ears. He turned sharply. Lord Roxhythe stood beside them. + +“My very dear Millicent! I had not seen you till this moment. Pray +where have you been?” He kissed her hand. Christopher observed how the +colour flooded her face. + +“You have been otherwise engaged, my lord,” she replied. “I have been +here some while.” + +Christopher saw that he was not wanted. He faded away. Roxhythe took +his seat. + +“Child,” he said, “where are all your roses?” + +“Am I so pale?” she smiled. “Perhaps I have lost my rouge.” + +“Evidently,” he said. “And what ails you?” + +Her eyes were troubled. + +“My lord ... my lord....” + +“But why so aloof?” + +The coaxing tone brought the tears to her lashes. + +“David--I am very unhappy.” + +He rose. + +“My dear, we must examine this more closely. I know a room where we +shall not be disturbed.” + +“Oh, no!” she cried. “Indeed, I must not!” + +“Must not?” + +“You--you know it is not seemly for me to be seen so much--with you. +My--my husband--” + +“Fiend seize your husband. Come!” + +“I ought not--I ought not--” Even as she said it she rose and laid her +hand on his arm. Together they went out. + +Roxhythe led her into a small, dimly lighted parlour. He shut the door, +and took her in his arms. + +“What is it, sweetheart?” + +For a moment she tried to free herself; then her hands clung to his +broad shoulders. + +“David, it is wrong! I--I am not this kind of woman! God help me, I +wish I had never met you!” The cry was broken. + +Roxhythe bent his head till his lips met hers. It was Mrs. Diana +Shelton who had called Roxhythe’s kiss “divine intoxication.” + +“Confess! ’Tis a lie?” + +“No, no! Indeed, I wish it!” + +He kissed her again. + +“You do not love me?” + +“Oh, yes!--No! oh, what am I saying?” She broke away from him to a +chair. “Before I--met you--before you--made love to me--I thought I +cared so much for Henry. Now--now we hardly speak. You fill all my +thoughts, and he looks at me--as though he hated me. I’m no court +beauty. I cannot--play at love as they do. ’Tis--not in my nature.” + +My lord knelt at her side, holding both her hands. + +“Do you then care so much for Henry? Am I nothing?” + +“Have I not told you? Oh, my heart is nigh breaking! You do not really +love me; you only--pretend--and it means so much to me. I’m a fool; a +silly, hysterical miss! I--” She tried to laugh, but her voice broke, +and she buried her face on his shoulder, sobbing. + +Roxhythe stared over her head at the wall. His expression was +rather curious. Suddenly he bent over the bowed figure, clinging so +desperately to his hands. + +“My child, you distress yourself unduly. How old are you?” + +“T-twenty-one. Why--why do you ask?” + +My lord smiled whimsically. + +“Twenty-one. And I am--forty-two.” + +She lifted her head. + +“What of it?” + +“I seem to be rather too old for you, dear.” + +“David--my lord--I do not--understand.” + +“No? I think our little comedy has played itself out.” + +Slowly she drew herself away from him. + +“You--call it comedy. I--have another name for it. Mayhap ’twas indeed +a--comedy to you. To me--to me----” she stopped, twisting her fingers. + +“Oh, no!” said my lord, calmly. “You delude yourself, my dear. It was a +pretty farce, and perhaps you were a little dazzled. But that is all.” + +“You--make me--hate you.” + +“Why, that is as it should be.” + +“You--you made love to me; you--dazzled--me, and now you are tired of +the--farce--you cast me off.” + +“Not a whit. I am not tired of it. I think you are.” + +She shook her head. Slow tears were creeping down her cheeks. + +“I love you. I cannot let you go.” + +“Well, my dear, I do not see how you are to keep the both of us on a +tether if you take the matter so seriously.” + +“I do not want both.” + +“Then choose your husband, my child.” + +“I can’t, I can’t! I want you!” It was the cry of a child. Roxhythe bit +his lip. + +“It will pass.” + +She raised her head. + +“Are you saying--these things--for my sake, or is it--because +of--Charlotte d’Almond?” + +“Oh lud!” said my lord. He rose to his feet. “Preserve me!” + +She also rose. + +“It is not? You love me, as you’ve so often vowed?” + +Roxhythe looked at her serenely. + +“My dear, I do not think I love anyone.” + +Tragedy was in her blue eyes, and uncomprehending hurt. + +“You thought me--just a--cheap woman!” + +“No.” + +“Then--then--Oh heavens, how dare you humiliate me so? And I--and +I--please take me back to the ballroom!” + +She stepped forward into the full light of the candles, erect, +outraged. Roxhythe eyed her critically. + +“Child, you must dry the tears.” + +In spite of her forced calm something sparkled on the end of her long +lashes. + +“Oh, tut, tut, Millicent! You will forget all this madness. Come, let +me wipe away the tears.” + +Millicent pushed him from her with hands that trembled. + +“No! Please--don’t try to--be kind to me! I cannot bear it. I have been +in heaven and hell this past year, and now--and now--” She choked back +a sob. “You were--very cruel, my lord. You made me play at love with +you, and then--when I am no longer playing--you turn away, and--call +it--a pretty comedy. And you talk to me--as if you were--my father!” + +“Which I almost might be,” remarked his lordship. “My dear, you are too +young for the game. I ought to have known it. I am sorry. Now won’t you +let me dry your tears?” + +His voice was very gentle; all his fascination was to the fore. It +swept over Millicent and would not be gainsaid. Pride was as nothing +before it; at that moment she felt that only one thing mattered, and +that was that he should not leave her. She allowed him to draw her +closer, and to wipe her eyes with his scented handkerchief. A small +pulse in her throat was throbbing madly; he was so inexpressibly dear, +so strong, so wonderful. The tears welled up afresh; she heard him +speak through a haze of misery. + +“Dear child, I am not worth it. I am only an interlude.” + +“That is all--to you. Oh, you are utterly, utterly ruthless! I amused +you for the time, so--you have--broken my heart--for your pleasure, and +brought me--as low as this! I was so happy before you came! So happy.” + +“You will be happy again,” said Roxhythe philosophically. “Hearts are +easily mended. Tell that husband of yours to take you away for a time.” + +“My husband! We scarcely speak! He despises me! He thinks me--what I +am--a cheap, faithless woman!” + +“It seems your husband is a fool. There! The tears are gone?” + +“Take me back to the ballroom, please. I--I have been mad. What +will--Henry think--if he finds me gone? Oh, please take me back.” + +Roxhythe smiled faintly. + +“Yes. I did not think the passion was real. Console yourself, my dear. +’Tis Henry you love.” He held out his arm. + +The door opened. + +“Just as I thought!” The words came furiously, hissed across the room. +With his back to the door, hands clenched at his sides, stood Sir Henry +Crewe. + +Millicent sprang away from Roxhythe’s side, her cheeks flaming. +Roxhythe himself regarded the intruder pensively. + +“Blue and rose-pink....” he murmured. “Marvellous!” + +Crewe walked forward, his dark velvet cloak hushing against the table +as he brushed past. + +“I have not sought you out to talk of my clothes, Lord Roxhythe!” he +said. He did not glance in his wife’s direction. + +“No?” answered Roxhythe. He met the angry young eyes amusedly. “What +then?” + +Crewe controlled his voice with difficulty. He was very pale, but his +eyes burnt. + +“I have come to tell you that my friends will wait on yours, Lord +Roxhythe!” + +“Thank you very much,” said Roxhythe. “But may I point out to you that +this is a somewhat inopportune moment?” + +“I think not! I could scarce have chosen a more fitting time!” He +laughed bitterly. “I trust I make myself clear?” + +“Not at all,” said Roxhythe. “I am at a loss.” + +“You are singularly dense if you do not understand me! Things have +come to a pretty pass that you so brazenly take my wife apart! Is that +explanation enough?” + +Roxhythe stared at him in great hauteur. Then he turned to Millicent +and bowed. + +“Permit me to conduct you back to the ballroom, my dear.” + +Crewe flung himself between them. + +“Lady Crewe can stay to hear what I have to say! She will not again +require your escort!” + +My lord’s voice became a shade more languid. + +“My good youth, you rave. You have my permission to stand back.” + +Few had ever dared to withstand that note. Sir Henry stood firm. + +“’Tis you who shall stand back, sir! You shall not touch my wife!” + +Millicent clasped and unclasped her hands. She was very near to +breaking point. + +“You make a very fine melodramatic hero,” said Roxhythe. “But you +forget with whom you have to deal.” + +“You might be the devil himself and I’d not let you pass!” + +“Child’s talk,” said my lord. His hand descended on Crewe’s shoulder +and gripped hard. He gave a sudden twist, and Crewe fell back with a +smothered exclamation. Roxhythe took Millicent’s cold hand in his. + +“I’ll return to you,” he informed the furious young man. “Open the +door.” + +“Perhaps it is as well that Lady Crewe should withdraw,” sneered Sir +Henry. He flung the door wide. + +Roxhythe did not answer him. He led Millicent, tearless now, a creature +of ice, to the deserted hall. + +“Will you wait here, child? I’ll send my cousin to you.” + +Her lips moved. + +“Oh--no! I cannot! I----” + +“My dear, you are in no fit state to go back to the ballroom. Sit down.” + +She sank down, unresisting. Roxhythe kissed her hand. “Let me re-assure +you, sweetheart; there will be no scandal. You can trust my cousin.” He +strolled into the ballroom. + +Lady Frances was not dancing. When she saw Roxhythe she came quickly +towards him. + +“Where is Lady Crewe?” + +“I want to take you to her. That young fool of a husband came plunging +in upon us, and she is nigh fainting with fright.” + +“Good God, Roxhythe! In my house! Could you not be decent for one +evening? Where is the child?” + +“In the hall. May I solicit your kindness for her? She should go home.” + +Lady Fanny swept out. Roxhythe, following more leisurely, saw her bend +over the drooping figure in the chair. He half smiled, and went back to +the little parlour. + +Frances took the girl’s hands. + +“My dear! Will you come upstairs with me?” + +The great shamed eyes looked up. + +“I--think--I had best--go home,” whispered Millicent. + +Frances drew her to her feet. + +“Presently, dear. Come with me now and tell me all about it.” + +“Lady Frances--I am indeed sorry--to be the cause of a--disturbance in +your house. I----” + +“Nonsense! Come, we shall be private in my room.” + +She bore the girl off to her boudoir, and put her into a chair. + +“There! Poor little thing! Tell me what has happened.” + +Millicent bowed her head. + +“I’ve been so wicked--I suppose you know. And to-day--I let--Lord +Roxhythe--take me to another room--and--and--my husband found +us--and--oh, heavens, what must you think of me?” + +“Why, that you are a silly child! No, no, don’t cry! There’s no harm +done. My cousin will see to it that there is no scandal. But mercy on +us, what induced you to play with Roxhythe, of all men?” + +“I love him,” answered Millicent dully. + +Lady Frances opened her eyes to their widest. + +“Love--my dear, foolish girl, you cannot.” + +“I love him. And it’s all over--all over.” + +“And a good thing too!” thought my lady. But she did not say that. She +put her arms round Millicent. + +“Won’t you tell me everything, dear?” + +The girl flushed. + +“You are very, very kind, Lady Frances, but--oh, I expect you know all +there is to know about me!” + +“My child, I have seen Roxhythe often at your side, and I confess I +have wondered what you were at--playing with fire.” + +“I was not playing! Oh, at first, three years ago, yes. No one minded; +my husband thought nothing of it. But lately--I have been so--unhappy, +and when he was with me--so very happy! And he meant nothing; he did +not love me. It was a--game. I suppose any other woman would have +known, but I--I--oh, I think my heart will break!” + +“I am quite sure it will not,” replied Lady Frances. “’Tis all +midsummer madness. How could you think Roxhythe was in earnest? Was +there no one to warn you?” + +“No. There is only Henry--and now he--hates me. What shall I do?” + +“Start afresh,” said Fanny briskly. “Roxhythe is not worth one +tear-drop. You must forget him, and play no more with fire.” + +“Forget! Ah, my lady, it is easy to speak so. I love him! I love him so +much that were he to lift one finger I would go with him--anywhere!” + +Lady Frances nodded over the bowed head. + +“Well, my dear, he’ll lift no finger. He lives for himself alone. This +is not his first _affaire_.” + +Millicent shuddered. + +“I thought he really cared for me. I knew there were--other +women--but----” + +Lady Frances proceeded to be cruel for kindness’ sake. + +“I have known Roxhythe for--I won’t say how many years--and I know how +much heart he hath. That is none. He has fascinated you until you think +that you love him. But you do not. Ah, no, my dear, you do not!” + +Millicent was silent. After a moment Fanny patted her shoulder. + +“Come! Cheer up! Oh, I know ’tis hard, but you must bear a brave front. +Never let him see that he has hurt you.” + +“You do not know, Lady Frances.” + +Fanny laughed irrepressibly. + +“Why, do you think I have not been in love scores of times with those +whom I should not have loved? Child, I have experienced all your +feelings, and I assure you that you will recover.” + +“I wish that I were dead!” + +“Nonsense! You are over-wrought to-night; to-morrow you will think +differently. I am going to send you home now, and--if I may--I will +come and see you in a few days’ time.” + +“You--you will not care to. There will be some dreadful scandal--oh, I +wish that I had never come to town!” + +“There’ll be no vestige of scandal, my dear. Trust Roxhythe to see to +that.” + +“Oh, yes, yes! They are going to fight, and one of them will be +killed--all for me who am--worthless!” + +“I’ll wager my best necklet no one is killed,” said Lady Frances. + +“Henry is so angry! I have never seen him look so terrible! He--he will +do my lord some injury.” + +“Alas! There’s no likelihood of such a thing happening!” said Fanny, +tartly. + + + + + CHAPTER III + + THE CHALLENGE + + +ROXHYTHE shut the door. + +“And now what is it?” + +Crewe was standing by the fire. At my lord’s words he swung round. + +“It is this, sir! I’ll not have my wife’s name dishonoured by such as +you! For nearly three years it has gone on! At first I thought nothing; +she had her admirers, but she loved me. And then you gradually stole +her from me, until she thinks of naught save when she shall next be +with you! Oh, I’m not blind! I’ve watched and waited. But to-night I +could no longer contain myself! One of us dies, my lord!” + +“Very fine,” applauded Roxhythe. “But you make a deal out of nothing. +Let us say that I fascinated Lady Crewe. We played at love, _bien +sûr_. Now we have agreed to end the game. As to her good name, no +harm is like to come to that.” + +“No harm, you say? All the town will talk of this. How do I know that +there is not more between you?” + +The fine lips curled contemptuously. + +“Faith, you have a good opinion of your wife!” said Roxhythe. Then he +grew grave. “You foolish boy, what have you been about all this time? +You say you have watched us? Then why a-God’s name did you not act? By +heaven, I would let no man steal my wife’s heart!” + +“If it can be stolen I do not want it! I’ll make no effort to win her +from you, my lord! She--she has earned my contempt! my hatred!” + +“The tragic hero, egad! One would think there was more to this +_affaire_ than a series of very mild flirtations.” + +“I do think it!” + +“Then you are a foolish child. Strive to be wiser. I suggest you take +your wife away, and woo her afresh. She will very soon forget me.” + +Crewe gripped a chair-back. His face was white with anger. + +“How dare you mock me? One would think that I was to blame for all +this!” + +“Most undoubtedly you are. Instead of freezing the girl you should have +shaken her soundly and taken her away. _Mordieu_, you drove her to +my arms, with your coldness and your scowls!” + +“I thought her above--this kind of intrigue! I--heaven, what did I not +think her? I have found that she is no better than the commonest trull +that walks the streets!” + +“La-la! What a fury! I begin to pity your wife.” + +Two hectic spots of colour burned on Sir Henry’s cheeks. + +“We’ll have done, if you please, sir----” + +Roxhythe sighed with relief. + +“Now God be thanked, here’s sense at last!” + +“Will you name your friends?” + +Roxhythe looked him up and down. + +“Oh. You want satisfaction? Bethink you, you’ll damage your wife’s +reputation as I have not done all this time.” + +“I will take care of that, I thank you. Will you name your friends?” + +“No,” said Roxhythe. “I will not.” + +It seemed that Crewe was dumbfounded. He stared in amazement. + +“You will not? You will not? Am I to call you coward then?” + +“My dear boy, you may call me what you will if it eases you at all. +Roxhythe does not fight with every fly that buzzes in his ear.” + +Crewe sent a chair spinning across the room. + +“Yet you will fight me, sir!” + +“If you continue in this vein it seems very likely. I counsel you to +calm yourself. It is no light matter to fight Roxhythe.” + +“I am not afraid! Right is on my side!” + +“But in this world it is more often might that triumphs. My tragic +hero, do you not realize that I could pink you within--one minute?” + +“I care not! And I believe that I can kill you!” + +“The worse for you then. You were as effectually damned. You would have +to reckon with King Charles. I’d not envy you that task. No, I will not +fight you.” + +“Then you are a coward! a coward! a coward! All the world will call you +one!” + +“All the world will laugh at you for your pains, Crewe. The world knows +what manner of man I am.” + +“You insult me! Am I unworthy of your sword?” + +“By no means. But I do not murder babes.” + +Crewe looked up into the mocking eyes. His hand fumbled in the breast +of his coat and came out. With one laced glove he struck my lord across +the face. + +“Is that enough?” he panted. + +The straight brows contracted swiftly. + +“Almost enough to earn you a thrashing at my hands, Crewe,” said +Roxhythe, a hint of grimness in his smooth voice. + +Sir Henry fell back. A sob tore at his throat. + +“My God, are you made of stone? You’ll swallow that insult?” + +My lord shrugged. + +“I have already told you; I do not murder babes.” + +“Damn you, am I to strike you again?” + +Roxhythe smiled. + +Crewe’s hand clenched on the glove, twisting it round and round. + +“Can I say nothing to move you? What have I done that you should scorn +to fight me? Do you not owe me at least that much?” + +“My good child, no. I have not damaged Lady Crewe’s reputation; I am +even preventing you from so doing.” + +“I will cry this shame against you! All London shall know how you +refused to fight! were afraid to fight!” + +“You would be very ill-advised. You would ruin your wife, and make +yourself a laughing-stock. Do you think I cannot afford to refuse to +fight without injuring mine honour?” + +Crewe stood still, seething with rage and impotence. + +“Why will you not fight me? What reason have you?” + +“I thought that I told you that,” said Roxhythe. + +“Bah! ’Tis not from any desire to spare my life, I know!” + +“Why then, we will say that it is not my will.” + +“Do you think to put me off with that excuse? You treat me as though +I were of no account! as though you had not ruined my happiness, +disgraced my wife!” + +My lord re-arranged his cravat. + +“I’ve no taste for heroics off the stage, my friend.” + +The young man’s breath was coming short and quick. His hands trembled; +his eyes burned dark in his pale face. + +“Don’t mock at me! You--you goad me to what I will not think of! I +could kill you where you stand, you smiling devil!” + +My lord was still busy with his cravat. He stood with his back to Crewe +looking into the mirror. + +“_Eh bien!_ Kill me.” + +Crewe swung round on his heel. Up and down the room he paced, with +white lips and trembling hands. He came at last to a standstill, facing +my lord. + +“Once more I ask: will you name your friends?” + +Roxhythe studied his reflection pensively. + +“I will not.” + +Crewe was almost hysterical with rage. He tore at his sword, wrenching +it from the scabbard. + +“You shall fight! If you will not have it in order, it shall be here +and now! On guard, my lord!” + +Roxhythe gave a finishing touch to his laces, and turned. + +“What have we now? _Corbleu!_ A sword! Am I to fling myself on its +point?” + +“Draw, curse you!” + +Roxhythe snapped his fingers scornfully. + +“So much for that pretty plaything! I do not fight you now or at any +time. Body o’ me, am I to fight every young cockerel who fancies +himself injured by me? Put up your sword and be thankful that I do not +choose to take offence.” + +The sword clattered to the ground. + +“Devil! Devil!” gasped Sir Henry, and sprang at him. + +There was a short struggle, a strangled oath from Crewe. Roxhythe had +both the boy’s wrists in a vice-like grip. He did not appear to exert +himself in the least, but Crewe could not break free. The pressure +tightened relentlessly. + +“Fool!” said my lord evenly. “I could ruin you ten times over for this. +What madness has come over you that you dare to challenge me in such a +fashion?” + +Sir Henry was silent, clenching his underlip hard between his teeth. +The grip on his wrists was agony. Roxhythe looked down at him +contemptuously. + +“If you like I will swear that at my hands Lady Crewe has received no +ill, save, perhaps, a little heartache. Is that enough?” + +“No, no! Damn you, let me go! I’ll allow no man--to make love to--my +wife--and go--unpunished!” + +“I applaud you. But yours would be the punishment an I met you.” + +“I’ll take my chance of that! Let go my wrists! Do you think I care +whether I live or die? Oh, name your seconds! Name them!” + +“No.” + +“For God’s sake forget that you are Roxhythe for one moment!” + +“It is as well that one of us should remember it.” + +“’Sdeath! Are you a creature of flesh and blood? I’ve struck you! I +have offered you every insult! Is it possible that you can still refuse +me satisfaction?” + +“In truth, I am very forbearing,” sighed Roxhythe. + +Crewe struggled to be free of him. + +“Then again I call you coward! I’ll never rest until I have met you!” + +Roxhythe released him. + +“If you pester me it will be my painful duty to have you removed. I +repeat: neither now or at any other time will I fight you. That is my +last word.” + +Crewe fell back. The marks of Roxhythe’s fingers were on his arms; dry +sobs shook him. He collapsed into a chair, resting his head in his +hands. + +Roxhythe shook out his ruffles. + +The door was opened; Sir Henry heard the snap as it was closed again. +He was alone. + +Ten minutes later Roxhythe was at Mrs. Carthew’s side, drawling +witticisms. + +Lady Frances came up with Mr. Fletcher at her elbow. She smiled sweetly. + +“Mrs. Carthew, may I present Mr. Fletcher?” + +The lady bowed. + +“Will you dance, Madam?” simpered Fletcher. + +Madam was uncertain. Plainly she liked Roxhythe’s company. But her +hostess was already engaging his attention. + +“Thank you, sir.” She was led away. + +Lady Frances sat down beside my lord. + +“Roxhythe, why have you tampered with that poor child?” Her voice was +very calm. + +“My dear Fanny, need we pursue the subject? I do not care to dwell on +my mistakes.” + +“You admit that it was a mistake? David, I implore you, let it end +here!” + +“It ended an hour since. I found myself growing paternal.” + +“I am thankful for’t. The girl fancies herself in love with you. I pray +heaven ’tis but a fancy. I have told her what manner of man you are.” + +“Really? What manner of man am I?” + +She disregarded him. + +“David, it was not right; it was not fair. I’d say naught if she were +a Court miss, versed in these ways. She is not. She knew no harm until +you came into her life. And now--God and you know what harm has been +wrought.” + +“None.” + +“That is true, Roxhythe?” + +“As I live. I believe I must always have felt paternal towards her. It +was a very mild intrigue.” + +Lady Frances heaved a sigh of relief. + +“I feared--she was so very over-wrought--If you say it is not so, I +believe you. But, oh, David, why? Why try to break her poor, foolish +little heart? Were there not enough women besides her? Women who knew +you and your ways?” + +“It was her sweet simplicity that attracted me,” said Roxhythe. + +“So you broke her for your pleasure. Sometimes I think that you are +utterly without heart, David.” + +“Mayhap. However, you’ll agree that I am not without forbearance when I +tell you that for the past hour I have been closetted with the husband, +refusing to fight him.” + +“Ah! You will not fight him?” + +“Certainly not. Why should I?” + +“I know why you should not! ’Twere Lady Crewe’s ruin an you did.” + +“So I thought. Unhappily he did not. He did all in his power to provoke +me to wrath.” + +“He failed?” + +“Can you ask? I have told him that I will not meet him now or at any +other time.” + +“David, promise me that you will not go back on that!” + +“I promise.” + +She touched his hand, smiling a little tremulously. + +“You’re not all bad, David. I believe that you are sorry for +this--mistake.” + +“I regret it with all my heart. The child took me more seriously than I +knew.” + +Lady Frances dabbed surreptitiously at her eyes. + +“My dear,” said Roxhythe, “if you cry, I shall depart. I have had +naught but tears and ravings all the evening.” + +“Poor David! Oh me! I should be angry with you, I suppose. Somehow I +cannot. You had best make love to me next time. Then neither of us will +be hurt.” + +Roxhythe kissed her hand. + +“Two women there are, Fanny, whom I esteem above all others. One is now +a memory.” + +Frances looked up. + +“Who was she?” + +“She was Madame.” + +“Madame! Roxhythe, you loved her?” + +“I respected and admired her above all women. The other is your sweet +self. If ever I love, or have loved a woman, you are she.” + +“How dear of you!” sighed my lady. “To how many women have you said +that?” + + + + + CHAPTER IV + + PROGRESSION + + +AT Drury Lane Christopher met Harcourt. They sat side by side in the +Pit, and during the intervals, exchanged confidences. After the play +they went together to partake of supper. When the dishes had been set +before them Harcourt shook his head at Christopher. + +“Oh, Chris, you are very wily!” + +Christopher sampled a pasty. + +“Am I? Why?” + +“You led me to think that your master was no plotter.” + +It was a bold attack, but it failed. + +“Nor is he.” Christopher went on with the pasty. + +Harcourt laughed long and low. + +“Why, Chris, have you heard none of the rumours current in town?” + +“I hear a good many lies. Which one is this?” + +“That the King made a treaty with France some time back--secretly.” + +“Oh, that!” Christopher was scornful. “I wonder you give ear to these +rumours, Harcourt.” + +“But my dear boy, men say that it was for that reason that we went to +war with Holland!” He was watching Christopher closely. + +“Men will say anything,” replied Dart. It was a very fair imitation of +Roxhythe’s style. + +Harcourt’s eyes narrowed. + +“Are you fencing with me, I wonder?” + +Christopher looked up, smiling. + +“Odso! I? No.” + +It was impossible to look into his clear, honest eyes and to disbelieve +his word. Harcourt was puzzled. + +“I have heard it said also that Roxhythe worked the intrigue. You +remember how often he was in Paris?” + +“Ay. And I know why. It was not intrigue.” + +“Oh! Then you do not think that the King allied himself with France +behind our backs?” + +“Of course I do not. Is that a wild duck?” + +Harcourt pushed the dish towards him. Christopher had a fine, healthy +appetite. + +“I don’t trust the King,” said Harcourt profoundly. + +“You must always be mistrusting someone, Sydney,” said Christopher, +amused. “What’s to do now?” + +“Why were we deprived of Shaftesbury? Why have we this Danby?” + +“God knows. I don’t meddle in politics. You had best ask Shaftesbury +himself. I hear he is much with your master.” + +Harcourt frowned. + +“Perhaps I shall. Is it possible that you can trust Danby?” + +“I hardly know him,” said Christopher. He attacked the wild duck with +some vigour. + +“But his policy! It is all cringing to the Court.” + +“Is it?” + +“I mislike his distribution of money. It smacks of bribery.” + +“Sydney, I recommend this bird--oh, I beg your pardon! yes, bribery. +Certainly.” + +“Associating with Roxhythe has made you very careless,” reproved his +friend. + +“I have already told you that I do not meddle in what I do not +understand. I have abundant faith in His Majesty’s discretion--and that +is all there is to it. How is Madame Harcourt?” + +Harcourt gave it up, and Christopher promptly forgot the conversation. + +Later in the week he called on Lady Frances to whom he was more than +ever attached. + +She greeted him gaily. With her was Lady Crewe, and Christopher saw +that Millicent had been crying. + +“Do I intrude?” he asked, smiling. + +“By no means!” answered Frances. “We are delighted to see you, are we +not, Millicent?” + +Lady Crewe assented. Christopher kissed both their hands, and sat down. +For a short space he entertained them with snatches of gossip. Lady +Crewe was palpably ill-at-ease and anxious to be gone. Before very long +she rose, murmuring excuses. + +Lady Frances took her hand. + +“Must you go? Well, I’ll not press you to stay, as I know how busy you +are. Chris, wait for me!” She went out with Millicent. + +When she returned, Christopher looked at her, one eyebrow raised +inquiringly. + +“Well?” + +“Well what?” asked her ladyship, swinging her brocades. + +“I want to know.” + +“Inquisitive child! Again what?” + +“Is it all at an end between Lady Crewe and Roxhythe?” + +Fanny sat down beside him. + +“Thank heaven, yes! You noticed, then?” + +“Since March he has hardly ever been at her side.” + +“And she mopes and lies awake nights thinking of him. It’s a sad coil, +Chris.” + +“So I always thought. Lady Crewe looks very sick.” + +Frances tapped her fan against the table. + +“Because she hath a fool for husband! ’Pon rep, Chris, I’ve no patience +with the man! Oh, I’ll tell you the whole story! You can be discreet, +I know. In March I gave a ball; you remember? Well, they were both +present. Roxhythe took Millicent into my little parlour and as far as I +can gather there was something of a fracas. He discovered that he felt +fatherly towards her and I suppose that he saw that she was too much in +earnest for peace and quiet. To do him justice, I believe he meant to +be kind then. They bade one another farewell, or some such nonsense, +and the child wept very grievously. Roxhythe is too fascinating. At +that moment in walked the husband! Conceive the tableau! Roxhythe +brought Millicent to me, and went back to Sir Henry. According to him, +Sir Henry was all for a duel, but he’d have none of it, and left the +poor man disconsolate. No doubt he was very rude. Since then he has +eschewed Millicent’s society. _Tant mieux._ All would then have +been well had it not been for Crewe’s heroics. So Roxhythe calls it. +Instead of treating the matter tactfully, he first raved at the child, +and then turned a cold shoulder to her. They scarcely speak; each goes +his own road, and each is very properly unhappy. + +“I told Sir Henry he was a fool--yes, was it not brave of me?--and I +told him to take Millicent away and be kind to her. Oh, he could have +won her back! Instead he took her down into the country where she +fretted herself to death. Now she thinks that she hates Crewe. I’ve +talked to the man till I am tired, and to no avail. In fact, he sent +me about my business. And so they go their ways. Millicent yearns for +Roxhythe, because she wants love and Henry seems to have none for her. +She sees David at all the houses they visit, and in that way the wound +is kept open.” + +“I see,” said Christopher. “I had some notion of this, of course, but I +did not know all. One does not question Roxhythe.” + +“No,” agreed her ladyship. “One does not. I am very worried over this +_affaire_. I must say that since the fracas Roxhythe hath not paid +much heed to Millicent. But they meet everywhere--and Roxhythe is all +too magnetic. The child fancies herself madly in love with him.” + +“I had not thought that. True, she does not look well, and she is less +gay, but she scarce glances in Roxhythe’s direction.” + +“Oh, she hath her pride!” said Frances. She sighed a little, and fell +silent. After a few moments she smiled reminiscently. + +“Chris, who do you think waited on me yesterday?” + +Christopher shook his head. + +“Who?” + +“Our new Earl!” + +“What, Danby?” + +“No less. Was it not amusing? I barely know him, and now, suddenly, he +comes to see me!” + +“Perhaps he has long been an admirer,” said Christopher, twinkling. + +Her lightening smile flashed out. + +“No such thing. He wanted to prove me concerning Jasper’s political +sentiments.” + +“Did he? What are his sentiments?” + +“If I knew I do not suppose that I should tell you, my dear boy.” + +“As I am aware that you do know, I take that as a very decided snub!” + +“_Soit!_ I’ll tell you: Jasper belongs to no party.” + +“Wise man.” + +“So I think. I mislike this Danby.” + +“That is curious,” remarked Christopher. “I met Harcourt the other day +and he said much the same thing.” + +“Harcourt is very often right. Why does he object to Danby?” + +“I forget. Something concerning bribery, I think. He mistrusts +everyone. Even the King is not above reproach.” + +“Oh?” Lady Frances studied her fan. “Of what does he suspect the King?” + +“Some tittle-tattle about selling England to France. Harcourt swallows +every wild rumour that is current and firmly believes in it. ’Tis the +way of his party.” + +“I don’t think that, Chris. Harcourt usually has grounds for his +suspicions.” + +“Oh, he hath for this one, the war with Holland, and Shaftesbury’s +resignation.” + +“Ah! By the way, Chris, is not Shaftesbury your friend?” + +“Hardly. He was a friend of my father’s and he has been very kind to +me. Lately I have eschewed his company as he cannot meet me without +deploring my regard for Roxhythe.” + +“I see. That regard is as strong as ever?” + +“An hundred times more strong!” said Christopher warmly. + +Lady Frances said nothing. + +Not ten minutes after Christopher had departed, Montgomery came quickly +into the room. Lady Frances laid down her embroidery. + +“Well, Jasper?” + +Montgomery flung himself into a chair. His face was overcast. + +“Has His Majesty been at the House to-day? Is the dispute ended?” + +“He has ended it very summarily.” + +“Oh? What has happened?” + +“We are prorogued.” + +Lady Frances started. Her eyes crinkled at the corners; she laughed +beneath her breath. + +“My dear Jasper, he is a marvellous man!” + +Montgomery shrugged despairingly. + +“It passes all bounds. We were all in a turmoil over this question of +privilege--Shaftesbury’s doing, of course. Had it to do with the Test, +or had it not? The Houses were at one another’s throats; the King could +do naught to settle the dispute. So he prorogued us. I tell you, Fanny, +he’ll o’er-reach himself ere long. First we had Danby foisted upon us. +By sheer force we made peace with Holland. That was February of last +year. Did Charles recall the troops? No! He gives us shuffling answers. +’Tis my belief he is in French pay. There was dissension. Then Danby +employs a little bribery, and all is quiet. The House turns against +Lauderdale, as well it might. There was talk of impeachment. More +bribery. No more talk of impeachment. Next we have the No-Popery cry, +Danby heading it, the King--ostensibly--seconding. + +“Then the bill offered to the Lords--no person to sit in either House, +or to hold any office without declaring all resistance to the King’s +power criminal, or without swearing never to attempt to alter the +government of Church or State. Pretty, was it not? Well, the opposition +arose and debated. So we have next a standing order attached: no oath +should ever be imposed the refusal of which should deprive a peer of +his seat or vote. Shaftesbury evidently thought it would pass, so what +must he do but pick a quarrel with the Lords on Privilege. So were +we all in a turmoil. Whereupon Charles prorogues Parliament. ’Tis a +scandal, Fanny!” + +She nodded. + +“And the Bill?” + +He pulled down the corners of his mouth. + +“I’ll swear we have heard the last of that.” + +“So it is ended. At least ’tis no triumph for Danby.” + +“No.” He fell silent, watching her moodily. + +“What of Scotland?” asked Frances at length. + +“No decision; matters drift on. ’Pon honour, Fanny, the country is in a +grievous state! A dissolute King, and a sycophant for minister! I had +sooner have Shaftesbury for all his faults.” + +“Yes....” Lady Frances was frowning. “But Shaftesbury was not to be +trusted.” + +“As we have seen. I think no one is to be trusted save it be my Lord +Halifax.” + +“Oh, Halifax!” she laughed. “He’ll do naught because he cares not +enough one way or the other. He hath the wit, though.” + +“I have a great opinion of him.... Who has been here to-day?” + +“No one of any moment. Millicent, and later, Chris Dart.” + +“Dart. Fanny, have you ever learnt anything from that young man?” + +“He knows nothing.” + +“He could throw no light on these suspicions concerning the King and +France?” + +“He spoke of it to-day. He is quite in the dark.” + +“So Roxhythe was not in any intrigue in that quarter?” + +“I do not say that.” + +“My dear Fan! If his private secretary knows naught----?” + +Lady Frances laid down her needle. + +“Roxhythe works alone. I believe that when Madame came to England in +’70, it was to negotiate with Charles for Louis. I believe also that +Roxhythe was the King’s agent.” + +Montgomery was worried, but still unconvinced. + +“I do admire your intelligence, my dear, and true it is that all men +eye Roxhythe askance since those rumours began. And yet....” + +“Wait,” said Lady Frances. “My instinct never errs.” + +A servant came into the room, holding the door wide. + +“My Lord Roxhythe, your ladyship.” + +“Speak of the devil...!” muttered Montgomery. He rose. + +Roxhythe entered. He was dressed in shades of mauve and silver. + +Lady Frances laughed at him. + +“Roxhythe, you are like an autumn evening!” she told him. + +“Then I am inappropriately clad,” he replied, bowing over her hand. +“Montgomery, ye seem mighty solemn.” + +“Ay.” Jasper forced a smile. “You’ve heard the latest news?” + +“I believe so. Fitzjoyce is engaged to fight Digby out at Islington. On +account of Digby’s fair spouse.” + +“I referred to State affairs,” said Montgomery stiffly. “The King has +prorogued Parliament.” + +“So he has. I remember now.” + +“I fear he will go too far if he continues to behave in this wise.” + +“Oh? His move is not approved of?” + +“Hardly.” + +Roxhythe handed Lady Fanny to a seat, and sat down beside her. + +“Well, well. He will be distressed.” + +Montgomery spoke boldly. + +“Roxhythe, you possess more influence than does anyone. Why do you not +exert it?” + +Lady Frances looked quickly from one to the other. + +“Why should I?” asked my lord blandly. + +“’Twere in the interests of the country.” + +“Um,” said Roxhythe profoundly. “But I never meddle in what concerns me +not.” + +Fanny saw the colour rise to her husband’s cheeks. She gave a little +gurgle of laughter. + +“There’s for you, Jasper! And now we’ll talk of something else, an it +please you.” + +“I’ll not stay then,” answered Montgomery brusquely. “I am like to cast +a blight on my Lord Roxhythe’s conversation.” He left the room with a +slight bow to Roxhythe. + +Lady Frances looked troubled. Roxhythe regarded her amusedly. + +“I seem to have upset your worthy husband,” he remarked. + + + + + CHAPTER V + + THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS + + +’76 dawned softly. In England there was no Parliament, for in November +of ’75 it had refused Charles a grant of money; had even dared to +insinuate that he should be in possession of a surplus. It was +importunate, and it was straightway prorogued. + +On the continent Louis still waged war on Holland, but Turenne was +dead at Saltzbach, and De Ruyter dead in Italy. A congress was held at +Nimeguen, but the war continued, the Prince of Orange doggedly holding +his enemy in check. Seldom was he successful in battle. At St. Omer +he suffered great losses, but ever he managed just to hold back the +French. So Louis approached his cousin Charles tentatively. + +Negotiations were opened and carried on through M. Barillon, the French +ambassador; the Duchess of Portsmouth; and my Lord Danby. Into the +negotiations strolled my Lord Roxhythe. + +Charles was dissatisfied. Louis showed a tendency to meanness. Charles +held counsel with his favourite. + +“David, it is like squeezing money from a stone.” + +“Is it, Sir?” + +Charles was petulant. He repulsed one of the spaniels which was trying +to leap on to his knee. + +“It is unsatisfactory, trafficking through Barillon. I do not know King +Louis his real mind. As before, we are fenced round with vague terms. +I’ll do the thing direct or not at all.” + +“Ah!” Roxhythe sighed, for he perceived whither this led. + +Charles shook back his curls. In his eyes was a brooding melancholy +look that the favourite knew well. + +“Barillon speaks me fair and offers little. Louise----” he shrugged. +“She leaves me in the dark. Before I enter into a second treaty with +Louis I’ll know where I stand. He seeks to trap me.” + +“Naturally. So the whole matter lies in one short sentence:--Roxhythe +must go to France.” + +The King half smiled. + +“It seems so, David.” + +“To discover King Louis his mind?” + +“Ay. Roxhythe, I have no notion how much I may with safety demand. I +would ask--the same as before. Louis would try to beat me down. If I +know not what is the maximum sum he will pay I dare not stand adamant. +I must know. And there is none like unto you for discovering these +matters. I want the thing done quickly; I am tired of all this haggling +and bargaining.” + +Roxhythe nodded. + +“And when I have discovered this: what then?” + +“I will have you take a letter to King Louis setting forth my mind.” + +“But, Sir, why not negotiate then through Barillon?” + +“Because I dislike the oily-tongued rascal! I’ll lay the matter bare +before Louis--he shall know my wants from me alone; not as translated +and modified by his own servants.” + +“Very well, Sir.” + +“You must go to Monmouth. You have been a-many times, so it will not +give rise to suspicion. And from thence to Paris.” + +Roxhythe cast up his eyes. + +“Have a little mercy, Sir! Employ one of the Duchess her creatures.” + +“No. I trust no one save you.” + +“I am flattered, Sir, of course.” + +Charles stretched himself, laughing. Some of the shadows had gone from +his eyes. + +“David, ye grow ungallant!” + +“I grow weary, Sir, and old,” retorted my lord. + +“Nevertheless, ye will go?” + +“I suppose I must, Sir.” + +Charles smiled, full of affectionate understanding. + +So Roxhythe went again to Paris. + +During his absence Lady Crewe came one evening to Bevan House, closely +veiled. She was ushered into the library where Christopher received +her. When he saw who it was who had come to see Roxhythe at such an +informal hour, he was horrified. + +My lady moved agitated hands. + +“Mr. Dart, I must see my Lord Roxhythe.” Her voice was carefully +controlled, but Christopher could detect the flutter beneath her calm. + +“I am very sorry, Lady Crewe, but--” + +“Please--do not--make excuses! I must see him.” + +“Madame, it is impossible. He is not here.” + +She stared at him, blankly. + +“Not--here! Oh--I--did not know! I--” She broke off twisting her hands. + +Christopher watched her. He saw pride struggling with desire, and +wondered. Suddenly she turned to him. + +“Mr. Dart, I want so much to ask my lord not to--not to--go to Lady +Claremont’s rout next week!” + +Christopher looked at her steadily. The reason sounded much like an +excuse. He bowed. + +Millicent read the doubt in his face; she drew herself up proudly. + +“Will you please deliver that message to my lord as soon as he returns?” + +Christopher decided that his suspicions were unjust. He came forward, +taking her hand. + +“Will you not be seated, Madame? Of course I will deliver your message, +but--forgive me--is it not rather a strange one?” + +“I--yes, I suppose you must think so. Perhaps he--will not +understand--I--oh, promise me you will tell this to--” + +“Whatever you impart to me I shall treat as a strict confidence.” + +“Thank you. It is just that--people are talking still about--my +lord--and me. And last week--we--I was at Lady Bletchley’s and she +presented--Roxhythe--to me, and we had to dance--and my husband was +very angry. Now he watches my every movement. He heard my lord ask +me if I was to be at the Claremont rout--next week. And then at a +coffee-house there was some vile talk--and oh, I don’t know how it +is, but he hath it firmly fixed in his head--that we--that I have +arranged to meet--my lord--there, because Henry is not going. He--he +is mad with jealousy. He won’t believe--that it is not so. I feel he +means to arrive at the rout--later in the evening--and--if my lord is +there--and I am there--he--he--is so wild I fear a scene--or that he +will challenge my lord. You see, of late--Lord Roxhythe has been at all +the balls--and--oh, I dare not stay at home, for then Henry suspects me +more than ever! Please, please do not let Roxhythe go to the Claremont +rout!” + +“I will certainly try to prevent it,” soothed Christopher. “But are +you sure that your husband is quite as mad--as you think?” He spoke +apologetically. + +“You do not know how wild he is! And--and because I go to Lady Frances’ +house who is Roxhythe’s cousin, he thinks--he thinks--oh, it is all too +horrible!” + +“It must be,” said Christopher with feeling. “Will it comfort you if I +promise that Roxhythe shall not go to this ball?” + +“Oh, yes!” she sighed. “Thank you very much!” + +He showed her out, anxious that she should leave as soon as might be. +Hysterical women filled him with nervousness. + +When he came back to the library his lips pursed. + +“Thunder of God, what a household! And how indiscreet of her to come +here!” He shook his head wisely. + +When Roxhythe returned two days later, Christopher told him of my +lady’s visit. + +“Little fool,” commented my lord. + +“Sir, she is naught but a child, and--I believe I am sorry for her.” + +Roxhythe poured himself out a glass of burgundy. + +“She behaves so foolishly. I have but to enter the room for her to go +pale and then red. They are a melodramatic pair. I wish them joy of +each other.” He drained the glass and lounged out. + +Shortly after noon on the following day Roxhythe was in his private +room attending to some affairs. To him came a lackey who announced that +Sir Henry Crewe was downstairs and desired to see him at once. + +One haughty eyebrow rose. + +“I do not receive,” said my lord. + +“I thought not,” said a deadly calm voice. “So I followed your servant.” + +The scandalized footman threw a deprecatory glance at his master. +Roxhythe nodded. Sir Henry came firmly into the room; the door closed +behind the lackey. + +Roxhythe looked his visitor up and down. + +“May I know to what I owe this honour?” he drawled. + +Crewe was very pale, with determination writ upon his face. + +“A year ago, sir, you refused to fight me. Since then I have watched +you closely. I have seen you at every ball, sometimes in attendance +with my wife. I have remarked how many evenings she spends with your +cousin. I am not a fool; neither am I blind.” + +My lord’s mouth twitched. + +“I am glad to know that,” he said. + +“Perhaps it surprises you!” sneered Crewe. + +“I confess I had not given you credit for much brain. Of course if you +assure me that I was wrong I have no choice but to believe you.” + +“You may mock as much as you please, my lord, but you will not evade +the point any longer. It has come to my knowledge that my wife came to +your house three nights since. I have borne much, but this goes beyond +all bounds. One of us dies, my lord. Will you meet me?” + +Roxhythe balanced his quill on one finger. + +“I gave you the answer to that question a year ago, my friend.” + +“You still refuse?” + +“Certainly.” + +“Perhaps--” Crewe laughed derisively. “--perhaps you’ll deny that my +wife came to your house?” + +“I am not in a position to deny it. You see, I was not in London.” + +Crewe laughed again. + +“A lie!” + +Roxhythe bowed. + +“I have called you coward; I now call you liar. Do you still refuse to +meet me?” + +“I do.” + +An unpleasant smile hovered about Crewe’s mouth. He strode to the door, +turned the key in the lock, and pocketed it. Roxhythe watched, mildly +interested. + +“Very well, my lord. You force my hand.” Sir Henry produced a case of +pistols. He laid them on the table. “You will find them ready primed, +sir, and alike in every respect. You may take your choice. We will +stand at opposite ends of the room. It is now two minutes to the hour. +When the clock strikes for the third time we fire.” + +“It doesn’t strike,” said Roxhythe apologetically. + +Crewe reddened. + +“Then you may count.” + +“You are very kind,” murmured my lord. + +“Have you chosen your weapon, sir?” + +Roxhythe pushed them away. + +“My dear, impetuous fool, do you seriously think that I am going to +fight you?” + +“If you do not I’ll shoot you like the dog you are!” + +“Not in this coat,” said Roxhythe. He stroked its velvet surface +lovingly. + +Crewe curbed his temper with difficulty. + +“I think you will have no need of coats after to-day, sir.” + +“Oh, I trust so,” answered Roxhythe placidly. + +Crewe picked up one of the pistols. + +“Do you fire from where you sit, sir?” + +“No,” said Roxhythe. + +Light sprang to the angry eyes. + +“At last! From where, my lord?” + +“From nowhere,” said Roxhythe. + +The nervous hands clenched. + +“I could strangle you in your chair, you mocking devil!” + +“I doubt it,” smiled Roxhythe, unruffled. He rose, and came towards +the furious young man. “In a very few moments I shall have lost my +patience,” he said. “So I advise you to go.” + +The pistol was raised. + +“If you call for help I fire!” threatened Crewe. + +“What I dislike about you is your deplorable manner,” complained +Roxhythe. “Don’t wave that thing in my face!” + +“Pick up that pistol! By God, if you goad me much further I will shoot +you out of hand!” + +“I thought you proposed doing that in any case. I suppose you have not +the courage.” + +Crewe’s finger was on the trigger. His eyes blazed. + +“’Tis not I who lack courage, my lord! ’Tis you!” + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“Do you doubt me?” cried Sir Henry. + +“You are labouring under a delusion,” replied Roxhythe. “I am not deaf.” + +“Damn you, pick up that pistol!” + +The smile became insufferable. + +“Damn you, pick it up yourself,” said Roxhythe, very urbane. + +Crewe looked in the handsome, laughing face, saw that my lord was +playing with him, would continue to play with him, and went white. In +that moment all semblance of sanity left him. He raised the pistol. His +hand was trembling, but he controlled it; he had no thought for the +consequences; he only knew that Roxhythe was laughing at him, jibing at +him. He fired.... + +The report was deafening; smoke flooded the room. As soon as he had +pulled the trigger Crewe realized the enormity of his act, and came +violently to his senses. He dropped the pistol, shuddering. + +The smoke cleared. Lord Roxhythe was lying inert upon the floor. Below +his right shoulder a great red patch was growing, growing. + +Crewe stared numbly. The patch was creeping over my lord’s coat, soon +it would trickle down on to the carpet. It seemed a pity. Crewe tried +to imagine what it would look like when the steadily flowing blood +should have reached the floor. It would spoil the carpet; he thought +that blood-stains never came out, but he was not sure. + +Along the passage came the sound of footsteps, running. The door was +tried; voices called; someone was trying to burst open the lock. + +The noise dispelled some of the mists that were gathering about Crewe’s +mind. + +“Wait! wait!” He fumbled in his pocket for the key, and finding it, +thrust it into the lock with cold, trembling fingers.... + +The room seemed full of people. They were gathered about my lord’s +body, talking excitedly. No one noticed him. How foolish they were! Why +try to staunch that blood? Roxhythe was dead. He, Crewe, had killed +him.... How still Roxhythe lay! He could not look at him. He leant +against the wall, sick and cold. + +Into the confusion came Christopher, swiftly. + +“What is it? I thought I heard--” he stopped short seeing the agitated +group at one end of the room. Like a flash he was across the floor and +had thrust two of the men aside. + +Crewe watched covertly. The red patch was growing and growing; it had +reached the carpet. What fools they were! Why did they not stop it? + +Christopher gave a strangled cry. He was down beside my lord, agonized, +feeling for his heart. + +“My God, no!” he whispered. “Not dead! Not dead!” + +Those around grew suddenly quiet. + +Christopher lifted his head from my lord’s breast. + +“He is alive. James, run for the nearest surgeon! Quickly!” + +The man hurried out. + +“John?” He was staunching the blood with deft, tender fingers, as he +spoke. + +Roxhythe’s old servant stood before him, shaking. + +Christopher looked up. + +“Get me linen and water!” + +John fled. + +“The rest of you, go!” said Christopher. His eyes fell on Crewe, +leaning against the wall, face averted. + +“_Crewe!_” + +A footman pushed forward. + +“Ay, sir! He came an hour since, and forced himself into the room. I +thought that he was queer-like then--” + +“Fool! Why did you let him in?” + +“But, sir! My lord said--” + +“Oh ay, ay! See that he does not escape now. My God, if Roxhythe +dies--!” + +Two lackeys seized Sir Henry’s arms and stood holding him. The rest, in +obedience to Christopher’s commands, drifted away. + +John came running with linen and water. Between them, he and +Christopher bound the wound tightly, and straightened my lord’s limbs. +Then, after what seemed an interminable time, Mr. Burnest, the surgeon, +appeared, and attended to the wound. + +Christopher watched breathlessly as his hands moved about my lord. + +Burnest finished his examination. + +“By God’s mercy it has not touched the lung. He will live.” + +The colour came flooding back to Christopher’s cheeks. John fell on his +knees beside the writing-table, sobbing thankfully. + +Crewe’s voice, hoarse, unlike himself, cut across the room. + +“He’ll live, you say?” + +Christopher swung round fiercely. + +“No thanks to you, you damned scoundrel!” + +Burnest looked up quickly. + +“What’s that?” he said sharply. + +Before anyone had time to answer Roxhythe stirred. Christopher was +beside him in a moment, and knelt down on the floor holding one of the +beautifully shaped hands in his. + +The deep brown eyes opened. They were puzzled; then the bewilderment +faded, and amusement took its place. My lord regarded the surgeon +silently. Then he looked at Christopher. Lastly he frowned. + +“God’s Body! My new coat!” + +At the sound of the faint voice, Christopher gave vent to a shaky laugh +of relief and pressed my lord’s hand to his lips. Roxhythe saw the +blood on his sleeve. + +“Ruined!” he said. He showed a tendency to rise, and was suppressed. + +“My lord, you must be still!” commanded Burnest. + +“If you think I shall continue to lie on this devilish hard floor, you +are mistaken,” said Roxhythe faintly. “Chris!” + +Christopher bent over him. + +“I implore you to lie still, sir. If you move you will start the +bleeding again.” + +“Send for James and another. I’ll be lifted to the couch.” He saw +Christopher glance at the surgeon. “I mean it, Chris.” + +Burnest knew Roxhythe of old. He shrugged. + +In five minutes my lord was reposing on the sofa, his wig straight, his +side neatly bandaged. Burnest gave him a restorative and his voice grew +stronger. + +John was standing by his side, holding the empty glass. There was a +look of dumb agony in his eyes. + +Roxhythe stretched out his hand. + +“My dear John, I am not like to die this time.” + +John kissed his hand. Tears were running down his cheeks. + +“My lord--my lord--” + +“Yes. Go and get some canary for Mr. Burnest. Take it into the +library.” He turned his head and saw Crewe, standing between the two +footmen. He surveyed his servants coldly. + +“What do you think you are doing?” + +One of them fidgetted uncomfortably. + +“My lord, Mr. Dart said--” + +“You have my permission to go.” + +They glanced at Christopher, irresolute. + +“I gave an order.” Roxhythe’s voice was icy. + +Both men left the room hastily. + +“Mr. Burnest, Chris will take you into the library. You must be thirsty +after your run.” + +“No, I thank you, sir. I am waiting to bleed you.” + +“You are very kind,” said Roxhythe. “You will have to wait quite half +an hour.” + +“Indeed, no! It is imperative!” + +“My good friend this is not the first time that I have been wounded. +Chris, take him away.” + +“I cannot, sir. I beg you will be reasonable.” + +“You fatigue me,” sighed his lordship. “I am in the middle of a +discussion with Sir Henry. I cannot be interrupted in this fashion.” + +“There has already been an interruption! I want to know what it was!” +cried Christopher. + +“You always were inquisitive. Sir Henry has been showing me his pistols +which are of a very exquisite workmanship. Unhappily they have a tricky +way of exploding--as you see.” + +“That will not suffice, sir. You cannot put me off with such an +explanation!” + +The brown eyes were like stones. + +“That is my explanation. Any who doubt my word may come and tell me.” + +“Sir, I know something of what lies behind! I--” + +“Take Mr. Burnest to the library.” + +“My lord--” + +“You hear me?” + +Christopher flushed. + +“Very well, sir.” He rose sullenly. “Mr. Burnest, will you--” + +“It is impossible! Lord Roxhythe, you cannot--” + +“You waste time,” said Roxhythe wearily. + +“You had best come,” advised Christopher. “It will do no good to argue.” + +“But--! Heavens, Mr. Dart, he should be put to bed at once! He cannot +stay talking to his friends! ’Tis madness! I--” + +“You heard him. He will ever go his own way.” + +Burnest knew this. He turned to my lord. + +“Sir, if I leave you, will you promise not to move, nor to exert +yourself in any way?” + +“Aught you please.” + +“Then I will go. Against my wish!” + +“I thank you.” + +Burnest followed Christopher out. + +There was silence. Roxhythe pressed his handkerchief to his lips. His +face was rather drawn. + +“Come and sit down, Crewe.” + +Sir Henry spoke hoarsely. + +“I’ll not take my life at your hands!” + +“You will do exactly what I say. Sit down.” + +Crewe obeyed limply. He had the look of one who is weary beyond words. + +“Well, I compliment you,” remarked his lordship. “I did not think you +would do it.” + +Crewe flung out his hands. + +“Before God, I swear I never meant to! It was a sudden madness! I fired +before I had time to think! You must believe that! Oh--” + +“As usual you spoil everything. Including my coat. I had hoped it was +your intention. I had thought the better of you.” + +Crewe stared at him. + +“You must be--crazed!” + +“No. Luckily I am sane. So we may come to an understanding.” + +The wretched man groaned, his head in his hands. + +“Now, what is this nonsense about your wife?” + +“You know! Oh, heaven, must you add to your devilry?” + +“You would greatly oblige me by dropping the heroic pose. You raved +some nonsense about my meeting Millicent every day at my cousin her +house. I have never met her there.” + +Crewe looked up. + +“If I could believe that--!” + +“You can. Our very harmless little _affaire_ ended last March. +I’ll swear to that if my word is not enough.” + +“No--no. But she came here three nights ago! You cannot deny that!” + +“I make no attempt to deny it. She had come to ask me not to appear at +the rout next week.” + +“Not to--That seals her guilt!” + +“Fool. She feared your mad jealousy would prompt you to make a scene. +You have so worked on her with your passions that she is well-nigh +crazed herself. There is naught between us.” + +Crewe sprang up. + +“Swear it! Swear it!” + +“Very well, I swear it. You can ask her. She will tell the same tale. +Last year she was infatuated by me. _Soit._ It ended as you know. +Had you then behaved sensibly towards her all would have been well. You +preferred to enact the heroic husband. That too is ended. You’ll go to +her and ask her pardon on your knees.” Few had heard that lazy voice so +stern. + +Crewe was silent, fighting himself. + +“If you say naught concerning this afternoon’s work there will be no +scandal. I shall not allow any man to question my explanation. But....” +he paused. + +“But?” Crewe stepped forward. + +“But you must withdraw yourself for--a year. I suggest you take +Millicent away. I believe I suggested that before.” + +“I see.” Crewe struggled for words. “You have treated me--better than +I--deserve, sir.” + +“Yes,” said Roxhythe. “Good-bye.” + + + + + CHAPTER VI + + THE KING HIS WILL + + +MY lord lay in bed, propped up on pillows, rather weak from copious +bleeding, but otherwise himself. The surgeon had been amazed at his +nonchalance, well as he knew him, for the wound was deep, and the +extraction of the bullet had been more than painful. My lord had +neither flinched nor swooned. + +Christopher was seated by the bedside, entertaining him, when John came +into the room. + +“My lord, the King is below.” He said it with the utmost unconcern. In +his eyes the King was as nothing beside Roxhythe. + +Roxhythe picked up his mirror. + +“Admit His Majesty,” he said. “Give me that comb, Chris.” + +“Should I not go to escort His Majesty?” asked Christopher, flustered. + +“No. Give me the comb.” + +Christopher watched him rearrange two curls. He looked at the door, +wide-eyed. + +John bowed His Majesty in. Roxhythe struggled up. + +Charles went quickly to him, pressing him back on to the pillows. + +“Don’t move, Davy! Ah, what a crime!” + +Christopher withdrew discreetly. + +Roxhythe kissed his master’s hand. + +“Sire, you honour me very greatly. I scarce know how to thank you--” + +Charles sat down. + +“I came as soon as I heard the news. Some said you were dead; I have +been in a ferment! No one knew the truth concerning the matter. Davy, +how dared you scare me so?” + +“I do crave your pardon, Sir. It was not my intention to be shot.” He +smiled faintly. His hand rested in the King’s. “It was an accident.” + +“A curious accident!” said Charles. “I want the truth, David.” + +“For what purpose, Sir?” + +“I’ll not have your murderer go unpunished!” + +“But I am not dead. I repeat--it was an accident.” + +Charles was incredulous. + +“’Tis not like you to play the magnanimous part, Roxhythe. Are you +shielding the man?” + +“’Tis a new departure. A whim.” + +“You’ll not be avenged?” + +“By no means.” + +“David, I will have the truth!” + +“Sire, I will have your promise.” + +“That I’ll not pursue the miscreant?” + +“Yes, Sir.” + +Charles frowned. + +“Why, David?” + +“Because it is my will.” + +The King tried to keep back a laugh and failed. + +“Oddsblood, you’re bold!” + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“Very well,” said Charles. “I promise--since it is your will. I suppose +you know that I can refuse you nothing?” + +“You’ve said so, Sir. Crewe conceived himself injured by my attentions +to his wife. So he challenged me to fight him. I refused.” + +“Challenged you! What presumption!” + +“So I thought. The other day Lady Crewe came to my house--oh, quite +innocently! Crewe discovered it, and came to challenge me again. Again +I refused. Then the young coxcomb locked the door and laid two pistols +before me. It was most exciting. We were to stand at opposite ends of +the room and to fire. Oons, but he was furious!” + +“David, do you tell me that you actually consented to such a proposal?” + +Roxhythe was pained. + +“Is it likely, Sir? I continued to refuse. The child was easy to bait. +In the end his wrath got the better of him and he threatened to shoot +me--er, like the dog I was.” + +“Insolent!” + +“Very. I did not think he had the courage to do it. Evidently he had, +for here am I.” + +The King’s brow was very black. + +“He should be strung up if I had my way!” + +“Happily for him you have not, Sir. I did consider the matter, but I +decided to let him go.” + +“But why? why?” + +“There were several reasons. First, it was so damned amusing. And +Roxhythe does not descend to vengeance on gnats. He was altogether too +little. Lastly there is his wife.” + +“_Sangdieu!_ Are you so infatuated by that chit?” + +“No. On the contrary. I am so weary of meeting her and seeing her wan +looks cast at me that I am determined to make an end. I have sent them +away. Had I handed Crewe over to justice Millicent would have remained. +In all probability she would have expected me to marry her.” + +The King’s lips twitched. + +“So in this weird fashion you are rid of both?” + +“That is it, Sir.” + +“You are wonderful,” said Charles. “And quite unique.” + +“I believe I am,” said his lordship modestly. + +“You’ve still to combat the gossip,” warned Charles. “London is +shrieking the news that you have been murdered by Crewe. No one will +believe your tale of accidents.” + +“Will they not, Sir! I think they will not dare to disbelieve--openly.” + +“Perhaps you are right. But you cannot kill talk.” + +“I shall not try. There will be no talk addressed to me. And Crewe will +be out of reach.” + +“And so it ends! I admit that it is a wise finish. But I would have +liked to punish the wretch.” + +“Sir, I have had enough of heroics. You’ll oblige me by treating the +affair as an accident.” + +Charles laughed at him. + +“You shall be obeyed, my lord. And now there is another matter.” + +“I know, Sir. I have been cursing my ill-luck all day.” + +“So have I. ’Tis not often that you fail me, David.” + +“I humbly beg your pardon, Sir.” + +“No, no, Davy! ’Twas not your fault. But devil take us all, what am I +to do?” + +“May I make a suggestion, Sir?” + +“Provided it bear sense.” + +“I counsel you to continue your negotiations through Barillon.” + +“I tell you I’ll not! You say fifty thousand is Louis’ price. It is not +enough. _Cordieu!_ the thing is hard to do as it stands. I’ll be +well paid.” + +“Fifty thousand is a very fair price, Sir.” + +“Before he paid two hundred thousand.” + +“True. But since then you have played fast and loose with him, Sir. +You’ll not get that sum again.” + +Charles bit his lip moodily. + +“Does Louis think that it is an easy matter for me to trick my +Parliament?” + +“He remembers that you did it before with great ease, Sir.” + +“Ay, but now they suspect me. Body o’ God! I’ll not accept a paltry +fifty thousand for such a task!” + +“What says Danby?” asked my lord. + +“He is a fool.” + +“I take it that he does not like the Bond?” + +“Oh he likes it well enough until he is assailed by a fit of virtue. +And then he glooms and grumbles. I am sick to death of them all.” + +“And His Highness?” + +“As usual he objects to what he terms ‘the bribe.’ He hath no head.” + +“And Lauderdale?” + +“To hell with Lauderdale!” + +“I’m with you there. Beware that man, Sir!” + +“Pah! I have him in a vice. He fears impeachment.” + +“So! And now what?” + +“I’ll write to Louis.” + +A shadow crossed Roxhythe’s face. + +“Your Majesty is vague. If it is not an impertinent question, what will +you write?” + +“Asking him for better terms.” + +The firm lips curled. + +“You’ll beg of Louis, Sir?” + +Charles was silent. + +Roxhythe stared before him. His face was hard, inscrutable. + +Charles moved his hand wearily. + +“I’ve no choice. I must have money. Last year I essayed the Commons. +You saw what came of it. What else can I do?” + +Roxhythe turned his head. + +“Well ... so be it. After all, what matter?” + +“What indeed? I knew you would stand by me, Davy!” The King’s spirits +had risen. Quickly they clouded over again. + +“I wanted you to bear the letter to Paris--to plead my cause with +Louis. And they tell me you’ll not be out of your room for a week.” + +“They lie,” said my lord calmly. “But I fear I cannot travel for a +week.” + +“I’ll not have you move from your bed until the surgeon permits. +Understand that, Roxhythe!” + +“Is this an order, Sir?” + +“An order that I will have obeyed.” + +“Very well, Sir. And I do not think I should be an apt messenger.” + +“I am sure you would,” smiled Charles. + +“No. I am not versed in the art of--begging.” + +“Roxhythe!” + +The favourite lay back. There were grim lines about his mouth. + +“I do not take that tone from any man alive, Roxhythe.” + +My lord never said a word. + +The King grew colder. + +“I await your apology.” + +“If I have offended, I ask your Majesty’s pardon. I but spoke my mind.” + +Charles was very angry. He rose and put back his chair. + +“It seems you want to quarrel with me, Roxhythe. You are under my +displeasure.” + +He stood looking down at the drawn face for a moment. Then he bent, +laying his hand on Roxhythe’s. + +“I had forgot how nigh I was to losing you, Davy. I’ faith, I cannot +find it in my heart to punish your rudeness.” His voice was very gentle. + +Roxhythe’s fingers closed on his. + +“Sir, you know how great is my love for you! If I have been impertinent +’tis because I cannot bear to have you beg of Louis.” + +“I know, David, I know! Do you think it does not irk me? But needs must +when the devil drives.” + +“If you say so, Sir, it is enough. Yet I am glad that I cannot bear +this letter.” + +“Now that I know your mind, I’d not ask you. Dimcock must take it.” + +Dimcock was the King’s private messenger. + +“Or Church,” said Roxhythe. + +“No. Church is not faithful.” + +“When did you discover that, Sir?” + +Charles smiled. + +“I discern your triumph. A week ago. I remembered your warnings. Now +there is only Dimcock left. I dare not risk an unfaithful messenger +with this.” He drew his hand away as he spoke. “I must go, Davy. I +doubt I have tired you.” + +“You have given me new life, Sir.” + +“Have I? I will come again as soon as may be. And, Roxhythe!” + +“Sire?” + +“Promise me you will obey the surgeon! _Mordieu_, if I were to +lose you--!” + +“I promise, Sir.” Roxhythe stretched out his hand to the bell at his +side. Charles rang it for him. + +As if by magic, Christopher appeared. + +“Chris, you will escort His Majesty downstairs.” + +“Ah, Mr. Dart!” The King was pleased to be gracious. “I fear you have a +difficult patient.” + +Christopher smiled, bowing. + +“No, Sir. My lord is quite tractable.” + +“I have never found him so,” said Charles. “I charge you very straitly +to have a care for him.” He flung a glance at Roxhythe, brimful of +mischief. “’Twas a grievous accident!” + +“Yes, Sir,” said Christopher grimly. + +The King bent over Roxhythe again. + +“Fare ye well, Davy. I shall come again within a day or two.” + +Roxhythe kissed his hand. + +“I can find no words wherewith to thank you, Sir. You are very good.” + +Christopher accompanied the King downstairs, nearly bursting with pride. + +“Is the surgeon satisfied with him?” asked Charles, his hand on the +baluster. + +“Yes, Sir. But he urges complete rest. My lord must not move this week.” + +“See to it that he does not, Mr. Dart. He is very dear to me.” + +“He is very dear to me, Sir.” + +Charles looked at him kindly. + +“That is very well. You have been with him some time, I think?” + +“Yes, Sir. Close on eight years.” + +“He has been with me for thirty. There is not his equal on this earth.” + +Christopher blushed in anticipation of what he was going to say. + +“Except Your Majesty, Sir.” + +Charles laughed. + +“Very good, Mr. Dart!” + +As they crossed the hall, he spoke again. + +“I think you were his would-be champion some time ago?” + +Christopher met his quizzical glance and flushed to the ears. + +“Why, Sir, I--he would not have it so--but--” + +“I was much entertained to hear of it. I commend your action, +Mr. Dart.” His two equerries joined him. He extended his hand to +Christopher, who went on one knee to kiss it. In that moment he would +have laid down his life for the King. + + + + + CHAPTER VII + + THE HAND OF FATE + + +THE wound was slow in healing, and Roxhythe grew impatient. Then, +unexpectedly, came the King. As before, he was ushered into the sick +room, but this time he barely waited for Roxhythe to speak before he +broke out. + +“David, the devil is in it this time, and no mistake!” + +Roxhythe supported himself on his elbow, wincing at the pain the +movement gave him. + +“What’s amiss, Sir?” + +“Dimcock is down with the fever!” Charles could still laugh, albeit a +trifle ruefully. + +“The hand of fate,” said Roxhythe. + +“It would appear so. Yet am I determined that this letter shall go.” + +“Who will you send to take it?” + +“Plague seize it, I do not know! I trust no one. So I came to you.” + +“Give me three days, Sir! I’ll do it.” + +“No, that was not my meaning. You will stay where you are. I thought +mayhap you know of a trustworthy man?” + +“Not I, Sir, alack! Oh, devil take Crewe and his works! That I should +fail you when you most need me!” + +Charles forced him back on to his pillows. + +“Gently, Roxhythe! Is there no one whom you can call upon?” + +“No one.” + +Charles threw himself into a chair. + +“The luck is against me. I had thought of Louise, but we are at +variance for the moment on account of poor Nelly. Oddsfish, but Louise +can be very spiteful when she likes! I’ll not approach her.” + +“Sire, take it as an omen! The Fates are against it. Negotiate through +Barillon.” + +Charles was superstitious by nature, but the appeal failed. + +“Damme, no! I am determined. Think, David! Is there no one?” + +“Justin?” + +“I believe him to be in Shaftesbury’s pay.” + +“Cherrywood?” + +“I would send him but that he is in Flanders with Monmouth.” + +“Then there is no one. Buckingham would have done it, but you have cast +him off.” + +“I’d not trust him. Think again, David!” + +There was a long silence. Roxhythe lay staring before him, his brain +working swiftly. Charles, watching him anxiously, saw his lips tighten +suddenly, and his brows draw together. He seemed to be considering. + +“Roxhythe, do not fail me in this!” besought the King. + +Roxhythe looked at him wistfully. He sighed. + +“I will not fail you, Sir. I know of a man.” + +“Ah! His name?” + +“Dart.” + +“Your secretary? I’d not thought of that. But will he do it?” + +“Yes,” said Roxhythe. “He will do it for my sake.” + +“And he may be trusted?” + +“Implicitly.” + +“Why, David, it could not be better!” + +“There is a drawback.” + +“Always the pessimist!” + +“Perhaps. Christopher will serve you very well provided that he does +not know what it is that he does.” + +“Oho!” Charles pursed his lips. “Sits the wind in that quarter?” + +“Christopher believes you to be impeccable. He has no notion of French +intrigue. He trusts me wholly.” + +“He would not trust either of us did we send him to Paris,” said +Charles gloomily. + +“We shall not send him to Paris.” + +“Roxhythe, let me have no riddles! What is it that you propose?” + +“Send him with your letter to Flanders, with another writ by you to +Cherrywood. You can rely on him?” + +“Ay.” + +“He will deliver the packet to Cherrywood, who will journey with it to +Paris. Chris need do no more. It’s very simple.” + +“It is well thought out,” admitted Charles. “But what will you tell +Dart? There must be no shadow of suspicion.” + +“I will say that the packet contains private orders for Monmouth. You +need have no fear.” + +“If they are orders for Monmouth he will wonder why he is to take them +to Cherrywood,” objected Charles. + +“No. I shall tell him that they are to be delivered into his hands and +not the Duke’s on account of the French spies that do watch Monmouth +very closely.” + +“’Tis very intricate, David. Are you sure that you can vouch for Dart?” + +“I am sure.” + +“I would Dimcock were not ill,” sighed the King. “I mislike this +scheme.” + +“Can you think of another, Sir?” + +“No. It must suffice. You’ll pave the way with Dart?” + +“Yes, Sir. When do you want him to start?” + +“The letter is not yet writ. Can you spare Dart by Wednesday?” + +“Sooner.” + +“Wednesday is soon enough. I’ll bring both letters then.” + +For a long time after the King had departed, Roxhythe lay still. + +When he had engaged Christopher eight years ago, it had been because he +thought that the boy might prove useful in just such an affair as this. +Gradually he had come to see that Christopher’s standards of right and +honour were rigid and uncompromising. More than once he had sounded +him on the subject, and always he had struck against that Puritanical +streak that was at the bottom of his nature. He realised then that +Christopher would never serve him as he had intended. Because the boy +had become dear to him he had kept him at his side, taking great pains +to trick him into oblivion of the intrigues that went on in his house. +Looking back, he realised how much Christopher meant to him. He had +grown accustomed to his quiet adoration, had come to expect the little +attentions that the boy bestowed on him. + +In some vague way Christopher’s presence was necessary to his happiness. + +Until to-day he had relinquished all ideas of using him in his +machinations. But to-day Charles had called on him for help. It +was something in the nature of a struggle. If he chose to respect +Christopher’s scruples he must fail the King; if he came to the King’s +rescue he would perhaps destroy Christopher’s love for him. Secrets +often leaked out. For the present he could keep the boy in ignorance +of the real purpose of his mission, but one day it was possible that +Christopher might discover the truth. + +The King’s cause had won. Roxhythe’s fondness for Christopher was as +nothing beside his love for Charles. Long, long ago he had made his +choice; had thrown in his lot with the King; all else had faded before +the one man. It was not likely that the tables would be reversed at +this stage. + +Charles had called on him: it was enough. + +When Christopher presently entered the room Roxhythe pointed to a chair. + +“Sit down Chris.” + +Christopher obeyed, somewhat mystified. + +“His Majesty visited me again to-day while you were out,” began +Roxhythe. + +“So soon? He was here a very short while since.” + +“This time he came for a purpose. I can trust to your discretion, +Chris?” + +“Of course, sir.” Christopher was interested. + +“Yes. You probably know that the King has always to beware of +French spies; spies who would not scruple to interfere with his +correspondence.” + +“I do suppose so, sir.” + +“For this reason he hath about his person several men whom he can trust +implicitly. They are his private messengers. When he desires to send +dispatches privately these men bear them. But lately two have been +discovered to be untrustworthy, another is ill, and the fourth is with +Monmouth.” + +Christopher assented vaguely. He did not perceive the drift of the +conversation. + +“And I,” said Roxhythe, “am also ill.” + +“Are you a messenger, sir?” + +“No, but I have played the part ere now. The King dare trust so few +men.” + +“I see. Somehow I did not think you--Go on, sir!” + +“It so happens that the King wishes to send very private orders to +Monmouth, concerning various matters, warning him ’gainst certain men +that the King knows to be in French pay. My Lord Danby has couriers, +but he cannot vouch for them. You understand that ’twould be ruinous if +these dispatches fell into the hands of the French, or into those of +some of our number whom we believe to be also in French pay.” + +Christopher began to see daylight. + +“Yes, sir. Do you mean----” + +“I mean that the King has appealed to me to find him a messenger who is +above suspicion, who will guard that packet with his life. There are +very few men to-day whom we can trust, but I think that there is one.” + +“Sir--will you--speak plainly?” Christopher clasped his hands on his +knee. + +“I told His Majesty that I could find him a courier. I had you in mind.” + +“Oh--sir!” + +“You will do it?” + +“Oh--yes! I--I am all amazed! I--can scarcely believe that this honour +is to be given--to me!” + +“It is a very great honour,” said Roxhythe gravely. “I assured His +Majesty that you were worthy of it.” + +Christopher caught his hand to his lips. + +“How kind you are! I owe it all to you! I--I cannot thank you enough! I +do swear that I will prove faithful.” + +“I know that. You accept the task then?” + +“Accept! I would do aught in the world for His Majesty--and you.” + +“So I thought. You served me very well eight years ago. You are older +now, and wiser. I can trust to your discretion.” + +“I do not know why you should, sir! Indeed, I have done naught for you +save the most trivial matters! I am overwhelmed.” + +“You’ve no alarms?” + +“Sir! When have I shown myself a coward?” + +“You will be alone this time.” + +“I do not fear.” + +“You will need all your wits. Remember, you go in my stead.” + +“I do remember it, sir. ’Tis because of that that I can scarce believe +mine ears! That His Majesty should deign to send me in your place!” + +“His Majesty acts on my advice. If you fail--if you deliver those +letters wrongly--on me will fall the blame.” + +“I will not! Oh, I swear that I will never give them up save to the +Duke himself!” + +“You will not give them to the Duke. He also is surrounded by spies. +It needs a more seasoned head to give them to him without creating +suspicion. The King his fourth agent is in Monmouth’s train, as I told +you. You will give the packet to him, and he will do the rest.” + +“Very well, sir. Who is this man?” + +“You have never seen him. He is named Cherrywood--Frederick Cherrywood. +You will find him easily enough, for he is in Monmouth’s household.” + +“Will he believe me to be the King’s messenger?” asked Christopher. + +“The King will give you his ring as token. And he will recognize the +cypher. This evening I’ll outline your route and give you all minor +instructions. You start in two days.” + +“Two days!” Christopher gasped. “But you, sir!” + +“What of me?” + +“You are ill! How can I leave you?” + +“Strange as it may seem, I have been ill before, and there was no +Christopher. The King his will must be obeyed even though I were dying, +which I am not.” + +“Yes, sir, of course! But I wish you were not ill. I do not like to +leave you.” + +“If I were well you would not be asked to bear these dispatches,” +Roxhythe reminded him. “However, you need have no qualms concerning me. +I am under oath to His Majesty to obey the surgeon.” + +“If that is so it is very well,” said Christopher. + +“Yes. His Majesty will give the dispatches into your hands on +Wednesday. And remember this, Chris! There must be no talking to +Harcourt, or to Lady Fanny.” + +“Of course not, sir.” Christopher spoke with dignity. + +On Wednesday Burnest was so satisfied with my lord’s condition that +he allowed him, on pressure, to be dressed and carried down to the +library. There he reposed on a wide couch, rather exhausted, but +cheerful. Christopher arranged his cushions more comfortably. + +“It has tired you, sir. You had best have kept your room.” + +“My dear boy, I dislike my room. The hangings are so crude. I shall +have it seen to.” + +“You were never used to object to them,” said Christopher, smiling. + +“I was never in the room for so long at a stretch before. I believe +that green has retarded my recovery.” He ate a comfit. “You are very +smart to-day, Chris.” + +Christopher blushed, conscious of his modish brown velvet with its gold +embroidery. + +“I see you know how to please His Majesty,” said my lord. “And, I +think, here is His Majesty.” + +Footsteps were coming across the hall; voices were heard, and then the +heavy curtain was swung back, and King Charles passed into the room. + +The footmen straightened their beautifully curved backs and disappeared. + +Christopher stood stiff. Out of the corner of his eye he saw that +Roxhythe was trying to rise. He cast an anxious glance in his direction +and another at the King. Charles was studying him calmly. He saw the +hurried glance at Roxhythe, and turned. + +“David, I have never met a man so self-willed! Be still!” He clasped +Roxhythe’s hand affectionately. “You are better? The surgeon permitted +you to come downstairs?” + +“Should I have dared to disobey Your Majesty’s commands?” smiled my +lord. + +“I do not know!” Charles laughed. “I dare swear you bullied Burnest +into complying with your will.” He looked at Christopher. “Eh, Mr. +Dart?” + +Christopher bowed. + +“There was some slight coercion, Sir,” he replied. “But Burnest +consented very quickly.” + +“I knew it!” said Charles. “Roxhythe, I am of a mind to send you back +to bed!” + +“I beg you will not, Sir. The colour of the hangings has preyed cruelly +upon my nerves.” + +Charles was amused. + +“The hangings?” + +“Green, Sir. They remind me of cabbage which I detest.” + +“The contemplation of cabbages!” chuckled the King. “Is it a fruitful +topic?” + +“Very, Sir. But wearisome. Will you not sit down?” + +Charles sank into a chair. Again he addressed Christopher. + +“It is his foible that no one must stand in his presence. It unnerves +him.” + +Christopher was re-arranging my lord’s pillows which had fallen in his +struggle to rise. He laughed. + +“I did discover that within a week, Sire.” He stood back, surveying +his handiwork. “Is it to your liking, sir?” + +“Thank you, yes. Since you are acquainted with my foible, sit down!” + +Charles nodded. + +“Yes, Mr. Dart. And so to my errand. Roxhythe has informed you of my +will?” + +“Yes, Sir.” + +“Well?” + +The King was grave now. Christopher had been conscious of his charm; he +now felt the force of his personality. It was overwhelming. + +“I can scarce thank Your Majesty enough for the great honour you do me. +If I may I will serve Your Majesty faithfully.” + +The far-famed Stuart smile touched the King’s lips. + +“Very well spoken, Mr. Dart. You have considered everything?” + +“Sire, I found nothing to consider save that Your Majesty had commands +for me.” + +“A courtier, forsooth! We must see you at Whitehall. Then you will +undertake this charge, and swear to carry it through with all care and +discretion?” + +“Yes, Sir.” + +“You understand that you must exercise the greatest care? You must +never allow the packet to leave your person; you must never allow any +man however harmless to suspect you of being my envoy; you must deliver +the packet into Cherrywood his hands. Whatever happens, none other must +see it or know of its existence. You understand?” + +“I understand, Sir.” + +“That is well. When you have given it to Cherrywood you will return at +once to London with his reply.” + +“Your Majesty may trust me.” + +“I do trust you, Mr. Dart. It will be in your power to betray me, yet I +believe that no temptation would be strong enough to induce you to do +so.” + +“I swear Your Majesty shall not be disappointed in me! I would serve +Your Majesty till death itself!” + +“I thank you. And I compliment you.” The King drew two sealed packets +from his bosom. “This one”--he held up the smaller of the two--“is for +Cherrywood’s perusal; the other you will give him to take to Monmouth.” + +Christopher was on one knee now. Roxhythe flicked a speck of dust from +his sleeve. + +Charles laid his hand on the young man’s shoulder. His voice was almost +stern. His fingers gripped. + +“I give them into your hands. See to it that they do not leave them +until you have found Cherrywood. It is my most strict command.” + +Christopher took the letters. He spoke huskily. + +“Your Majesty has my word.” + +“Now swear to me by all that you hold most sacred that you will never +by word or sign divulge the secret of this mission.” + +“I swear it.” + +The hand left his shoulder. Charles smiled again. + +“I can offer you no reward, Mr. Dart. But we shall be very pleased to +see you at Whitehall.” + +“Your Majesty--is very good,” stammered Christopher. + +Charles drew off his signet ring. + +“You must show this to Cherrywood,” he said. + +Christopher took it and carried it to his lips. + +“On my head be it, Sir!” + +The King’s eyes twinkled. + +“Put it in a safer place, Mr. Dart,” he advised. + +And so the interview ended. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII + + THE AMIABLE MR. MILWARD AGAIN + + +CONTRARY to his expectations Christopher met with no opposition on his +journey to Flanders. He encountered but a single inquisitive gentleman, +and he was inquisitive only on one point. The point was whether he was +likely to be sea-sick on board ship. Christopher could not enlighten +him. He left him apprehensive and disconsolate. + +He landed at Dunkirk and went by horse inland. The country interested +him greatly, and he was still more interested in the people that he +met. He travelled northward, over Dutch ground, and wherever he went he +heard nothing but praise of the Stadtholder. Every host of every inn +had something to say on the subject. Some were pessimistic, and doubted +that, in spite of his great courage and determination, the Prince was +too young for the task of expelling the French from the States. Others +were confident of his ultimate success. On all sides was hatred for the +French. + +Christopher arrived at length at the little town near which Monmouth +had stationed his army. The Duke himself was not in camp, but stayed +with his household in one of the largest houses in the town. It had +been entirely given over to him, and he contrived, so the landlord +of the Setting Sun told Christopher, to while away his time very +creditably. + +On the morning after his arrival Christopher caught sight of the Duke +riding out in the midst of a gay cavalcade to the chase. He saw very +little change in him. He was burnt by the sun and more developed, but +otherwise just the same joyous, carefree Prince who had left England a +few years before. + +After watching the Duke out of sight, Christopher went through the town +on a voyage of exploration. + +He heard a good deal of English spoken around him, and much French. +Rather to his surprise he found that the town was seething with +Frenchmen, and a few French officers. He was puzzled, but he remembered +that England was now a neutral country and might receive whom she +pleased in her camps. + +Presently he arrived at the big market-place in the middle of the town, +and there to his dismay, he came across Mr. Milward, face to face. + +Escape was impossible. Christopher felt as though his coat were +transparent and his precious packet in full view. + +Milward stared at him. Then he gave a great laugh, and clapped him on +the shoulder. + +“Oddsbody! My young friend of Flushing!” + +Sick at heart, Christopher assented. He grasped Milward’s hand with an +assumption of cordiality. Arm in arm they walked across the square. + +“What a surprise! I had not thought to see you here, Mr. Dart!” + +“Nor I you,” said Christopher truthfully. “I am sight-seeing. On my +holiday, you understand.” + +“So? You are still with Lord Roxhythe?” + +“Yes. I have long been desirous of visiting the troops, so he hath +given me leave to come.” + +“I am delighted! Another intrigue?” + +Christopher stared at him. + +“Intrigue? Not that I know of!” + +Milward laughed again. + +“Oh, you diddled me finely between you! ’Twas but lately that I found +out. Gad, but I was puzzled! I knew not what to think, and when I +reported to M. de Rouvigny he pulled the longest face I have ever seen! +However, naught came of it. The secret leaked out a little while since.” + +“What secret?” demanded Christopher blankly. + +“Tut-tut! There’s no need to feign innocence now. I fancy we work +together, eh?” + +Christopher shook his head hopelessly. + +“You speak of what I know nothing. We went to Holland because of my +lord’s disgrace.” + +“Bah! You know ’twas not so.” + +“Indeed, indeed, I know nothing! Pray tell me what you mean?” + +“Oh, if you knew naught, well and good! What is it this time?” + +Christopher saw that he was not believed. He sighed. “You speak in +riddles. I am on my holiday.” + +“Oho? You know, you need not be afraid to speak. We are all one over +this.” + +By now Christopher was genuinely perplexed. + +“All one over what?” + +“Why, your errand, to be sure!” + +“But I am not come on an errand!” + +“Soho! You know naught of--M. Barillon?” + +“I have seen him several times, but----” + +“But you do not come from him?” + +“Of course I do not!” + +Milward wagged his finger expressively. + +“You are very cautious with me. It is the King, eh?” + +“What is the King?” + +“Your errand!” + +“Milward, pray do not be ridiculous! I have not an idea in my head what +it is that you mean!” + +“Have you not? Oh, I’m not squeezing you! We are one now. Barillon +warned us of something of this kind.” + +“I do not pretend to understand,” said Christopher. “You talk like a +madman.” + +“That’s good, ’pon my soul! Don’t be offended! I won’t question you any +further. Had you a fair crossing?” + +“Very fair,” said Christopher. They went into a little inn. + +When he at length shook off Mr. Milward he was hopelessly bewildered. +From that gentleman’s manner he would seem to be friendlily disposed, +but Christopher mistrusted his manner. It almost seemed as though +Milward believed him to be in French pay. Well, let him think so! + +Just before sundown he went to Monmouth’s house. He had no difficulty +in entering, and on asking for Mr. Cherrywood, was shown into a small +room over-looking the garden. + +Several gentlemen were strolling across the lawns. They all seemed in +excellent spirits; the sound of their laughter floated in at the open +window. + +Mr. Cherrywood came briskly into the room. He was a short, dapper, +little man, with bright eyes and a quick speech. + +“Mr.--Dart? You want me? Have I the honour of your acquaintance?” He +spoke courteously, but with a touch of surprise. + +Christopher bowed. + +“As yet, sir, you have not. I have something of a private nature to +impart.” + +“Oh? Will you not be seated? We are quite private here. No, they will +not hear you from the lawn. What is it that you wish to tell me?” A +little of his cordiality had disappeared. + +Christopher drew off his gloves unhurriedly. In all things he imitated +Roxhythe. From his finger he slipped the King’s ring and pushed it +across the table to Mr. Cherrywood. + +Cherrywood picked it up, glanced at it, and rose. His manner underwent +a change. + +“One moment, sir!” He went to the window, and shut it. “You come from +His Majesty?” + +“I have that honour.” + +“I did not know you were one of us?” The tone was searching. + +“I am not,” said Christopher. “His Majesty’s envoy is ill. I am bidden +to tell you that Church and Justin are not to be trusted.” + +“Well, well! Perhaps I knew that. You’ve a message? Or a dispatch?” + +Christopher extricated the two dispatches from his coat. He handed +the smaller to Cherrywood, who broke the seal and spread the sheets +before him. When he had finished reading he looked rather strangely at +Christopher. + +“Oh! May I have the dispatch--for Monmouth?” + +Christopher gave it to him. He felt relieved that it was out of his +hands at last. + +“I am to bear an answer to His Majesty, sir, as proof that I have +delivered the packet.” + +“You shall have it. Excuse me for one moment!” He pocketed both +documents and hurried out. + +Christopher picked up the King’s ring and put it on his finger. He felt +an odd thrill at wearing it. + +An elegant, much-beribboned gentleman passed the window and looked in +curiously. With him was another still more elegant gentleman. He too +stared in. Then he shrugged, and they passed on. Christopher heard him +say something in French. + +Presently Cherrywood returned. He gave Christopher a sealed packet. + +“There is mine answer. You have the ring?” + +Christopher held up his hand. + +“That is well. Now, is there aught else you want of me?” + +“No,” said Christopher. “But there is something that I would like to +tell you.” + +Cherrywood sat down. + +“Ah! Well?” + +“I met a certain Milward to-day in the town. I know him to be in +Barillon’s pay. For reasons which we need not discuss he mistrusts me, +thinking me an intriguer. I wish to warn you that he may suspect.” + +“Milward? Milward? Oh, ay, ay! Thank you Mr. Dart, that will be very +well.” + +“He is a spy,” warned Christopher. + +“I shall be careful, I assure you. Is that all?” + +Christopher rose. + +“That is all. What a quantity of Frenchmen you have in the town!” + +Cherrywood followed him to the door. + +“Yes. Well, we are not at war. We suffer all parties to visit us.” + +“I have seen hardly any Dutchmen.” + +“Oh, we have a few! Most Dutchmen are fighting, you understand.” + +“I see,” said Christopher. “I am glad that we ceased war on Holland.” + +“Certainly. Yes.” Mr. Cherrywood bowed him out. On the steps they +clasped hands for a moment. + +“I compliment you, Mr. Dart; I compliment you. You would make a good +envoy. Perhaps we shall see you amongst us ere long.” + +“I serve Roxhythe,” said Christopher. “I am no intriguer.” + +Cherrywood favoured him with another hard stare. + +“Oh! You serve Roxhythe. Well, well!” + +Christopher was not desirous of meeting Milward again, and he arranged +to leave the town early next morning. He was both annoyed and disgusted +when his enemy walked into the Setting Sun inn while he was at dinner. + +Milward espied him and came to sit at his table. + +“A piece of luck!” he commented. “I thought you were staying at the +‘William’?” + +“No,” said Christopher. “Are you?” + +“Oh dear no! I am at”--he paused. “The Flag of Orange.” + +Christopher disbelieved him on the spot. + +“We were finely diddled over your master,” continued Milward, +presently. “I thought him naught but a court-darling. Dupont knew.” + +“Really?” Christopher was studiously polite. + +“Oh, indeed yes! Now, of course we know. Since ’70.” + +“Why since then?” + +“Why? Blister me, you’re a pretty young innocent!” + +“I am glad I find favour in your eyes,” bowed Christopher. + +“Is it possible that you don’t know? Didn’t you hear?” + +“I never listen to gossip,” said Christopher. + +Milward shook his head. He took a long drink. + +“You puzzle me, you know,” he said. + +“I am sorry,” said Christopher, and straightway changed the subject. + +He arrived in London six days later. He drove at once to Bevan House +where he found the royal coach drawn up in the courtyard. The footman +who admitted him said that His Majesty was with my lord. Christopher +decided that nothing could have been more opportune. He gave the lackey +instructions to pay the coachman, and raced upstairs to his room. He +changed his travel-stained garments for his smartest suit, washed +his face, and combed out his fair hair. Then he assured himself that +Cherrywood’s letter was in his pocket, and walked downstairs as calmly +as he could. His cheeks were flushed; his eyes were very bright. He +felt himself a man of some account; his patriotism flared high. + +Two lackeys stood before the thick curtain that shut off the library. +Christopher waved to them to draw it back. + +“Sir,” expostulated one. “His Majesty is within, visiting my lord.” + +“I am aware of it,” said Christopher. + +Reluctantly the man held back the curtain. Christopher walked in. + +The King was seated with Roxhythe by the window. My lord’s lazy voice +was the first thing that Christopher heard. Then Charles burst into a +great laugh. + +“David, you rogue!” His eyes, wandering round the room, alighted on +Christopher, who bowed. The laugh died on his lips, and a look of +surprise came into his face. + +“_Cordieu!_ ’Tis our young friend!” + +Roxhythe turned his head. It was characteristic of him that he showed +no surprise. + +“You arrive at a good moment, Chris.” + +Charles laughed again. + +“Thunder of God, but you are like your master! Do you imitate him, Mr. +Dart? I did not expect you yet, and here you are as spruce as though +you were off to a ball! I wonder, have you been to Flanders at all?” + +Christopher came forward and dropped on his knee before the King. It +was one of the greatest moments of his life. + +“I have the honour to inform Your Majesty that my mission has been +successful.” He offered Charles the packet. + +The King took it. Roxhythe was contemplating Christopher with amusement. + +Without a word Charles broke the seal and scanned what was written +on the parchment. He tossed it to Roxhythe and bent over the still +kneeling figure. + +“Mr. Dart, I thank you. You have more than fulfilled my expectations.” +He said no more than that, yet Christopher, listening to the grave +voice, felt himself re-paid in full. He could not trust himself to +speak. Dumbly he held out the signet ring. + +Charles slipped it on to his finger. Then he extended his hand. + +Christopher held it to his lips as long as he dared. + +“Sire--sire----” he stopped. + +“Tell me,” said Charles, “is there aught I can do for you?” + +Christopher looked up into the melancholy brown eyes that yet held such +a twinkle in their depths. + +“Your Majesty--overwhelms me. It is enough to know--that I have pleased +Your Majesty--and that I have been--of some use to my country.” + +Roxhythe regarded the trees outside. + +“You are sure?” persisted Charles. “I would do aught that was within my +power to do.” + +“There is nothing, Sir. I cannot thank you enough. I am very content.” + +“Then we shall hope to welcome you at Whitehall. Roxhythe must bring +you.” + +“Your Majesty does me great honour.” Christopher rose, and looked +across at my lord. + +“You are better, sir?” + +“I am very well, Chris. Were it not for His Majesty I had not remained +in this room for so long.” + +“He thinks me a tyrant, Mr. Dart,” said the King. His solemnity had +vanished. + +“I do,” sighed Roxhythe. “If you had not visited me so often, Sir, I +were in my grave to-day from sheer depression.” + +“Poor Davy!” The King smiled at him. “I deliver him into your hands, +Mr. Dart.” + +“Your Majesty may rest assured that I shall have a great care for him,” +said Christopher. + +It was not until after dinner that he was alone with Roxhythe. When the +wine was before them and the servants had left the room, my lord leaned +back in his chair. + +“Well, Chris, how fared you?” + +“Very well, sir. My journey was quite uneventful until I arrived at the +camp.” + +“Oh? What then?” + +“You’ll never guess whom I met there!” + +“Then I shall not try. Whom did you meet?” + +“Milward.” + +“The amiable one! But how charming!” + +“It was not, sir. He--he bewildered me.” + +“How?” Roxhythe re-filled his glass. + +“He was very boisterous--by the way, sir, he knows now why we went to +Holland in ’68.” + +“I suppose so. Go on.” + +“He asked me what fresh intrigue I was busy with. I dissembled, and +then he said that he was not trying to squeeze me as he fancied we were +at one now. What could he have meant?” + +“God knows. What else?” + +“It was all to that tune. He asked me if I were the King his messenger, +and he said he was expecting ‘something of the kind.’ He seemed to +think that I was in French pay. And he said that I puzzled him.” + +“The sun must have affected his brain.” + +“It almost seemed so. He was very strange. He told me that he knew now +what manner of man you were. He spoke of 1670 and laughed heartily. +He was surprised that I ‘did not know.’ I can only suppose that he is +afflicted by Harcourt’s complaint. You remember how they suspected you +at the time?” + +“Ay. Fools.” + +“I think Milward is a bigger fool than any of them. I was glad to be +rid of him.” + +Roxhythe sipped his wine. + +“Take my advice, Chris; do not heed these gossipmongers.” + +“I do not. I never have heeded them. They suspect every one of +disloyalty to the country. But I know!” + +“Yes. You know. And you too love the country.” + +“Above everything,” said Christopher simply. + +“So you would never join certain of our respected friends in their +machinations behind the country’s back?” + +“I, sir? How can you ask? I would sooner die!” + +“Yet many people have warned you ’gainst my supposed nefarious +dealings. You remain with me in spite of all?” + +“Why, sir, I laugh at them! Your nefarious dealings! Oh, ay, my lord!” + +“And if their suspicions were true: what then?” He looked full into +Christopher’s clear eyes. + +“I--think--it would break my heart, sir,” answered Christopher +unsteadily. “But then, it is not so, is it?” + +Roxhythe touched his lips with his napkin. + +“No. It is not so.” + +“Of course it is not!” smiled Christopher. “Oh, sir, I am very, very +proud to-night!” + +“Are you?” said Roxhythe. + + + + + CHAPTER IX + + DISILLUSIONMENT + + +CHRISTOPHER settled down to his old life very quickly. + +England was in a state of unrest. In February of the next year +Parliament met again. There was universal excitement, and some cries +were directed against the King. Harcourt told Christopher that Charles +was trying to dispense with a Parliament altogether. Christopher was +amused. + +Roxhythe had lately fallen foul of His Grace of Buckingham, ever his +foe, and Buckingham proceeded to wage war on him, writing catchy +doggerels which circulated the coffee-houses, and sneering at the +favourite on every opportunity. Roxhythe complained that he was +becoming a nuisance. Then his Grace over-reached himself. He was very +vehement on the subject of prorogation. He joined Shaftesbury in the +popular cry that by the length of the prorogation the Parliament had +ceased to exist. He employed all his caustic wit in this cause, and +he grew excited. His section was out-voted, and he, Shaftesbury and +Wharton were consigned to the Tower. Gossip whispered and gradually +shouted that his imprisonment as one of the ring-leaders of the +movement was due to my Lord Roxhythe’s influence. Christopher listened, +observed my lord, and believed Gossip. My lord smiled and said nothing. + +In March Christopher received one of Roderick’s rare letters. He found +it a bulky package and was surprised. Roderick was not wont to write at +length. He settled himself more comfortably in his chair and spread the +sheets before him. + +There was very little preliminary. Roderick inquired after his health, +and after that wasted no time in giving vent to his feelings. + +“... Ye knowe, my dear Chris, how I Do long to See You out of Roxhythe +His Service. Once more I Implore You to quit him. With him Ye Breathe +the Air of Intrigue, of all thatt is Vile. It is in no Peevish Spirit +thatt I Warn You, but in my Zeal for Yr. Welfare, which I have ever +to Heart. Ye are Young: it may be thatt Ye are Ignorant of the +Machinations of This Man for his Infamous Master. We in Holland have +learnt by Bitter Experience never to Trust to Charles His Word. Ye +in England must Surely knowe By Now the Truth concerning thatt most +Disgraceful Affair in 1670. We knew, very soone after, thatt Charles +had sold himself to France in a Shameful Treaty made Secretly with +Louis. We sawe how he contrived to Trick his Parliament into wishing +for War on Us. We knowe, for the Prince has Zealous Agents, what Partt +my Lord Roxhythe played in thatt Treaty. He did haggle with Louis on +Charles his Behalf, and did arrange a Secret Meeting for Both Parties. +Were Ye not so Blinded by Yr. Love for him, Ye would have seen the +Truth from the first. A Doubt Assails me thatt Ye did knowe, and did +Connive at the Deed. I tell my self thatt ye are too good a Patriot, +but the Doubt remains. + +“Yr. King plays Fast and Loose with us. He did make Peace, Three Years +Since, in ’74. But we knew then thatt his Hand had been Forced, and +thatt he was not Desirous of Breaking from Louis. Else why did he Leave +his Troops under his Profligate Bastard on this Soil? He did Finely +Trick his Parliament, but he did not Deceive His Highness. + +“Last Year we did Realise thatt he was in Need of Money to squander +on his Women, and his Pleasures, for he did send my Lord Roxhythe to +Traffic againe with His Highness, giving him Fair Words, and demanding +Tribute for his Master. His Highness would have None of it, for he doth +knowe how Perfidious is King Charles. We did Expect then to see the +English Troops Once More against us, and have not been Disappointed. +We do apprehend thatt Charles has Sold Him Self to Louis yet againe. +England, without the Knowledge of Her Government, stands against us. +The Prince His Agents have Grave suspicions thatt there have been +Secret Dispatches passing from Charles to Louis. They do knowe thatt M. +Barillon was closetted very Often with the King Last Yeare. + +“And so I come to the Crux of the Matter. These same Agents who act for +His Highness in England do knowe thatt a man went to the English Camp +Last Yeare. This Man was You, Christopher. + +“I do Pray Heaven thatt Yr. Mission was Innocent, and Indeed, we have +No Proof thatt it was not. We do but Knowe thatt Ye visitted the Camp +when My Lord Roxhythe was abed, Wounded. It is Possible thatt Ye did +but go as Many have Gone before You, but we Fear otherwise, knowing +You to be in Roxhythe his Service. Hardly a Month from thatt date, the +English Army had moved Secretly, to Join the French. + +“Oh, my deare Brother, I do Implore You to have no Dealings with King +Charles! If Ye tell me Yr. Journey to Holland was Innocent I do Believe +you, but a Grate Fear hath me in its Grip thatt Ye have been won to +Roxhythe his Machinations by Yr. Infatuation for him. Christopher, pray +consider what it is thatt Ye do! Think of Our Father his Grief were +he Alive and knew thatt Ye were Working against the Country her Good, +behind her Back, for a King who hath Neither Honour nor Decency; who +does not Scruple to Betray his Country her Honour for a few Pounds! + +“Ye have Refused to Believe thatt my Lord Roxhythe is not to be +Trusted; Ye have shut Yr. Eyes to his Perfidy, seeing only his +Fascination. Ye must knowe, however, thatt he Counts no Cost, and hath +no Moral Sense. He will gaine his owne, or his Master his Ends by Fair +Means or by Foul. Ye knowe his Vaunted Love for King Charles; the +Country Counts for naught with him. He setteth Love for Man Above Love +for Country. + +“Christopher, I do fear thatt You too set Grater Store on Man than on +Country, and on Right. Be advised by me who have seen so much of the +Evils of the Day, do not let this be so. Remember Ye are Yr. Father his +Son! Have no Secret Dealings Either for Roxhythe or the King! Deal +openly Always, and do not Work against Yr. Country, for I do Earnestly +tell You thatt the Country in these Troublous Times Counts for more +than All Else. The Country needs True Patriots More than ever it did; +do not You join the ranks of those Unworthy Englishmen of whom the +King is one, and Roxhythe another! I pray You, do not lightly cast my +Warning aside, nor Sneer at it as Ye have sneered at all others. I +have no Spite against Roxhythe; I warn you because I knowe what manner +of man he is; because I will not have My Brother under his Influence. +Naught but Harm can come of it; I implore You, be warned by me! + +“The Prince his Courage is undaunted by the Many Disasters thatt have +befallen him. He doth hold the French King in Check, Daily growing +Wiser in War, More Strong in Body. I would ye too might be Induced to +Join him who is the One Honest Man....” + +Christopher read the letter through deliberately. When he came to the +end he laid it down with fingers that trembled slightly. Every word +rang true. At first his mind refused to grasp all that was set down +before him; then, when the first numbness had passed he argued hotly +with himself. Roderick had evidently believed the rumours of 1670. +How often had he, Christopher, laughed at these rumours? But Roderick +seemed to have proofs.... Bah! Were the Dutch spies wiser than all +others? They too had listened to rumour, and, because Roxhythe had +travelled frequently to the Louvre, had jumped to conclusions. It was +not possible that the gracious King who had allowed him to kiss his +hand, whom he believed in so implicitly, had descended to trafficking +secretly with France! And Roxhythe, the lazy courtier, in very sooth an +intriguer? Impossible! Yet.... How many times had he been warned? How +many people had questioned him concerning my lord’s movements? + +He referred again to the letter. + +“... for he did send my Lord Roxhythe to Traffic againe with His +Highness....” + +Last year.... That must have been when Roxhythe went, ostensibly, to +Paris. Christopher had not known that he had gone to Holland. He had +been left in the dark.... Well! Why not? Was my lord bound to confide +in his secretary?... But how many more times had he been left in the +dark? If my lord could play the emissary to Holland, why not to France? +Why had he never thought of that before? Supposing the ’70 rumours were +true? Had my lord indeed haggled with Louis for the King’s private +ends? Had he been instrumental in selling England? + +Again he took up the letter. + +“... And so I come to the Crux of the matter....” + +He read it through carefully. _Peste!_ Roderick was morbidly +suspicious! + +“... Hardly a month from thatt Date the English Army had Moved, +Secretly, to Join the French....” + +Something seemed to seize his throat; he felt as though he were +choking. These words of Roderick’s were based not on suspicion but +on hard facts. Roderick was not the man to prevaricate that he might +gain his own ends.... But it could not be! Roxhythe would never use +him so! Nor would the King stoop to sell his Country to Louis. It +was unthinkable, ridiculous! Charles was all that was most regal, +most upright! Christopher remembered how he had extended his hand; +he remembered the thrill that had run through him as he had kissed +that hand. Surely, surely Charles was honest? And Roxhythe! It was +impossible that he should have consented to use him deliberately, +against his convictions! He did not believe it! He would not believe +it! _Sangdieu!_ He laughed at such senseless tittle-tattle!... + +“... You not belief’ me. You t’ink heem onselfish and ver’ good. Well, +I warn you, eet ees not so. You remember t’at always and you not get +hurt....” + +De Staal.... And de Staal had loved Roxhythe.... The grave words were +ringing in his ears--he could see the whole scene. It was nine years +ago. How quiet the street had been! How peaceful was de Staal; how +pathetic his love for Roxhythe!... + +“I--like you, Chris. I--don’t want you to get hurt.” + +Lady Frances.... She had warned him repeatedly. What was it she had +said? + +“... You think him very great, very good. Suppose--it were not so? +Suppose he were not so true?...” + +Had he been blinded by his love for Roxhythe? Was my lord the ruthless +schemer they had all thought him? Even Ashley had warned him. + +“... I fear he is not so indolent as he would have us believe.... I +mistrust him. I have always mistrusted him....” + +Realisation was dawning on Christopher; doubts pulled him this way and +that. He would not believe--he did not believe ... but--oh, God, if it +were so!... + +Roxhythe came into the room in his usual leisurely fashion. Christopher +ever afterwards remembered his appearance on that day. He was dressed +in pearl grey velvet, with soft pink facings and sword-knot. The +rosettes on his shoes were of pink satin; rubies sparkled in his cravat +and on his fingers. He was carrying a ruby-studded comfit-box, given +him by the King. + +“Russell waxeth very wroth over Buckingham’s imprisonment,” remarked my +lord. He gave a twitch to his billowing shirt sleeve. “He and Coventry +inveigh against me.” He glanced up and saw Christopher’s face. “Oh. +Well, what now?” + +Christopher handed him Roderick’s letter. + +“Please--read that, sir--and deny--what is writ there! I--it has +disquieted my mind.” + +Roxhythe sat down on the table-edge. He read the letter through in +silence. Then he handed it back to Christopher. + +“May I ask why such nonsense should disquiet you?” + +Christopher rose quickly. + +“It is nonsense, sir? There’s no truth in it?” His voice trembled +relievedly. “And yet, sir----” + +Roxhythe shrugged. + +“There is a certain amount of truth interwoven, I grant you. The +rest--bah!” + +“Sir, this secret treaty with France that he writes of--it is a lie?” + +“My dear Chris, best ask His Majesty.” + +“Ah, don’t evade me! Roderick says that you were implicated in it! +Harcourt feared it; Ashley too.” + +“Your memory is not of the longest, Chris. Did we not discuss this +question at the time?” + +“Ay, sir. You told me then that it was a lie.” + +“Am I likely to tell you that it was the truth now?” + +“Tell me again, sir! You are not intriguing?” + +“I was not.” + +“I knew it! I knew it! But----” + +“Well?” + +“Roderick says that you acted envoy to the Prince of Orange last year. +Roderick would not lie to me!” + +Roxhythe seemed to consider. + +“Why not?” he said at last. “I have done it before, and you too.” + +“It was different then! We acted for the country; Ashley was privy to +it. Roderick says that this time you acted for King Charles’ private +ends--to gain money for him!” + +“I admire your brother’s imagination, Chris.” + +“I would I could think it only that! But he writes so earnestly.” + +“Yes. I had noticed that he seemed concerned,” nodded my lord. + +“He is concerned. And, sir, if you can intrigue with the Stadtholder +for the King, I suppose you can intrigue for him with Louis. You told +me naught of your journey to Holland; I cannot help wondering how many +times you have plotted without my knowledge.” + +“I wish you would sit down,” murmured my lord. + +Christopher ignored him. He was controlling himself with difficulty. + +“And now I wonder if it was indeed to Monmouth that I took that letter. +At the time I thought--it strange--that I should give it to Cherrywood. +I--oh, my lord, my lord! Tell me that my suspicions are without +foundation! It is not possible that you should have used me as a tool! +You could not have done it! You would not!” + +“My dear Chris, why all this excitement? I could not have done it. I +would not! _Voilà!_” + +“I wish--oh, how I wish that I could believe you!” cried Christopher. + +“Oh? Why can you not?” + +“Sir, forgive me if I malign you, but you have so often journeyed to +France--I--and then when you were ill, I had to go--and--oh, I have +been warned so many, many times!” He spoke very bitterly. “De Staal +told me not to trust you; Harcourt, Ashley, Lady Frances, Roderick! And +I--thought--them--fools.” + +“Belike they were.” + +“You mean?” There was suppressed eagerness in his voice. + +“Why, I mean that I have done you no harm nor am not like to.” + +“It was in truth a letter to Monmouth?” + +Roxhythe looked at him haughtily. + +“Is His Majesty’s word not enough?” + +“I wish I might be convinced! But you see what Roderick says! The army +stands against Holland now. Everything comes back to me! Milward’s +strange words which I did not understand; the presence of so many +Frenchmen in the camp. Oh, my lord, don’t evade me! Or--” he stopped. +“Is it possible that you too work in the dark? Do you know naught?” + +Roxhythe stiffened. His eyes expressed blank amazement. + +“I? _Cordieu_, Christopher, do you take me for a catspaw?” + +Christopher took an uneasy pace across the room. + +“I suppose not. You were then privy to the whole affair. The King sold +himself to France in very truth! You can deny it if you will, but +something tells me that it is so.” + +Roxhythe twisted his rings. + +“It seems that I must explain. Sit down.” + +Christopher sank into the nearest chair. + +“First,” my lord spoke sternly, “I’d have you remember the oath you +swore to His Majesty.” + +“Never to divulge by word or sign--oh, ay! I see it all now!” + +“Endeavour to be less insane, Christopher. I did go to the Prince of +Orange last year. King Charles is in need of money as your brother so +sagely remarks. But the Prince is stubborn. He is imbued with the same +false views that Roderick holds. Again I failed with him. So perforce, +His Majesty turned to France. As to selling himself--pooh! He holds +King Louis in the palm of his hand. He does not intend to make serious +war on the Dutch, nor to further Louis’ interests abroad. He seeks +only to squeeze Louis of money. It is true that we had some sort of a +treaty, but you need not fear that Louis will profit by it.” He paused, +looking at his secretary. + +“And this,” said Christopher, “is honour!” + +“It is a game, Christopher, called Politics. You cannot hope to +understand the workings of the game; one must be bred up in it. You may +not condemn that which you do not understand.” + +“I had sooner not understand,” replied Christopher. “It is too black, +too dishonourable!” He laughed strangely. “Politics! To keep faith with +no one! To try to trick your fellows!” + +“It is the law of life, my child.” + +“No, sir. I will never believe that. And it is not politic to work +behind the Country’s back.” + +“The Country has not treated us exiles so well that we need consider +it,” answered my lord. + +“The Country should stand first with every Englishman!” + +“So you say who have had naught but good from the Country.” + +“Nothing would make me alter my opinions!” + +“Why, that is very noble! We look on this from different standpoints. I +owe allegiance to none save the King.” + +“And I--thought the King--Oh, I cannot bear it!” + +“You thought the King more than human. He is as other men, save that he +has more brain than all your patriotic dunderheads clubbed together. +What you call love for Country is in reality love for blundering, +senseless policy which is not worthy of the name. Your honest statesmen +would bring the Country lower than ever King Charles would. Do you +think I have not experienced all your feelings? I thought the same as +you when I was young. But I was wiser than you are. I saw that King +Charles was the man to follow, not ‘the Country.’ I too had to choose +which path I would tread. I chose to serve the King. I have seen a +great deal in my time, Christopher, but never that the King worked harm +on the Country. I have learnt to place my trust in him. You would do +well to learn that lesson too. If you are to take an active part in +politics of to-day, you must follow the King, or those of our number +whom you believe to be ‘the Country.’” + +“I would follow them! At least they are honest!” + +“To what avail? What good is honesty in a world of vice? Is Louis +honest? You know that he is not. What weapons shall we fight him with +but his own?” + +“You do not fight him! You play into his hands!” + +“There speaks your ignorance. The King plays into no man’s hands.” + +“Save his own!” + +Roxhythe was silent. + +Christopher clasped and unclasped his hands. + +“I can understand that having chosen to follow the King you should +speak in this vein. I can understand that you would do aught for +him. But to trick me! to make me instrumental in selling England to +France!--ay, my lord, you may say what you will, but that is what has +been done!--I--it--oh, my lord, I trusted you so!” + +The pent-up cry left Roxhythe unmoved. + +“It was you or the King, Christopher. You should have followed your +brother’s advice and left me long ago.” + +“I would I had! I would I had listened to Roderick in the first place! +But I thought you so good! so honourable! And all the time you were +deceiving me, lying to me as you lied to me in ’70 when I asked what +you did in Paris! My lord, it would have been kinder to have told me!” + +A little hardness crept into my lord’s voice. + +“Mayhap. But you were useful to me. You shielded me from suspicion by +your very ignorance.” + +“I--thought you cared--for me--a little! I loved you--so greatly! I +would have done--anything in the world for you! And you--tricked me.” + +“I do care for you, Chris.” + +“Ah, no! You would never have treated me thus! I was--useful--to you.” + +Roxhythe shrugged and opened his comfit-box. + +“You make too much out of too little,” he said. “And you speak of +matters above your head.” + +“It may seem a little to you, sir. You care naught for Country or +patriotism. But I, I have been bred to think only of that! You knew it! +You knew how I would have revolted from the task had I known the truth.” + +The brown eyes narrowed. Still colder became that passionless voice. + +“Exactly,” bowed his lordship. + +“I see,” said Christopher wearily. “You are as ruthless as they said. +It did not matter what would be my feelings when I discovered the +truth. The only thing that mattered was that King Charles should have +his way.” + +“Your sagacity is quite astounding,” said Roxhythe. + +“And the King--I was so proud to be chosen for the task; so proud to +kiss his hand; I believed in him so implicitly. And he joined with you +in tricking me!” + +Roxhythe ate another comfit. + +Slowly Christopher picked up his brother’s letter. His mouth was very +set, his eyes bewildered, terribly hurt. + +“I cannot as yet--quite realize--everything,” he said unsteadily. +“It--it takes time, my lord, to undo--the belief--of years. And it has +come so--suddenly.” + +“When you have considered the matter you will think differently,” +replied Roxhythe, snapping his comfit-box. “There’s no harm done; only +a jar to a rather fanatic love for Country.” + +“I shall not think differently. I--I must think what I shall do. +My--brain feels numbed. I--I can’t realize that you whom I loved and +respected so have done this thing.” + +“‘This thing’ is so delightfully tragic,” remarked my lord. + +Christopher walked to the door. His hand trembled as he pulled back the +curtain. + +“You’ll--give me leave, sir.” + +“Yes,” said Roxhythe. + +Christopher went out. + +For a long time after he had gone Roxhythe sat twisting his rings, and +staring out of the window. At last he gave the faintest of sighs, and +shrugged. The smile that came to his lips was not mirthful. + + + + + CHAPTER X + + THE BITTER HOUR + + +ALL that day and the next Christopher avoided Roxhythe. He was battling +with himself, fighting against what he believed to be wrong. + +The blow to his patriotism had been severe, the blow to his love for +Roxhythe severer, but what had been the severest of all was the blow +to his pride. He would not admit it, but it was true. At twenty-eight +pride is tender. It was not pleasant to think that he had been duped so +easily and used as a catspaw. It galled him unbearably. + +Nothing could kill his love for Roxhythe. It had grown and deepened +during nine years; a single blow was not enough to quench it. But the +trust was gone. Never again could he believe in my lord. He might +pretend, but he knew that in his heart would always be suspicion. He +knew now that Roxhythe was the King’s chief adviser and negotiator. +When my lord disappeared again, mysteriously, he would know that he +was gone on secret business, nefarious business. Men would continue +to question him; how could he quiet their fears, knowing the truth? +If he assured these questioners of Roxhythe’s innocence he would be +acting for my lord, against all that was upright and good. Yet if he +left my lord, what else did life hold for him? All these years he had +been wrapped up in this one man, managing his affairs, accompanying him +almost everywhere, living for him alone. Everyone else had ceased to +count with him; Roxhythe was the beginning and the end. + +Bitterly he reflected that he had learnt never to question my lord’s +actions, to trust in him always, to take up the cudgels on his behalf. +In return for this he had been tricked in cold blood. Roxhythe was +ruthless; Christopher saw that in his turn he was engrossed in one +man. All must give way before the King, even he who had served my lord +so faithfully for so long. Then came the still more bitter thought: +Roxhythe did not care how he had hurt him. He could not, even in the +moment of discovery, abandon his flippancy. He treated the whole affair +as an amusing episode; he laughed at Christopher’s discomfiture. + +Christopher tried to imagine what life would be if he continued in +Roxhythe’s service. It seemed impossible. His spirit rebelled against +working for one who plotted and schemed behind the Country’s back. In +time he might perhaps be drawn under by Roxhythe’s influence; he might +become as cynical as Roxhythe; he might lose all his patriotism, even +as Roxhythe had done. + +Of the King he could scarcely bear to think. Charles had cast his spell +over him, had inspired him with enthusiastic loyalty. He had refused +to listen to ill of him; he had thought him all that was best and most +noble. Now that ideal was shattered and lay in the dust at his feet. + +Seated by the open window, looking out into the dusk, a great +loneliness crept over Christopher. There was no one to whom he could +speak; no one who would listen to the unburdening of his heart. He had +sworn an oath to Charles that he would never disclose the secret of his +mission to Flanders. That secret must remain with him to the very end, +an everlasting shame to haunt him all his life. + +He had wanted to serve his country. Instead, he had worked against her, +helped to lower her honour.... + +The wind blew in at the window, coldly, and moaned a little through the +trees without. Only a few embers burned in the grate; the candles were +unlit. Christopher did not care. He was cold through and through, but +he did not shut the window. He was facing the first big crisis in his +life, and he was terribly afraid lest he should play the coward’s part. + +He knew that his mind was made up and that he must leave Roxhythe. No +argument was strong enough to convince him that it would be right to +remain. Perhaps Roxhythe would trick him again did the need arise. +There would never be trust in him now, and suspicion would surely kill +his love. And Roxhythe cared nothing for him. He was merely a useful +acquisition. He must leave Roxhythe. But it was hard. Love for man was +greater at this moment than love for Country. Right must in the end +triumph over wrong, but not without a struggle.... + +Christopher looked round the familiar room. It had been his for eight +years. A lump rose in his throat.... + +Another aspect presented itself. Roxhythe had been good to him before +this disaster. He had treated him more as a son than as a secretary. +Did he not owe something to him? Why had Roxhythe been so good to +him? Was it only that he might be of use to him? Christopher had set +many uneasy minds at rest in ’70, because he himself had believed in +Roxhythe. Nothing is so convincing as innocence. Now that he knew +the truth he could not set minds at rest. He could not pose and +counterfeit, even if he wished. It seemed likely that Roxhythe would no +longer have any use for him. + +Then Christopher’s head went down on the hard sill, despairingly.... + +Roxhythe had a card-party that night. Christopher should have dined +with him, and seen that all was in order. He could not face the inane +gaiety, the senseless laughter, the foolish witticisms. He rose jerkily +and took up his hat and cloak. In a little while the visitors would +arrive; he would hear their voices floating up to his room; to-night he +could not bear it. He went quickly out of the room and down the stairs. +An amazed footman opened the door for him and watched him descend +the steps. Christopher did not care what he thought; only one thing +mattered, and that was that he should be out of the house before dinner. + +He did not return until after eleven. The same footman admitted him and +afterwards remarked to his brethren that Mr. Dart looked for all the +world as though he had seen a ghost. + +Christopher went slowly upstairs. A burst of laughter from the library +made him wince. He was very tired.... + +My Lord Roxhythe did not appear next morning until twelve o’clock. He +came downstairs then, hat in hand, and his gloves already on. + +Christopher met him at the foot of the stairs, barring his passage. + +“My lord, may I speak to you--privately?” + +Roxhythe paused, his hand on the baluster. He stood just above his +secretary, looking down into the pale face with eyes that were quite +expressionless. + +“My dear Chris, I am pressed for time. His Majesty expects me.” + +“I can wait no longer, sir. His Majesty would not grudge me ten +minutes.” + +The straight brows rose perceptibly. + +“My lord,” said Christopher earnestly. “I think you owe me this.” + +Roxhythe resumed his passage downstairs. + +“It is never wise to take that tone with me,” he remarked. + +Christopher laid a hand on his arm. + +“Sir, I do beg you will speak to me now! I--I cannot wait!” + +The hand was removed. + +“Neither can I,” said his lordship. He went on calmly across the hall. + +“You will not?” cried Christopher. His eyes flashed. + +“I shall be in at three,” replied Roxhythe. The next moment he was gone. + +It was the one thing needed to clinch the matter for ever. If Roxhythe +had acted differently, if he had exerted himself never so slightly to +placate Christopher, love for man might had triumphed. But that was not +Roxhythe’s way. + +Christopher fretted and chafed under the added wrong. By three o’clock +there was no doubt left in his mind which way he should decide. + +He went to the library to wait for my lord. + +Punctual to the minute came Roxhythe. He surveyed his secretary coolly +and laid his hat on the table. + +Christopher came forward. He was holding fast to his decision. At the +sight of Roxhythe it threatened to slip away. No slight that my lord +could inflict would ever destroy the magic of his presence. + +“I--suppose you--you have guessed why I want to speak to you, sir,” +said Christopher unsteadily. + +Roxhythe drew off his gloves. + +“No. May I ask why you were not present last night?” + +The old flush rose to Christopher’s cheeks. + +“I--could not. I was in no mood for it.” + +“I am sorry,” said Roxhythe. “Perhaps you will inform me next time you +feel like that.” + +“There will be no next time,” answered Christopher very quietly. + +“I am relieved to hear you say so.” + +“You do not take my meaning, sir. I desire to--to offer you my +resignation.” His voice trembled in spite of all his efforts to control +it. + +There was a long silence. + +“Oh!” said Roxhythe. “Very well.” + +So this was the end. Christopher walked slowly to the door. There was +a buzzing in his ears, his feet were like lead. He put out his hand +to draw back the curtain. He must hold his head high; he must not let +Roxhythe see his misery. + +“Chris?” + +The drawling voice reached him, full of caress. He wheeled about, saw +my lord’s outstretched hand, and stumbled back to where he stood, +falling on his knees beside him, the hand pressed to his lips. There +was a choking lump in his throat; desperately he clung to that strong, +white hand. The fingers closed on his. + +“So you’ll leave me, Chris?” + +“I must, I must! My lord, how can I stay after--after--” he broke off +hopelessly. + +“I see no reason why you should not.” + +“It--is impossible. I could--never--trust you again. If you went on +King Charles his business--I should know, and--feel that I was helping +to plot against my country.” + +“You rate yourself high,” said that even voice. “And I thought I told +you that it is France, not England that we trick?” + +“It is almost as bad. Oh, my lord, I have been taught to act honestly +always--heaven knows I am wavering--but it is no honourable thing to +trick any man by fair words! I cannot, cannot remain with you! There +would always be suspicion; I should be of no further use to you, and--I +should be wretched!” + +“Where is your vaunted love for me?” asked my lord sadly. + +Christopher kissed his hand. + +“It will always be there sir! Nothing could kill it--I--I would give my +life for you.” + +“Yet when I ask you to stay with me you refuse.” + +“Do not--oh, do not! It means--sacrificing my honour--my pride--I--oh, +cannot you see that it is impossible?” + +“Honour and pride count for more than Roxhythe?” + +“Sir, it is right against wrong! You might persuade me to remain with +you, but always I should know that I was doing wrong. I--it is--oh, do +you think it is not breaking my heart to leave you?” + +“Chris, try to look at the matter in a more sensible light. You assume +that I am the greatest villain unhanged. In fact, you are melodramatic.” + +“I cannot look at it in what you call a sensible light. I can only see +that you intrigue for His Majesty’s private ends, breaking treaties, +selling England--and--I--I cannot be privy to it!” + +“Have I asked you to be privy to it?” + +“I have eyes, sir. I should know when you went to France what was your +mission. I--could not--shield you from suspicion. People have always +tried to squeeze me concerning you. How could I re-assure them, knowing +the truth?” He did not look up; he dared not. + +“Perhaps you are right,” said Roxhythe. He sighed. “I am sorry.” + +“I--I cannot make evasive replies; I cannot counterfeit. It might even +be that I should--all unwittingly--betray you.” + +“You could not do that. I am not a clumsy intriguer. But I suppose you +must have your own way.” Again he sighed. “We tread different paths.” + +“Yes--sir. You choose to follow King; I--I cleave to--Country.” + +“But mine, Chris, is the better part.” + +“No, sir, no. Yours is the--tempting part--but I believe that mine is +the right.” + +“We shall not agree on that score,” answered Roxhythe. He looked round +the room. “Oddsblood, I shall miss you, Chris. You have been with me +for so long.” + +“Nine--years,” said Christopher, little above a whisper. “I, oh, my +dear lord, why did you do it? Why did you trick me? I had never found +out else! Why, why did you do it?” + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“Is that the way the wind blows? I believe I could persuade you very +easily if I tried.” + +Christopher shook his head. + +“No--do not try!” + +“I shall not. I’ll not have you here against your will. Nine years! You +must have become a habit, Christopher.” + +“Yes--that is all. You will not--miss me for long. You will have +another--secretary--you will forget that there ever was--a Christopher. +’Tis I who--shall not forget.” + +“Another secretary.... It seems strange.” + +Christopher’s hold on his hand tightened. + +“Don’t speak of it, sir! I--can’t--bear it!” + +Roxhythe bent over him. + +“Look at me, Chris!” + +The grey, almost blue eyes met his. + +“You mean it, Chris? You’ll leave me?” + +Christopher tried to wrench his gaze away but the steady brown eyes +held his. He drew a deep breath. + +“Yes, sir. I--must.” + +Roxhythe straightened. He drew his hand away. + +“I thought I could bend you to my will, Chris,” he said. “It seems I +was wrong. Well, what now?” + +Christopher rose. + +“I shall stay until you have--found a--secretary, sir--of course.” + +“Thank you. And then?” + +“Then--I do not know. I cannot think of the future--as yet.” + +Roxhythe looked at him thoughtfully. + +“One thing, Chris, I want you to remember always. Whatever happens, +whenever you will, you may return to me. Don’t forget it, child. I +shall welcome you back no matter when you come. And if you ever want +help, call upon me.” + +“You--are very good, sir. I--will--remember.” + +Roxhythe nodded. He watched Christopher go out of the room. Then he +picked up his hat and gloves. + +“So ends the one friendship,” he said aloud. “I wonder--is it worth +it?” + + + + + BOOK IV + + THE ONE PART + + + + + CHAPTER I + + THE NEW MASTER + + +IN April of 1677 Christopher left Roxhythe after nine long years +and took rooms in Cheapside. After the first struggle he seemed to +sink into a state of apathy. He hardly stirred from his rooms and he +received no one. At present he was living in some horrible nightmare; +he could not even now realise all that had happened. + +In May of the same year Lady Frances returned from Scotland where she +had been staying. She made her curtsey to the King at Whitehall and +stayed by his side for some time, laughing and talking with him in +a reminiscent vein. After that she exchanged frivolities with Lord +Buckhurst. It was at that moment that Roxhythe appeared on the scene. + +He stood for some while by the King, but presently he perceived his +cousin and came across the room towards her. + +Lady Frances gave him her hand. + +“Well, David!” She eyed Lord Buckhurst with her head on one side. “Dear +me, Charles, I believe Lady Finchley wants you!” + +He laughed in answer to her twinkling glance. + +“Which means that you do not? Very well! I’ll go!” He strolled off to +join Killigrew. + +Lady Frances smiled up at Roxhythe. + +“Charles is very charming, is he not?” she said. “Sit down, David. How +are you?” + +“The same as ever,” he answered. “And you?” + +“How do I look?” she parried. + +“Marvellous!” he said lazily. + +“Then that is how I feel. How is Chris?” + +My lord regarded the rosettes on his shoes. + +“I really don’t know. He has left me.” + +Lady Frances gasped. + +“Left you? Christopher? Good gracious, Roxhythe, what has happened?” + +“We had a difference of opinion and he decided that our ways lay apart.” + +Lady Frances to some extent recovered her composure. She laid a +compelling hand on his arm. + +“Roxhythe, you must have shown yourself very vile! I insist on knowing +everything!” + +“I am sorry to have to disappoint you, my dear. Suffice it that we +agreed to part.” + +“It does not suffice! Something terrible must have happened to induce +Chris to leave you.” + +“No, not at all.” + +“Roxhythe, do not play with me! He is--disillusioned?” + +“Thoroughly.” + +“He knows that you are not--so idle?” + +My lord raised his brows. + +“Oh, pho! You know very well that I see through your pose! Others may +be blind, but I am not. You are the King his man.” + +“Is not this a rather public spot wherein to discuss such matters?” + +“Has Chris found out?” + +“Why not ask him?” + +“I shall! Have no fear of that! But I want it from your lips. Oh, come, +David! I too have lived in intrigue; I am not blameless myself. Chris +discovered that you were plotting?” + +“Something of the sort!” + +“And so he left you? No, that is not enough. You used him?” + +“You should have been born a man, my dear.” + +“My mother knew better. Did you use Christopher?” + +“You weary me,” said Roxhythe. “You were never wont to do that. I did +use him.” + +“Then you are utterly without a heart, without shame! You are +loathsome!” said my lady vehemently. + +“You always knew that I had no heart. Shame is an unknown quantity. +But as to loathsome ... h’m!” + +“It is true. Oh, David, why did you do it?” + +“I forget. There was a reason.” + +“For heaven’s sake don’t be flippant!” she snapped. “Where is +Christopher?” + +“In rooms. 94, Cheapside.” + +“I shall tell him to visit me. Perhaps he will be more explicit!” + +“I doubt it.” My lord smiled insufferably. + +“We shall see. I suppose you have killed his love for you?” + +“On the contrary.” + +“Do you mean to say that Christopher still adores you?” + +“I believe so.” + +“And you sit there and tell me that in that calm, disinterested way! +Roxhythe, I have never found you less to my taste!” + +He looked into her flashing eyes. She was sitting very straight. + +“Well, my dear, there is a remedy.” He rose. “Pray give me leave!” + +She nodded angrily. My lord strolled back to the King. + +Next day a note was brought to Christopher. The serving-maid bore it up +to his room. + +Christopher was trying to write to his brother. The task was a +difficult one. It was hard to acknowledge himself to have been in the +wrong throughout. + +The serving-maid gave a sniff and proffered the note. When he saw Lady +Frances’ handwriting a little colour came to Christopher’s pale cheeks +and he tore the letter open. It was very short. + +“Deare Chris.--Come and See me this After Noon.--F.M.” + +“Do they await an answer?” asked Christopher. + +“No, sir.” The girl twisted her apron between her fingers and giggled +a little for no better reason than that she admired him. “The footman +went away at once.” + +“Thank you.” + +The maid departed, clattering across the floor in shoes two sizes too +large for her. She was something of a contrast to the well-trained +lackeys at Bevan House. + +That afternoon Christopher surveyed his many suits deliberately. If he +was to wait on Lady Fanny he must be carefully dressed. At the back +of the cupboard hung a brown velvet suit, heavily laced with gold. +Christopher fingered it dreamily. He had worn this coat last when he +had returned from Flanders.... Then there was the blue cloth with +its cream facings. That had been bought for a garden-party at Lady +Pommeroy’s house. Roxhythe had worn apricot velvet.... He put it back +slowly. The lilac velvet? No.... That had been his summer suit down at +Bevan last year.... The grey cloth with the pale blue ribands?... Not +that. Roxhythe had approved of that dress. What was it he had said?... +Almost roughly Christopher thrust it back into the cupboard. From its +depths he drew a green coat laced with silver. He had seldom worn this, +thinking it ugly. Well, it should be worn now. He shut the cupboard. + +An hour later he was ushered into Lady Fanny’s boudoir. + +Frances looked up quickly, scanning his face as he made his leg. She +was shocked at the change that had taken place. There was no sparkle in +his eyes, no colour in his face. He had aged extraordinarily since last +she had seen him. + +“My very dear Chris!” She came forward, hands outstretched. + +He took them in his. + +“How kind of you to invite me, Lady Frances! I did not know you were in +town.” His voice was graver than of old. + +“Dear boy, it was more of a summons!” she smiled. “Now come and sit +down beside me and tell me everything.” She drew him to a couch. + +“I don’t think that there is much to tell,” said Christopher, trying +hard to sound unconcerned. “You heard that I have left Roxhythe?” + +“Yes, Chris. Tell me all about it.” She patted his hand as she spoke. +“You know that I can be discreet.” + +“It’s nothing, Lady Fanny. I found that I wanted to leave--so I--left.” +He spoke with would-be lightness. + +“Chris, that is not enough. I have seen Roxhythe, and I know that +something has happened.” + +“Oh, no! I was tired of playing secretary. I am a man of leisure now!” + +“And do you like it, Chris?” + +He looked away. + +“Tell me, dear boy....” + +“I can’t!” + +“You can. Roxhythe has treated you shamefully I know.” + +A wry smile twisted his lips. + +“Don’t say you warned me!” + +“Of course I shall not! He used you in some way? tricked you?” + +“That I cannot tell you. But you will be glad to know--that my eyes are +open--at last.” + +“I am not glad, dear. I am very, very sorry. You thought he was----” + +“I thought he was the soul of honour and truth. Well, I was mistaken.” + +“He has hurt you badly, then. It was bound to happen. He lives only for +the King. It is his one good point.” + +“Not at all. He has many good points. Don’t think that I have ceased +to care for him! I love him as much as before--but I--cannot live with +him. Shall we talk of something else?” His eyes pleaded. + +“Yes, Chris. We will talk of what you contemplate doing.” + +“I hardly know. I thought I would continue to be a man of leisure. I +find I must have some occupation.” + +“Quite right. What have you thought of?” + +“A secretaryship, I suppose.” + +Lady Frances nodded briskly. + +“You’ve someone in mind?” + +“Not yet.” + +“Then I know the very thing for you!” + +Christopher looked apprehensive. + +“What is it, Lady Frances?” + +“Do you know Sir Richard Worth?” + +“One of the Country Party?” + +“Yes; under Cavendish.” + +“I believe I have seen him. I do not know him.” + +“It so happens that he is in need of a secretary. Jasper knows him. You +must apply for the post.” + +“Oh--oh--I do not think so!” + +“Indeed yes! It is the very thing for you. You want occupation, and it +had best be with a man very different from Roxhythe.” + +“But I doubt--I am not fitted for--public work.” + +“You will learn. Your name stands in your favour----” + +“And my nine years’ service to Roxhythe stands well against me.” + +“That is true, of course. However, I shall see what can be done. I have +bidden Sir Richard to dinner to-night. I shall talk gently to him.” + +“Please do not, Lady Frances! Indeed, I do not think that I want to be +his secretary!” + +“Whose then?” + +“I don’t know--I----” + +“Very well then! No, you must not argue! You do not want to do anything +but mope at home. And I say you are not to. Have you any objection to +Worth?” + +“No. I know nothing about him.” + +“Then apply for the post. Ah, Chris, please!” + +“It’s very kind of you, Lady Fanny. I’ll apply for it. After all, what +odds does it make whom I serve?” + +“There! I knew you would be sensible. And you’ll wait on him to-morrow?” + +“If you like.” + +“I do like. And Chris--don’t wear that dress! Indeed, green becomes you +not.” + +He smiled. + +“I’ll go clad in sober black.” + +“No, nor that either. Wear that nice blue coat worked with cream.” + +There was a slight pause. + +“Yes,” said Christopher. + +He did go, although against his inclination. When he arrived at Worth’s +house he was ushered into the study, which was severely furnished and +dark, and which looked out on to the backs of houses. Christopher +shivered. A single ray of sunlight contrived to squeeze in at the +window and showed a million specks of dust. + +The door opened. A short, middle-aged man came into the room, +Christopher’s card in his hand. + +“Mr. Dart?” The voice was fussy, slightly peevish. + +Christopher bowed. + +Sir Richard clasped his hand. + +“Yours is an old name. I knew your father. A most noble gentleman.” + +Again Christopher bowed. + +“Yes. Well, will you be seated? Oh, there are papers on the chair! +Allow me!” He cleared the documents on to the table. Christopher +thanked him. + +Worth sat down at the writing-table and rested his arms on it. + +“Lady Frances Montgomery advised me of your coming to-day. A charming +lady! Charming!” + +Christopher suppressed a smile. Evidently Fanny had exerted herself to +captivate Sir Richard. + +Worth came back to earth. + +“Charming, yes. I understand you have been secretary to my Lord +Roxhythe?” + +“I have had that honour, Sir Richard, for nine years.” + +“Well, well! May I ask why you left him? Do not think me impertinent! +But it is just as well to know everything, is it not?” + +This was almost amusing. Worth was indeed a contrast to Roxhythe. +Christopher found himself thinking of another interview that had taken +place at eleven at night in rooms over-looking the river. How typical +of my lord that was! + +“Er--certainly, sir. I left because I wanted a change. He will speak +for me, I know.” + +“Ah, yes, yes, of course! That is excellent. You understand that this +is rather different work from what you have been accustomed to?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“Don’t think that I mean to infer that you are not capable of +undertaking it! But I think it would be a great change. Is that not so?” + +“Yes, sir. I have done little save manage the affairs of my lord’s +estate.” + +“Just as I thought. Exactly. No matter. Of course I need hardly say +this to James Dart his son, but great discretion would be required of +you an you worked for me. Here we handle State affairs which must not +be talked of.” + +“I understand that, sir.” + +“Ah, yes, yes, naturally. I am sure that you would prove discreet. You +said, I think, that Lord Roxhythe would speak for you?” + +“I did.” + +“Yes. You’ll forgive me, Mr. Dart, but I marvel that you stayed so long +in his service.” + +Christopher stiffened. + +“Indeed, sir?” + +“I had thought that James Dart his son would not have been in the +company of such as Roxhythe.” + +“Sir, I think it as well to tell you that Lord Roxhythe commands my +highest regards.” + +“Dear, dear! Of course he has great fascination. I have heard of it. A +powerful man.” + +“Very,” said Christopher. + +“Forgive me again, but do you realize that the atmosphere of my house +is very different from Lord Roxhythe’s?” + +Christopher glanced round the untidy room. + +“Yes,” he said. The faintest of smiles flickered across his mouth. + +“I live very quietly. I fear I am no brilliant courtier. I am but a +patriot. I do trust you are not imbued with Lord Roxhythe his views.” + +“I regret, sir, I cannot tell you what are his views.” + +“That is very well, very well. And so you desire to fill the post of +secretary to me?” + +Christopher sighed. + +“That is my desire, sir.” + +“Yes. Well, Mr. Dart, I will not disguise the fact that good--above +all discreet--secretaries are not easily come by these days. Your name +stands greatly in your favour. And of course Sir Jasper Montgomery’s +recommendation is sufficient. With your permission I will write to Lord +Roxhythe. And then, if you are agreeable, I should suggest a week’s +trial.” + +“Very well, Sir Richard. I shall try to satisfy you.” + +“Of course, of course! Let me see--have you not an elder brother?” + +“Roderick, sir. He is with the Prince of Orange.” + +“Is that so? Very interesting to be sure. Though we cannot afford to +lose good patriots in these times.” + +Christopher rose. + +“Roderick has been with the Prince for many years, sir. He is very +devoted.” + +“Ah yes, naturally. A remarkable young man, is he not? Remarkable.” He +ushered his visitor out. + +Christopher walked slowly down Bishopsgate Street. Suddenly he laughed +mirthlessly, and his hand clenched on his glove. What a fool he was +not to return to Roxhythe! Why should he enter the service of this +uncongenial man? Why should he not go to his master and beg to be +allowed to come back? But he knew that he would never do that. A fool +he might be, but he knew that he was acting rightly. He thought how +Roxhythe would have enjoyed the interview with Worth, and laughed +again. There swept over him an overwhelming longing to see that tall, +graceful figure again, to hear the lazy voice, to feel the pressure of +those tapering fingers. He walked on, biting his lip. + +Two days later came a letter from Roxhythe. Christopher’s hands +trembled as he broke the seal. + + “MY DEARE CHRIS.--Who in God’s Name is Worth? Some + Psalm-singing Puritan, I’ll be bound. Eschew his Company. I spoke of + you Very Highly, though I was minded to Malign you when I saw who + your Future Master was to be. + + “My secretary is a Fool. I implore you to take Pity on me. Or if Ye + will not, at least Visitt me Some Day.--ROXHYTHE.” + +Christopher folded the missive tenderly and slipped it into his pocket. +Every nerve urged him to go to Roxhythe who wanted him, but his will +held him back. Once in my lord’s presence the spell would be cast over +him again, and all the old agony would return. + +He answered the letter at length, and told my lord that as yet he could +not face an interview. He assured Roxhythe of his undying affection. It +was a pathetic, wistful letter that tried hard to be cheerful. + +My lord read it and laid it aside. + +“A pity,” he reflected. “He was so much more restful than this dolt.” + + + + + CHAPTER II + + THE COMING OF WILLIAM + + +“MY dear David, it is a marvellous scheme.” + +Roxhythe turned his hand so that the rings on it flashed in the +sunlight. + +“It seems very well. But what says the Prince?” + +He was walking with the King in the Privy Gardens at Whitehall. + +Charles shrugged. + +“He has refused hitherto, but this time I think he will consent.” + +“Oh. And what says the Lady Mary?” + +“She’s a child. Therefore foolish.” + +My lord smiled. + +“I thought so. And the Duke?” + +“David, there are moments when ye would try the patience of a saint! Do +you expect me to listen to James his plaints?” + +“After all, she is his daughter,” murmured Roxhythe. + +“He should not count her above the nation,” returned Charles piously. + +Roxhythe’s shoulders shook. + +“Oh, lud!” + +Charles bit his lip. Then he too burst out laughing. + +“Fie on you, David! This time I have the nation’s good at heart.” + +“Very well, Sir. So the Lady Mary must be sacrificed.” + +“Sacrificed!” + +“Sire, you have had but a fleeting glance of your nephew. And that was +seven years ago. You have not seen your nephew’s court.” + +“No. Is it still so dreary?” + +“Ineffably. I do pity the Lady Mary.” + +“She will grow accustomed to it,” said Charles comfortably. “At all +events the thing must be done.” + +“It is wise, I grant you. But you were never so set on it until now. Do +I see the hand of Danby?” + +“Partly. He is mad for it. I think he is suffering from an attack of +patriotism. He is subject to them.” + +“Sir, Danby is a waverer. He is greatly disliked.” + +“He will last a little longer. He has his uses.” + +Roxhythe frowned. + +“True. But not much longer. When does the Prince land?” + +Charles plucked a rose and twirled it between his fingers. + +“Next week. Odds, I am anxious to see him again.” + +“Does he know for what he is invited?” + +“I suppose so. You say he is no fool.” + +“No. Therefore I expect him to comply very readily with your desires. I +never understood why he refused before. He is very secret.” + +Charles nodded. They pursued their way along the ordered walks. +Presently the King waved his hand towards the south side of the gardens +where were the Duchess of Cleveland’s apartments. + +“Bab swears she is for Paris,” he remarked. + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“I gather her Grace of Portsmouth has annoyed her?” + +“Bab was ever a termagant. I hope she will return, though I have been +worn to a shred by her passions. Mine is a hard lot.” + +Roxhythe looked inquiringly. + +“Why? Because two women quarrel?” + +“Oons, no! I was thinking of this marriage.” + +“I thought you were so eager for it?” + +“On the one side I am; Louis is coming too close. But on the other side +I do not wish to offend him. He’ll take this very ill. However, I hope +for peace.” + +Roxhythe was amused. + +“What! Do you think that the dreary argufyers at Nimeguen will have +done at last?” + +“I do trust so. I count on it.” + +“You are grown sanguine, Sir,” said Roxhythe drily. + +Across the lawn came Danby, hurrying. He bowed to the King. + +“Sire, the latest news is that Buckingham, Salisbury, and Wharton +humbly submit, and plead your mercy.” + +The King looked at his favourite. + +“Very proper,” said my lord. “And Ashley?” + +“Oh, Shaftesbury is obdurate, sir! He appeals to the law.” + +“Does he so?” said Charles, amused. “What good does he think will come +of it?” + +“Heaven knows, Sir! I think he hopes to raise an outcry.” + +“Very likely. Well, let him appeal. He is out of harm’s way. What of +the others, Davy?” + +“I should release them, Sir, an they are properly repentant.” + +“You hear, Danby?” + +“Yes, Sir. Will you sign the orders?” + +“Not now. Some other time.” + +“Very well, Sir.” Danby bowed and walked away. + +“Vengeance is satisfied, Roxhythe?” + +“Amply, Sir. He’ll not annoy me again.” + +“If he knows whom he has to thank for his imprisonment.” + +“Oh, he knows!” replied my lord. “He probably realizes the futility of +fighting against it.” + +“I am glad that you are not my enemy,” grimaced Charles. + + * * * * * + +Next week, on the day of the Prince’s arrival, the great hall at the +Palace was crowded. The King stood by Lord Danby, talking gaily; a +little to his left sat the Queen, Roxhythe at her elbow, the Ladies +Mary and Anne behind her. Lord Dorset was near the door, in a knot of +courtiers; Killigrew stood by the window, one of another group. Near +the King was the Duke of York; his wife, Mary, sat beside the Queen. + +The room was a riot of colour, and over all was a buzz of +conversation. Then, suddenly, fell a hush. The great curtain at one end +was swung back; into the hall came a slight, plainly dressed young man +with auburn curls falling about his hawk face. In his wake were some +half a dozen gentlemen. + +The King stepped forward. As he moved his silks and velvets rustled. + +“My dear nephew! We do give you welcome!” + +Everyone was craning to see the Prince. Many remembered him, but there +were many who had never till this moment set eyes on him. + +Roxhythe noticed very little difference in William. He had aged +somewhat; his face was keener and more lined. He dressed as soberly as +ever, and his manner lacked the courtier’s polish. He seemed strangely +out of place in the midst of this gay throng. + +William bent the knee, kissing the King’s hand. + +“I am honoured to be invited once more to Whitehall, Sir,” he said. He +spoke English well, but with a Dutch accent. + +Charles patted his shoulder. + +“’Tis we who are honoured,” he said. “Come, let me present you to Her +Majesty!” He led William forward. “You remember Prince William, madame?” + +Catherine smiled lifelessly, extending her plump white hand. + +The King’s eye roved round the room. + +“I think you know most of us, William. I’ll not weary you with +introductions!” He bowed to the Duchess of York. “Permit me to present +to you Prince William, madame.” + +Mary bent her head. + +The King smiled at the fair, mischievous girl behind her. + +“Come child!” + +The younger Mary came to him, swaying her brocades. The King took her +hand. + +“You have already met our niece, William.” + +William looked at her searchingly as he bowed. The full lips pouted a +little, the big eyes were downcast. Mary curtseyed. + +“Then we have your uncle, William. James, where are you?” + +The Duke came forward and took the Prince’s hand. + +“We give you welcome, William.” + +Again the King looked round. + +“I’ll not fatigue you, my poor nephew, with needless presentations. +Suffice it is that there stands Lord Dorset, whom you know; over there, +Lord Danby, whom you do not know; beside him, Killigrew; a little to +the right, our good Sedley. A worthless set, I assure you.” + +A shout of laughter went up. + +“They set me at naught,” complained the King, twinkling. + +William smiled mechanically. He never approved of his uncle’s lack of +formality. + +Charles beckoned to Roxhythe. + +“David!... There is one here, William, whom you know better than us +all. Our very dear Roxhythe.” + +William turned sharply. Roxhythe made his profoundest leg. + +“I am delighted to see Your Highness in England again,” he said. + +“Thank you, milor’. I too am delighted to be here. Sire” ... he made a +sign to his suite. “May I present my friend Bentinck?” + +The King was graciously pleased to extend his hand. One by one William +presented his little court. Charles had some good-humoured word for +each. When Roderick made his bow, he detained him. + +“Mr. Dart? We are very pleased to meet you. We do know your brother.” + +Roderick bowed again, flushing. He disapproved of Charles most +strongly, but there did not live the man who could resist his +fascination. + +Charles addressed himself to William. + +“We grudge you our countrymen,” he smiled. “We can ill spare our +patriots.” His glance took in Mynheer Heenvliet. He drew William to a +couch and waved his hand to the rest of the room. + +“You may all continue your conversations!” + +He kept the Prince beside him for some moments, and then he suggested +that William might like to retire. William assented thankfully. He went +out, escorted by his suite. + +Roxhythe strolled up to the King. Arm in arm they walked to one of the +windows. + +“He has not changed much,” said my lord. + +The King shivered. + +“Still the iceberg, only that now he is more icy. I had forgotten his +eyes.” + +“They are rather wonderful, are they not, Sir? And you have not seen +them flash.” + + * * * * * + +William surveyed his bedchamber silently. Everything was very gorgeous, +very rich. He turned to the three men who were with him. + +“I am tired,” he said. “The journey was very tedious. What have we +to-night?” + +Heenvliet answered him. + +“A State dinner, Sir. You would do well to rest.” + +William nodded. + +“Yes. How close it is in here! Dart, will you open me that window? And +then I will be alone for a while. Bentinck, stay with me.” + +The two other men went out. William sank into a chair. + +“What an atmosphere! What splendour!” + +Bentinck sat down. + +“It is a marvellously well appointed palace, Sir. His Majesty was very +gracious.” + +“Yes. I had forgotten that this was your first visit. You see that my +uncle commands great respect for all his lack of etiquette.” + +“A curious people these English,” commented Bentinck. “But King Charles +is very royal for all his joviality.” + +“I have always observed it. You saw my bride to be?” + +“Yes, Sir. She is comely enough.” + +“And pert.” William sighed. “I suppose it must be.” + +“She is very young, Sir.” + +“But she has been bred in this atmosphere of luxury and vice. And her +father is a Catholic. God knows how it will end.” + +Bentinck spoke soothingly. + +“Your Highness is despondent to-day. So young a girl should not be +difficult to influence.” + +“Mayhap. Did you remark Lord Roxhyt’e?” + +“I did, Sir. It was my first sight of him. He is very high with the +King, I am told.” + +William looked up. + +“Oh? You have had speech with one of them?” + +“With one Digby, Sir, while you were with the King. It seems that this +Roxhyt’e is very powerful.” + +“I know. I mislike him, and yet--” he broke off, closing his eyes. +Presently he opened them again. “A State dinner, you said?” + +“Yes, Sir. In your honour. Shall I tell Jan to put out your dress?” + +“Thank you.” + +Bentinck left the room. When he returned the Prince was frowning +slightly. + +“William, did you tell him the orange satin?” + +“No, Sir. Do you wish to wear it?” + +“I think so. We’ll not appear shabby before these English.” + +“Very well, Sir.” Again Bentinck went out. + + * * * * * + +It was not until next evening that Roderick visited his brother. He +found him in, and was taken at once to his room. + +Christopher came forward. + +“Well, Dick!” + +They clasped hands. + +“I expected you,” said Christopher. He drew a chair away from the +window. “Sit down. I have ordered dinner.” + +“You were very sure of me,” smiled Dart. “As it happened it was hard to +leave His Highness. They feast him again to-night.” + +“Yes? I thought you would come, though.” He moved to the door. “Excuse +me one moment.” + +Roderick heard him call to the serving-maid. This new Christopher was +almost a stranger to him. + +“Well, Chris! After seven long years!” + +“So it is! I’faith, it does not seem as much. Did you arrive without +mishap?” + +“A fairly smooth passage. It is good to be in England again.” + +“It must be. How have you fared since I saw you?” + +“Very well. I have been at the Prince his side throughout.” + +“Then you have seen much. How is the Prince?” + +“Tired after the gaieties of last night. We are ill-used to such late +hours. We live very quietly when we are not in camp.” + +“Yes? I suppose there were many people present yesterday?” + +“The room was crowded. I saw some familiar faces, but there were many +whom I did not know at all. Lord Danby for one.” + +Christopher smiled. + +“Oh, we have suffered Danby for some time now. An elegant gentleman, is +he not? Quite amusing when he likes.” + +“You know him?” + +“I have met him several times at Bevan House. Was Roxhythe there last +night?” + +Roderick looked at him narrowly. + +“Yes. My Lord was in high good spirits. He had us all a-laughing many +times.” + +“I expect so. And Sedley?” + +“Yes. Chris, I was very pleased to hear that you had left Roxhythe.” So +he blundered tactlessly on to the raw. + +“Were you?” + +“You saw the truth of what I said?” + +A little of my lord’s famous manner entered into Christopher. Quite +unconsciously he adopted that soft drawl. + +“I really forget what you did say. I left Roxhythe for private reasons.” + +Roderick stared at him. Then he smiled. + +“Very well, we’ll leave it at that.” + +Christopher opened his eyes rather wide. + +“Certainly we shall leave it at that. Oh, I have an invitation for you!” + +“For me?” + +“A very dear friend of mine wants to meet you. Lady Frances Montgomery.” + +“Not the Duke of Rochefort’s daughter?” + +“That is right. Wife of Sir Jasper Montgomery. She is my lord’s cousin +and the sweetest, kindest lady I have ever met.” + +“So! Well I shall be delighted to see her. When are we invited?” + +“When we like. She is always at home in the afternoon. I’ll take you +whenever you are at liberty.” + +“That will be best. I cannot say as yet, as I do not know what commands +His Highness may have for me.” + +Dinner arrived noisily. The serving-maid, conscious of responsibility, +breathed hard through her nostrils as she laid the places. + +Christopher had ordered a very _recherché_ dinner. Life with +Roxhythe had taught him much in this respect. Roderick prepared to +enjoy himself. + +Christopher started to carve a fat partridge. + +“You have heard my latest news?” + +“No. What is it?” + +“Why, I am secretary to the dullest dog in town! Richard Worth.” + +“I do not think I know him. Who is he?” + +“He belongs to what Roxhythe calls ‘our respected Country Party.’ He +seems to have known my father. In fact he never refers to me other than +as ‘the son of James Dart.’ He lives in an atmosphere of fuss and dust.” + +Roderick laughed, accepting the partridge. + +“Really? Why the fuss?” + +“Heaven knows! He is perpetually worried, and conceives that the cares +of the nation rest on his shoulders alone. He gives every order twice, +imagining that by so doing he shows himself a very sharp man. He is +most wearisome.” + +“He must be. A contrast to Roxhythe.” + +Christopher ground his teeth. + +“Quite. My lord implores me to eschew his company.” + +“Oh--! You still visit Roxhythe?” + +“I have not done so as yet. He wrote to me.” + +“Indeed! Chris, why are you so secret? I want to know how matters stand +between you and Roxhythe.” + +Christopher laid down his fork. + +“My lord commands my love and loyalty,” he said deliberately. + +Roderick was puzzled. + +“Still?” + +“Always. I told you many years ago that I should continue to love him +in spite of all your prognostications. Well, I have. He is the kindest +master ever a man had.” + +“Ah? And you trusted in him as you swore you would?” + +Christopher passed him the wine. + +“Of course.” + +“And your trust was betrayed?” + +“No. Why should it have been?” + +“Do you forget that I know that you were in Flanders last year?” + +Christopher flung back his head. As he laughed he showed all his white +teeth. + +“Oh, lud! Roderick you were on the wrong track then! I went to Flanders +for my own pleasure! Odds, but I was amused when I read your letter!” + +“May I ask why you went to Cherrywood?” + +“Of course you may ask. I went to gain a permit to visit the camp.” + +“Oh.... But why Cherrywood?” + +“He happened to be one of the few in town that day. The Duke and his +suite were out chasing.” + +“Chris, is that the truth?” + +“The truth? What in God’s name do you suppose? Is it likely that I +should bear secret dispatches to Monmouth?” + +“I confess I hardly thought so. And yet--” + +“You are of a suspicious turn of mind, Dick. I am not the man to go on +a secret errand.” + +“Perhaps you were tricked into it?” + +“Perhaps I was. So tricked that I have no memory of delivering any +documents at all. Perhaps I went to Flanders in a trance; perhaps I was +drugged and the papers foisted upon me!” + +“There is no need to mock me,” said Roderick stiffly. “Of course I +believe your word.” + +“Thank you.” Christopher pushed his chair back. He was very pale. + +“No Dart ever acted treacherously towards his Country,” went on +Roderick. He eyed a pasty favourably. “No Dart ever lied. Naturally I +believe you.” + +Christopher got up and flung the window open. + +“How close it is in here! Let me--recommend that--pasty, Dick. A little +more wine?” + +“Thank you. Dear me, you fare well, Chris.” + +“Yes,” said Christopher. He shut the window and glanced round the room. +“I fare well, as you say.” He smiled, but it was not a happy smile. + + + + + CHAPTER III + + LA KEROUALLE + + +MY Lord Roxhythe escorted His Highness round the Privy Gardens. William +surveyed the scene interestedly. + +“It is almost--Holland!” he said. + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“His Majesty is very proud of the garden. He copies the Dutch style as +you see.” + +“It is very beautiful,” said William. “I am glad that you brought me +here.” + +“I thought Your Highness would appreciate the place. Will you walk a +little? There are some very fine trees round the corner.” + +“I should like to.” For the first time William looked at Roxhythe with +something of friendliness in his eyes. + +“You gauged my tastes correctly, sir!” + +“Why, I am satisfied then!” My lord led the Prince along the neat walk. + +William touched his lips with his handkerchief. + +“You have brought me here for a purpose, of course. I wonder ... can I +divine it?” + +Roxhythe knew his man. + +“I am quite sure you can, Sir. I pave the way for Danby.” + +A smile flickered across William’s thin lips. + +“The way needs paving?” + +“They seem to think so. And Danby is so tactless.” + +“Tact ... I am to be approached cautiously?” + +They had come to an arbour. A stone seat presented itself to William’s +notice. He sat down. + +“Highness, we have dealt with one another before. I have too high an +opinion of you to oil my tongue. Once I did so, and you routed me, +horse and foot.” + +“This time you have a different message I take it. Well.” + +“As Your Highness knows, I am to request you to marry the Lady Mary.” + +William nodded. His eyes were fixed on a distant peacock. + +“I need hardly say that the alliance will prove greatly to your +advantage, Sir.” + +The hazel eyes rested on his face. + +“Will prove...?” + +“Why not, Sir?” + +“You take too much for granted, milor’” + +“No. Your Highness admitted that you knew my errand before I spoke. I +take it you knew before you came to England. And you are here.” + +“I see. There is really nothing to be said, is there?” + +“Nothing, Highness.” + +William continued to watch the peacock. + +“Tell me one thing, milor’. Of what Faith is the Princess?” + +“Of your own, Sir.” + +“Ah? That is the truth?” + +“Why should I seek to deceive you? ’Twere to no purpose.” + +William said nothing. The peacock strutted behind the tree. + +“What does King Charles want of me?” asked William at length. + +“Naught but this alliance, Sir.” + +“No compact? no treaty?” + +“None that Your Highness does not desire.” + +“Always the smooth answer. There are no conditions attached to the +marriage?” + +“None, Sir.” + +“Then he hopes that I shall consider myself beholden unto him. Yet I do +not greatly desire the marriage.” + +“King Charles considers it politic, Sir. Louis grows too arrogant.” + +“And the English too uneasy. Am I to understand that my uncle seeks to +throw off the French yoke? Does he stand by me?” + +“His Majesty has always wished to stand by you, Sir.” + +The thin lips sneered. + +“He blows hot and cold,” said William. “I have learnt how far he may be +trusted.” + +Roxhythe snapped off a dried twig. + +“Permit me to say, Highness, that you do not as yet understand my +master.” + +William raised his eyes. There was a disconcerting gleam in their +depths. + +“Milor’, if you think that you do not know me.” + +Roxhythe bowed. + +“Then I have still something to learn, Sir.” + +“I think that you have many things to learn, milor’. Among them that it +is not wise never to act honestly by any man.” + +“Highness, when have I acted dishonestly by you?” + +William smiled sadly. + +“Long ago, milor’, you came to me with an infamous proposal. I rejected +it. So you trafficked in the name of your master with the French King. +Later you came to me again, giving me lies and fair words. Again I +rejected your proposals. So once more you went to Louis. What faith +shall men have in you?” + +My lord opened his comfit-box. + +“Sir, it seems that you do not know me. Roxhythe cares for no man’s +opinion.” + +“It’s very bravely spoken, milor’, but there comes a time in every +man’s life when the good opinion of others counts for much.” + +My lord hesitated between a pink and a mauve sweetmeat. Finally he +chose the pink. + +“I am conceited enough to think that I can stand alone, Sir.” + +“You do not stand alone,” said William unexpectedly. “You have the King +behind you. But there will come a time when you will wish that you had +not destroyed all men’s faith in you.” + +Roxhythe put away the comfit-box. + +“Your Highness appears to have great knowledge of my affairs,” he said. +He was faintly amused. + +“I do but know what everyone knows, milor’. You count no cost. You +ruined Falmouth for your pleasure; you thwarted Cavendish the same. You +tricked the Country Party some years ago. You have sacrificed all for +one man.” + +“All?” + +“Honour, friendship, loyalty. What will come of it, milor’?” + +“It remains to be seen, Sir. I am surprised that you take such an +interest in one so debased.” + +“Perhaps it is because I admire brain in any man. Perhaps because I +realize what you might be, milor’. In a good cause you were invaluable. +But you are inconsistent. Like the wind, you veer first one way in your +policy, and then the other. I know that you possess great influence +over my uncle. Yet you do not exert it in any way for the good. It is a +thousand pities. And they tell me you were a soldier.” + +Roxhythe seemed to sigh. + +“That is long, long ago, Highness.” + +William did not answer. Down the gravel walk was coming the King with +the Duchess of Portsmouth on his arm. He was listening to something she +had to say, his dark head bent slightly over hers. Then he laughed and +patted her cheek. So they came to where the Prince was seated, Madame’s +fine eyes glowing with merriment. + +William rose. + +“I have admired your gardens, Sir. Milor’ Roxhyt’e showed them to me.” + +The King cast a contented glance round. + +“I am pleased that you like them, William. I was at pains to design +them after the Dutch fashion. You in Holland understand the art.” + +“But no tulips!” said William, smiling. + +“The season for them is over. We had a gay show in the spring. Has +Roxhythe shown you the little lake?” + +“No, Sir. Not yet.” + +“Oh, you must see that!” He bore his nephew off. + +Roxhythe was left with the Duchess. She sat down in William’s lately +vacated seat. She was very beautiful to look on, framed by the roses in +the arbour. + +“Milor’, sit down!” Always she spoke French with Roxhythe. “Yes. So +here is our little Prince.” + +“Is it the first time you have seen him since he arrived, Madame?” + +“No. But it is the first time that I have seen you since then. I have +had speech with Barillon.” + +“Have you? I find that Barillon palls on one.” + +“Assuredly!” The slow, fascinating smile dawned. “He is so worthy. And +he does not like to see the Prince in England.” + +“If only he had told us sooner....” deplored Roxhythe. + +“He is uneasy in his mind, _le pauvre_!” + +“He usually is uneasy,” sighed my lord. + +“Without cause, _hein_? But this time he has cause. He listens +with both ears to rumour.” + +“How unwise!” + +“Perhaps. He thinks the Prince has come to wed the Lady Mary.” + +“And you?” + +“Me, I think so too. I know more than _ce cher_ Barillon. It is +true, I am assured. The King has said as much. But what of King Louis?” + +Roxhythe fixed a rose in her hair. Its soft gold tint harmonized with +her gown. + +“You should always wear flowers, madame. So few women can.” + +“Aha! _C’est joli?_” + +“_C’est merveilleux._” + +“Another here you think?” She touched her breast. + +Roxhythe considered it. + +“Yes. That is perfect.” + +“Oh, for a mirror!” she sighed. + +“You will never make me believe you have not one, madame.” + +“Yes. You know us, _n’est ce pas_?” She regarded him gravely. + +“I have had experience, you see,” said my lord. + +“You know how to lead us away from the point; how to turn our minds +from main issues. _La-la!_ How weak is woman! But me, I am _la +Kéroualle_.” + +“And I am--Roxhythe.” + +“In fact we are well-matched. What of Louis?” + +“It is a question you best can answer, madame.” + +“I can answer, yes. When you have answered.” + +“What is it you would have me say?” + +“I would have you tell me what it is that Charles means to do.” + +“Do you admit ignorance, madame?” + +“Part ignorance, Roxhyt’e.” + +“Then who am I to know more than you?” + +“You have said--Roxhyt’e. You have the King’s whole confidence; I have +but half.” + +“I had thought that what you lacked in plain speaking your wit would +have supplied.” + +“Sometimes. And sometimes my surmises need confirmation. Will Charles +break faith with Louis?” + +“Because of this marriage?” + +She nodded, watching him. + +“It seems a slender excuse,” said Roxhythe imperturbably. + +“Does he require an excuse?” + +“If Louis grew too arrogant he might be glad of one.” + +“And if he does not?” + +“Then the marriage is too slender an excuse.” + +“So I thought. A warning.” + +“A concession to uneasy Puritan spirits.” + +“That also. I may take it that Charles wishes Louis no ill?” + +“Madame, His Majesty is far too good-natured to wish any man ill.” + +“Evasive. Well, milor’, one thing I will tell you: King Louis will be +furious at the marriage.” + +“It is to be deplored.” + +“I think he will not readily unite with Charles again.” + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“No?” + +“No. And you, milor’: Louis thought you at one with him. He trusts +still to your influence. You said once that it would be exerted in his +favour. On which side do you stand?” + +“On neither, madame.” + +“That is bold, Roxhyt’e. You seek to offend King Louis?” + +“By no means. I work for Charles. If another French alliance is +possible it has my support.” + +“Safe words, Roxhyt’e. You are not privy to this marriage?” + +“I am privy to nothing save my master’s interests.” + +“Which do lie in France. Is that what you would have me understand?” + +“You have said it, madame.” + +“And I may say it to Louis? You work for him still?” + +“Have I ever worked for him?” parried my lord. + +“You have furthered France’s cause with your King. We have great faith +in your influence.” + +“So it seems. You may tell King Louis that I am of the same mind as +ever.” + +Madame bent her head to smell the rose at her breast. + +“Which means that Charles is too. Well.” + +“David, you have been charming Louise away from me!” cried a gay voice. +The King was coming towards them, the Prince at his side. “And who +arranged the rose in your hair, sweet?” + +The Duchess lifted her face to his. + +“You like it, Sir?” + +“’Tis admirable. Roxhythe his work?” + +“In truth he is a flatterer,” said madame. A smile trembled at the +corners of her mouth. + +“A rogue,” amended Charles. “William, here be two rogues!” + +“But one is too lovely for such a title,” said the Prince. + +Madame’s eyelids fluttered in momentary surprise. She threw out her +hands. + +“Now which of us does he mean?” + +“Can there be doubt?” smiled William. But his eyes were hard. + +“La-la! Your Highness will offend one of us! Now, which is it to be?” + +“I’ll say that you are both beyond comparison. You make a well-matched +pair.” There was a glitter in the hazel eyes now. The thin lips still +smiled. + +“Soho!” said madame, and nodded at Roxhythe. “What did I say?” + + + + + CHAPTER IV + + THE MEETING + + +LADY Frances received the Darts very cordially. She succeeded in +captivating Roderick, no easy task, and he afterwards told his brother +that she was the most charming woman he had ever met. + +Fanny was anxious to know how Christopher liked his new master. She +was much entertained by his description of Worth’s vagaries, and she +thought that Christopher must be recovering from his awful depression. +She realised, however, that his engagement with Worth would not last +long. She had never thought that it would, but it served to distract +his mind for the time. + +Montgomery appeared for a few minutes, especially to see Christopher. +He, too, wanted to hear the boy’s opinion of Worth. They retired to a +couch together. + +Lady Frances drew Roderick to the window-seat, a little apart. + +“So you have not seen Chris for seven years, Mr. Dart? It is a long +time.” + +“Too long,” said Roderick. “I wish I could induce him to come back to +Holland with me in the Prince his suite.” + +“Oh!” Lady Frances nibbled her finger-tip. “I don’t think so. We cannot +spare him.” + +Roderick hesitated. Then he leaned forward. + +“Lady Frances, I know you have been very good to Chris. May I speak +plainly?” + +“Please do!” + +“Then, I can see that the boy is unhappy.” + +“At present, yes. I think he will recover.” + +“Not here. Forgive me if I am impertinent, but Roxhythe is too close. +He preys on Christopher’s mind. He should go away.” + +Lady Frances was silent for a moment. + +“Perhaps you are right. But I do not think that he will.” + +“I am afraid not. In spite of himself he is clinging to Roxhythe. Lady +Frances, what has happened I do not know, but I can guess. It has +been a terrible blow to Chris. He must have cared for Roxhythe quite +absurdly.” + +“He still cares for him. Roxhythe has the power to endear everyone to +him--when he chooses. Believe me, up till a short time ago, he has been +more than good to Christopher. It even surprised me who have known him +from the cradle. In his way he is very fond of Chris. But only in his +way.” + +“Madame, he evidently treated him very badly at the end. Chris would +not have left him for a whim.” + +“Oh, I agree! Roxhythe can be a devil. I warned your brother years ago.” + +“And I. He was obstinate. And it has broken him.” + +“Nonsense! He is young. He will recover.” + +“It has broken his faith in mankind. No, do not shake your head, Lady +Frances, I speak of what I know. Christopher, before he entered that +man’s service, was the most innocent-minded youngster possible. He +believed in the goodness of man. Now he does not. He is bitter.” + +“Oh no!” she protested. “Chris could not be.” + +“Very faintly, I admit. But the bitterness is there. He has had a rude +awakening, and it has quite changed him. He will never again be the +same joyous Chris.” + +“He is quieter, of course, and more repressed--” + +“And less frank.” + +“Oh--do you think so?” + +“I am sure of it. He fences when I question him; he has become almost +impenetrable. Once I could read him like an open book.” + +“You don’t make enough allowance for his increasing years, Mr. Dart. +Remember, when you last saw him he was growing up. Now he has grown. +The boy is a man.” + +“It is not only that.” Roderick stared moodily across the room. “How I +wish that he had never met Roxhythe!” + +“No. Roxhythe has matured him.” + +“Matured him wrongly. He has given him the courtier’s manner, the +intriguer’s speech, the cynic’s heart.” + +“Fiddle!” said Lady Frances emphatically. “Fiddle!” + +Sir Jasper came towards them. + +“I am very churlish,” he smiled. “But I must go. These are busy times, +Mr. Dart. Fanny, will you excuse me?” + +“How tiresome of you!” sighed my lady. “I suppose I must.” She watched +him leave the room. “He is very hard-worked,” she said. + +Private conversation with Roderick was at an end, so Lady Frances +induced him to recount some of his life abroad. + +Christopher found that his brother could be quite interesting when +drawn out of his shell. In the middle of the recital the door was flung +open. + +“The Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe!” announced the footman +portentously. + +Roderick broke off. Lady Frances cast an agitated glance around. + +“I do not receive,” she said. + +The footman became flustered. It was evident that Roxhythe was close. + +Christopher had risen. He was rather white, but quite composed. A small +pulse was throbbing in his throat. + +A leisurely footfall sounded. My lord had followed the lackey. He came +into the room, typically languid. + +The footman cast his mistress an apologetic glance, and vanished. + +My lord bent over his cousin’s hand. + +“My fair Frances, I felicitate you.” + +“Why?” she asked, a trifle peevishly. + +Roxhythe waved his hand to the blue hangings of the room. + +“The admirable setting,” he answered. He bowed to Roderick. “Well met, +Mr. Dart.” Then he looked at Christopher, and smiled, holding out his +hand. “My dear Chris!” + +Christopher went to him quickly. He carried my lord’s hand to his lips +and held it there for a moment. + +“What a charming reunion!” remarked Roxhythe blandly. “I am come at a +lucky moment.” + +Lady Frances fanned herself slowly. + +“Pray sit down, David! You are so large.” + +Roxhythe chose a high-backed chair with arms. He turned to Christopher. + +“Tell me, Chris, how is your Worth?” + +Christopher smiled. His heart was leaping within him, but an apathetic +calm seemed to have settled above it. + +“He is a sore trial, sir. He asks me the same question three times +within the hour, and he is most unrestful.” + +My lord was pained. + +“Are you gibing at me, Chris?” + +“I wonder!” said Christopher, and laughed. + +Roxhythe turned to Roderick. + +“Christopher long since discovered that it was my foible that I could +not have an unrestful companion. He has never ceased to poke fun at me +on that score.” + +Roderick answered perfunctorily. + +Lady Frances stopped fanning herself and entered into the conversation. + +Presently Roderick looked across at his brother. He stood up. + +“Oh--already?” asked her ladyship. + +“We have trespassed too long,” said Christopher. “Why, we have been +here an hour!” + +“You were not wont to be so polite,” pouted Fanny. “But I’ll not press +you to stay. Mr. Dart, I hope you will visit me again. You may bring +Chris!” + +“You are very kind,” bowed Roderick. “I shall avail myself of that +permission.” + +As Christopher bent over her hand Frances whispered hurriedly. + +“I am sorry, Chris! Indeed, I had no idea--” + +“Why it’s nothing,” he answered. “Sooner or later it had to be.” He +kissed her fingers again. Then he went to Roxhythe, who was talking +inanely to Roderick. “My lord--” + +Roxhythe turned. + +“Are you going, Chris? When do you intend to honour me?” The brown eyes +were almost pleading. + +“Some day,” said Christopher. “Not--quite--yet.” + +My lord’s fingers held his firmly. + +“Don’t let it be too long, child. I miss you.” + +The young mouth set tightly. Christopher did not look at him. + +When they were gone, her ladyship looked straight into Roxhythe’s eyes. + +“Are you a devil?” she asked, deadly quiet. + +“I had not thought so, but what an amusing notion! Perhaps I am.” + +“You knew that Chris was to be here to-day!” + +“Did I?” + +“I’ll vow you did! Or you found out of my footman. Why did you come?” + +“I wanted to see him.” + +“Why? To keep the wound open?” + +“Perhaps.” + +“I suppose you wish now that you had not destroyed his faith in you. +You want him back. I can tell you that he will never return to you.” + +“Can you? We shall see.” + +“I shall try to induce him to go away!” + +“Certainly. I shall not worry myself unduly. I only wanted to see him.” + +“Then it was hateful of you! You might have known that it would be +worse for him after seeing you! You are vile!” + +“No. Only human.” + +“Inhuman!” + +Roxhythe laughed. + +Lady Frances sank back against the cushions. She gave a tiny sigh. + +“No. I suppose you are just Roxhythe.” + +“A new species, my dear.” + +“Sometimes so dear; mostly so cruel.” + +“Fanny, you are morbid! Confess, you have a great kindness for me?” + +“Alas, yes.” + +“This is most harrowing,” said my lord. “Why alas? We have always been +very good friends.” + +“I know. I have nothing personal against you. But, oh, David! leave +Christopher in peace! You have broken him; don’t try to make it worse.” + +“It was not my intention.” + +“It is what you are doing. You are trying to get him beneath your sway +again! You will not do it, but it is cruel!” + +“Then if I shall not do it, why worry?” said my lord. + + + + + CHAPTER V + + DISCORD + + +WHEN William of Orange was wedded to the Lady Mary, in November, +England rejoiced. On the eve of the wedding-day the streets of London +were packed with jubilant citizens who made bonfires, and cheered +lustily the King, the Lady Mary, and the Prince of Orange. They even +cheered, though faintly, the Duke of York, who having at last consented +to the marriage, was now putting a good face upon it. Enthusiasm, +therefore, waxed great. Protestant successors were ensured to the +throne, and the alliance undoubtedly pointed to a lasting split between +Charles and the hated Louis. + +Amid the festivities there was one who rejoiced not at all. This one +was the French Ambassador, M. Barillon, who had received disquieting +tidings from his royal master concerning the marriage, and knew that he +was like to receive more. Nor was he mistaken in his conviction, for +when my Lord Danby set before Louis tentative proposals for peace with +the United Provinces, his Most Christian Majesty rejected them in no +mean terms. He was very angry, and he recalled the harassed M. Barillon +so soon as my Lord Danby showed signs of taking a firm stand against +France. + +In his position as secretary to Worth, Christopher was closely in touch +with all these proceedings. His interest in them grew steadily. Through +bitter experience had he learnt to mistrust the King, and at first +he viewed Charles’ patriotic spasm with a sneer. But when supplies +were voted for an army to go into Holland against France, some of his +mistrust died. When troops were indeed sent to Holland, it faded almost +entirely. He threw himself into his work with renewed fervour, feeling +that at last he was working for the one incorruptible party. + +Then came dissension, and he was puzzled. He was present at many +turbulent discussions, and he listened in growing amazement to my Lords +Russell and Roberts, who were of a sudden seized by a fear that the +troops were being raised, not for war on France, but for the King’s +private ends. Hot arguments ensued, some men denying the implication, +others defending it, and a few holding themselves neutral. Chaos +followed, and the nation, catching the panic which had spread from the +Country Party to the Commons, cried aloud to have the army disbanded. +It was then that Christopher discovered something that increased +tenfold the load on his mind. These men whom he deemed so upright were, +unwittingly or not, playing directly into the French King’s hands. Even +Lord Russell, patriot that he was, was communicating through Barillon +against the throne. + +From his position as onlooker, Christopher saw clearly how Louis was +fanning the flame of mistrust for Charles in the Country Party. When +he realized that Louis and the Country Party were virtually in league +against England, he was at first staggered by the shock. That the +Country Party did not themselves realize this he fully acknowledged, +but the fact that they should descend to communication with an openly +enemy country against their own King filled him with sick disgust. +Another ideal was shattered and lay in the dust at his feet; once again +he had followed a path which he believed to be right, and which had +proved to be wrong. + +He handed his resignation to Worth; he could not be implicated in such +negotiations. + +Again he stood by himself, filled with a great loneliness, and an +overwhelming sense of his own puniness. Back came the old longings, +the old struggle. If only he could return to Roxhythe! Roxhythe, who +did not vacillate, who saw clearly, who worked calmly for one end. +After all, was not his the better part? The Country Party were no more +honest than was he, and they were dishonest not that they might the +more successfully serve a definite object. They wavered and played +false in their search for what Christopher was gradually coming to +think a vague ideal. They were divided against themselves; they knew no +set purpose; they were swayed this way and that. But Roxhythe knew no +wavering; he was unflurried; he stood firm. + +In the face of his present difficulties and uncertainties Christopher’s +need of him was greater than ever it had been before. His whole soul +was yearning for Roxhythe; only his sense of right prevented him +from going back. Then came days and nights of unceasing struggle, of +hopeless unhappiness. Until now Christopher’s life had been placid and +well ordered, filled with a great love. All this had been torn suddenly +from him. Roxhythe had been his anchor; he had leant on him more than +he knew. Now the support was gone, and he stood alone. He had thought +to find peace with Worth, working for his country. That too was swept +away. Life seemed to him a giant discord; a mass of complexities and +unhappiness. There was no truth in mankind, only lust for power and +money. + +Two words thrummed in his brain: my lord. How many times had he +repeated them, an ache in his throat, a mist before his eyes! To no +purpose. It was all at an end: the happiness, the trust, the blissful +years of companionship. Only the love remained, the love that nothing +could kill; and the memories, bitter-sweet. Nothing else was left.... + +At Court Charles was busy. Since Louis was angry, Louis must be +placated. He sent Roxhythe to Paris with assurances of good faith. +Roxhythe had a stormy interview with Louis. Louis plainly intimated +that he would have no dealings with my lord. He had learnt that +Roxhythe was without scruples; he had been informed that my lord had +furthered the royal marriage, even taken part in the negotiations; he +had trusted that my lord would exert all his influence to prevent it, +and to promote France’s interests; he had understood that my lord was +working for him in England; he now saw how empty were my lord’s fair +words. + +His Majesty was most incensed. He strutted in his wrath. Roxhythe +remained as imperturbable as ever. He answered Louis smoothly. The +marriage was necessary; England’s fears had to be set at rest. To +which Louis replied that England’s fears might have been quelled in +some other way, less insulting to his Majestic Person. Roxhythe grew +more and more bored. His Majesty hardly understood the temper of the +English people. Majesty replied that one thing he understood passing +well, and that was the fickle temper of his cousin. Roxhythe became +patient. He assured Louis of King Charles’ unswerving loyalty to his +secret ally. Louis thereupon snapped his august fingers. He, Roxhythe, +still worked for a binding treaty with France; it had been beyond +his poor might to hinder the marriage negotiations. His Majesty had +over-rated his influence. But Majesty retorted that he had over-rated +the weight of his word. Roxhythe had done nothing in England to further +the French cause. He had spoken, years ago, of raising dissension in +the Commons over a possible marriage between William and Mary. Where +had been the dissension? Everything had run as smoothly as it could! +Roxhythe alluded gently to many dissensions raised in the past for +Louis. Louis flung back at him that he had sought to trick his Most +Christian Person into trusting him. He knew now that my lord played +into King Charles’ perfidious hands alone. Roxhythe was pained. His +Majesty grossly misunderstood his attitude--and his master’s. Louis was +a little mollified. He consented to listen to King Charles’ message. +But he would give no answer. + +Roxhythe went back to England knowing that in France his day was done. + +Charles was momentarily cast down by the news that his favourite had +not succeeded in his mission, but his cheery optimism soon came to the +fore, and once again he set his brains to work. Through Danby he wrote +to Louis, demanding a fresh pension in return for his good offices. Yet +another secret bargain was sealed. Charles withdrew his troops from +Holland on the understanding that Louis would make peace with that +country. But no sooner had the English army left the Dutch shores than +Louis culled a leaf from his faithless cousin’s book by taking back his +peace-offers. Whereat the irrepressible Charles was much amused, and +retired into the background to allow the foreign powers to fight out +their quarrel alone. He was not at all perturbed by the turn affairs +had taken, but rather pleased, as he was left with a large force at his +disposal, never having declared war at all. + +And so at length the Peace was signed, without English intervention. +Mostly it was to Louis’ advantage, but on one point it thwarted him: +Holland remained inviolate. William had triumphed, if not wholly, at +least partially. + +“So the little Orange wins!” said Charles. “That boy!” + +“I told you he was a youth of parts, Sir,” answered Roxhythe placidly. + +It was at this time that Christopher found a new master. My Lord +Shaftesbury came to him, offering him a post as secretary to himself. +He was but lately released from the Tower, and was burning with +indignation and a fierce hatred for the King. + +Christopher entered his service willingly, almost joyfully. Ashley had +been his father’s friend; Ashley at least was honest. He settled down +to work for him with a quieter mind, feeling that in this patriot he +would find a friend as well as a master. His old resentment against +Ashley was nearly dead, for all that Ashley had said against Roxhythe +was true. Now they never spoke of my lord, for on the one occasion when +Ashley had mentioned his name slightingly Christopher was up in arms at +once. Not wishing again to alienate the young man from himself, Ashley +thereafter eschewed the subject. + +For a time all went smoothly. Christopher had much work to do, but in +constant occupation he found mental relief, and he never grumbled at +the ever-increasing load thrust on to his weary shoulders. Then, like +a thunderbolt on the land, came the Titus Oates plot, and England was +once more plunged into a ferment. The tale of the coming insurrection +of the Catholics was swallowed avidly, although the King treated the +whole plot with contumely, and its exposers with stern disapproval. At +the best, the evidence brought forward by Oates and his confederates +was absurd, and provedly inaccurate. When the interest and incredulity +in the plot showed signs of waning, it was fanned to fresh flame by new +depositions, made by Oates, more gruesome and improbable than ever. + +To Christopher’s surprise, Shaftesbury credited the tale, and went +into it thoroughly. Once Christopher expostulated with him, asking if +it could be possible that Ashley believed Oates’ lies. Ashley shot him +a side-long glance and answered that it was indeed possible. Then he +broke into an impassioned harangue against the Duke of York, who, he +was convinced, was at the head of the plot. Christopher, knowing that +his constant ill-health made Shaftesbury nervous and uncontrolled, +thought little of this outburst. He was sorry that his master should +be so led astray, but he trusted that in time he would return to his +senses. But soon it was forcibly brought home to him that Shaftesbury +was behind all the atrocities wreaked on the Catholics, and that it was +Shaftesbury who encouraged the mob’s lust for blood. His last doubts +were dispelled when he was set to work on a bill of Shaftesbury’s own +making, excluding all Catholics from a seat in either House. Dimly he +felt that this was but a stepping-stone to the exclusion of the Duke of +York from the throne, and although he himself dreaded a Papist King he +could not but feel aghast at Shaftesbury’s action in using such a means +to procure the exclusion. He began, slowly, to realize that Shaftesbury +believed in the truth of the plot no more than he did himself, but was +merely feigning belief the better to attain his own ends. Day after day +Catholic priests were infamously tried, and executed; every gaol was +full of so-called suspects. And the King moved neither one way nor the +other. + +Shaftesbury’s bill passed both Houses, but in its chief object it +failed, as it exempted the Duke of York. Interest in the plot died down +again, and again Shaftesbury aroused it, this time by bringing forward +a fresh accomplice of Oates, who embellished the original tale with new +details, and even accused the Queen of being privy to the whole affair. + +Charles was disdainful, but the Commons seized on the evidence eagerly. +Every Catholic in the realm was ordered to be arrested, and Father +Coleman, agent to the Duke of York, was executed. + +Once more Christopher handed in his resignation. He gave my Lord +Shaftesbury very definite reasons. He realised that my lord was using +the plot as a furtherance for his own ends. He could not and would not +remain in the service of one who allowed, nay, encouraged the murder of +innocent men. He left Shaftesbury in heat. + +There followed a series of executions that drove the blood cold in +Christopher’s veins. + +In vain did the Jesuit Fathers plead innocence and total ignorance of +the plot. Their protestations were over-ruled, jibed at. + +One Hill, employed at Somerset House, was tried, and in spite of all +evidence in his favour, condemned to death. Christopher had much to do +with this man when he had been in Roxhythe’s service. He had transacted +various small businesses for Christopher, and when he had been ill one +winter, Christopher had helped him pecuniarily. When the news of his +sentence reached Christopher he went at once to Bevan House. + +Roxhythe chanced to be in, and Christopher was shown into the library. + +My lord rose and held out his hands. + +“Dear Chris!” + +Christopher clasped them tightly. + +“My lord, I have come on very urgent business!” + +“So?” Roxhythe pressed him into a chair. “What is it?” + +“Sir, do you remember Hill?” + +“No,” said Roxhythe. “You’ll take some wine, Chris?” + +“No, thank you, sir. Please listen to me! I mean the Hill who was +yesterday condemned to death.” + +“Oh? Was there a Hill tried yesterday?” + +“You must know, sir!” + +“My dear boy, I do not interest myself in every little bourgeois who is +indiscreet.” + +“Yet I beg you will interest yourself in this! Perhaps you remember +that silver filigree box that we procured with some difficulty?” + +“Yes, I remember that. It was a remarkably fine box. I desired it for +His Majesty.” + +“I thought you would remember. It was I who found it through the agency +of this Hill. Harcourt told me of him, and he got me the box from the +wretched Prance who has been questioned lately. Sir, it is this same +Hill who is to die. I would swear to his innocence! He was a poor meek +creature, not one who would murder a magistrate! This miserable Prance +has accused him of that. Will you not intervene on his behalf?” + +“My dear Chris!” expostulated Roxhythe. “Do you expect me to meddle in +these low matters?” + +“It is in the cause of justice, sir! of right! If you would speak to +His Majesty you could save him.” + +“Maybe. But I certainly shall not worry the King.” + +“My lord, my lord! Is it possible that you can see all these innocent +men foully done to death and not raise one finger to help?” + +“Chris, Chris, you are mad! Why this sudden interest in Hill?” + +“It is not so much the individual as the cause! Enough innocent men +have been murdered already! Why does the King allow it?” + +“The King is not omnipotent, Chris. The public will not be content +unless some blood is shed. If he interferes they will turn on him. His +position is precarious.” + +“So he allows these poor creatures to die without question!” + +“What matter a few bourgeois?” + +“My lord, don’t speak so! It--it is dreadful! That the King should act +thus!” + +“My dear boy, the King dare not interfere. You must not think that he +does not look on all this bloodshed with horror. But he can do naught.” + +“Then can you not exert your influence? It is so dastardly!” + +“No doubt I could, but I certainly shall not. It is unwise to tamper +with the people’s will at this point.” + +Christopher sprang up. + +“You believe in these men’s innocence?” + +“I have hardly noticed them. I daresay.” + +“Then you are acting as I never thought it possible for you to act. +Timorously! Cruelly!” + +“Did you come here to quarrel with me?” asked Roxhythe. “Sit down, and +talk of something else.” + +“I came to implore you to help in the cause of right! I see I might as +well talk to a stone!” + +“My good child, you excite yourself over nothing.” + +“Was it nothing that Father Coleman was murdered? That good man!” + +“It was necessary. The King deplored it, but the people would have it.” + +“I suppose you advocated it?” said Christopher bitterly. + +“Certainly. I thought you knew that nothing counts with me save His +Majesty’s safety and peace?” + +“I--I cannot answer you, sir. Oh--oh, heaven, how I wish that I had +never set eyes on you!” + +Roxhythe stretched out his hand. + +“Chris, dear boy, you are demented. Calm yourself.” + +Christopher ignored his hand. + +“Then ’tis you have driven me so! You did your best to break my +heart--and now you reveal yourself to me--callous, ruthless! It--hurts +damnably, my lord.” + +Roxhythe turned away. He said nothing. + +“I--I can’t rest! I--oh, there’s no truth anywhere! no honour! I +thought Russell and Worth were irreproachable; I thought Shaftesbury +above suspicion! I was wrong, wrong, wrong! I’ve done with Englishmen! +Each works for his own ends and cares not what means he employs to +obtain them. Even you, my lord!” + +“I suppose I should be grateful for the ‘even,’” said Roxhythe wearily. + +Christopher went quickly to his side. + +“Ah, no, sir! I--didn’t mean it! I am distraught--I--never meant to say +those things--to you. Forgive me!” + +Roxhythe laid a hand on his shoulder. + +“Chris, you are distraught because you are rudderless. Come back to me!” + +“No--no! I cannot! Less than ever now. I--I think I shall go out of my +mind soon!” + +“Chris, you were happy with me. Come back!” + +“Ah, so happy! It could never be the same again. I must go--right away, +where I shall not see you.” + +“Even though I beg you to stay?” + +“Yes--even then, my lord. Don’t try to persuade me! It is hard enough +as it is.” + +“So you’ll go away? Where?” + +“Holland, sir. To join my brother, I think.” + +“Orange,” said Roxhythe quietly. “That will be the end, Chris.” + +“Yes, sir--the--end.” + +“And all in search of--what?” + +“In search of honesty and truth. I will not sacrifice my honour for +love of man.” + +“So instead you’ll sacrifice your happiness for that vague thing called +patriotism?” + +“I’ll find happiness in my patriotism!” + +“You are like to be disappointed,” said Roxhythe. + + + + + CHAPTER VI + + THE DECISION + + +CHRISTOPHER wrote to Roderick, advising him of his coming to the +Hague, and quickly made all his arrangements. Now that he had made his +decision he was almost glad to be going. He longed to leave England +behind him, and with it, all his uncertainties. Two days before his +departure he visited Lady Frances. + +She received him in her drawing-room. She thought she had never seen +him look so old. + +“Well, dear Chris?” + +He sat down beside her, trying to smile. + +“I have come to--say farewell, Lady Fanny.” + +She sat very still. + +“Ah ... Holland.” + +“Yes, Holland. You understand that I cannot remain in London?” + +“I suppose so,” she sighed. “Poor Chris!” + +“Don’t--pity me! I can’t bear it. There’s no peace for me in England, +and no work. Always I think of Roxhythe, longing only to see him--to +hear his voice--feel his hand in mine--.” He stopped, biting his lip. +“I am sorry. I have no right to weary you with such--foolishness.” + +She took both his hands. + +“Chris, are we not friends? How could I be wearied? Won’t you--tell me +everything?” + +“You are so kind,” said Christopher. “You’ve always been so +kind--I--oh, to be able to talk to someone!” + +“I know. You won’t go back to Roxhythe?” + +“I cannot. You know what happened. You have heard all the tales +concerning my lord. I should be acting falsely to all that I hold most +sacred if I gave way to my longing to be with him.” + +Again she sighed. + +“And he does not--care as I care. It is not to be expected. Lady +Fanny--I am not--complaining, but--I loved him so greatly! I trusted +him so! And he tricked me. It’s--all over. I’ve to forget it all. I’ve +to forget Roxhythe, and all that he meant to me. I must go right away, +where I shall not be so constantly reminded of him.” + +She stroked his hand gently. + +“So you are for Holland? Perhaps it is best after all. But I shall miss +you sadly, Chris.” + +“Please--don’t speak of it! I’ve so loved your friendship! But I must +go.” + +“I know you must, Chris. And I know how hard it is.” + +“Hard!” he whispered. “It is--tearing my heart out of my body. I--” he +smiled crookedly. “I leave it--with him. I suppose I shall be at peace +again--one day. But I shall always remember these wonderful years--when +I was--so happy. I should--be grateful for them--for the memory of +them. Sometime I shall look back on it all calmly--but just now--I +daren’t let myself think!” + +“Dear boy, I am sorry from the depths of my heart! But you are right; +this great, great ache will fade--you’ll only remember the happiness +and be glad that you were happy. And you’ll be happy again. You have +your brother.” + +“Yes. He--doesn’t count, you know. I--never cared for him greatly, +and since I have been with--Roxhythe--he has had all my love. He +has it still. There will never be another in his place. I’m a weak +fool--but--oh, Lady Frances, I want him so much!” + +She tugged at his bowed shoulders. + +“Don’t, Chris! Ah, don’t! He’s not worth it! Oh, why, why did he catch +you in his net?” + +“God knows. I don’t really regret it. He has been responsible for so +much that was wonderful in my life. And now--I hate all other masters. +I compare them, you see--and they don’t bear comparison. Roxhythe +was--I hardly know--incomparable.” + +“He is just Roxhythe,” said Fanny sadly. + +Christopher caught his breath in a half-sob, half laugh. + +“‘I am Roxhythe’.... I can hear him say it--in that soft voice! So +haughtily! Yes, he is just Roxhythe.” He stood up, biting his lip. “I +leave the day after to-morrow, Lady Frances. You’ll not--quite forget +me?” + +“Forget my Chris? Is it likely? One day you will come back. I am going +to wait till then. You won’t forget me, I hope?” + +He kissed her hands. + +“It were impossible. I shall never forget--all your kindness. You’ll +let me write to you?” + +“You must write,” she said. “I should be so sad if you did not.” + +“I can’t thank you enough--Good-bye, Lady Fanny!” + +My lady put her hands on his shoulders and lifted her face. + +“You may kiss me, Chris. My poor, poor, Chris!” + + + + + CHAPTER VII + + THE REVENGE + + +IT was very cold. Outside a drizzling rain fell on the bleak gardens. +The gaunt tree branches were wet and shining. Charles sat by the fire +in his room, nursing a spaniel. His dark eyes were brooding, his +fingers restless. + +“You heard what Danby had to say, David?” + +Roxhythe was gazing out into the rain. + +“Ay. Montague has been elected member for Northamptonshire.” + +“Danby tells me they quarrelled some time ago. God’s life, why must he +quarrel with my French Ambassador of all people?” + +“Does Danby think he means harm?” + +“Ay. He spoke of incriminating documents. You know what that means, +Roxhythe.” + +“Letters to Louis. I always said it was unwise.” + +The King was peevish. + +“If you had not fallen out of favour with Louis those letters need +never have gone through Montague. Now we shall have Danby impeached.” + +“I think I see the hand of Shaftesbury. Montague is a tool.” + +“Shaftesbury or others. He hates Danby most.” + +“And Danby, being your tool, will turn on you.” + +“Another tax on my ingenuity! Danby intends to strike at Montague +before Montague has time to strike at him.” + +“Better still to dispose of Montague.” + +“No, David! I have had enough blood.” + +Roxhythe shrugged. + +“How does Danby think to strike at Montague?” + +“Some talk of Montague’s conferring with the Papists without my +knowledge. Danby plans to seize his papers.” + +“Why, that is very well! He is to act in your name?” + +“He says so. He is to inform the House of it to-morrow.” + +There was a long silence. Presently the King turned his head. + +“By the way, Davy, the Crewes are in town again.” + +“Crewes?” + +The King smiled faintly. + +“Forgotten already? The man you fell afoul of two years ago.” + +“That man! Yes, I remember. I told him to absent himself for a year.” + +“Well, he has been gone for two. He dared to appear at Whitehall.” + +“Oh? What did you say?” + +“Remembering your request I said nothing. But it was gross presumption +on his part.” + +“What of the wife?” + +“She was there. I believe she has become most devoted.” + +“I thought she would.” Roxhythe came to the fireplace. “King Louis hath +his revenge on me, Sir.” + +Charles raised his heavy brows. + +“Louis? Why?” + +“He conceived that I had promised to act in his interests. He was +furious with me when you married the Lady Mary to the Prince.” + +“A pity. What is his revenge?” + +“I take it he has warned the Country Party against me.” Roxhythe smiled +rather wearily. “No longer can I intrigue privately.” + +“It’s a plaguey nuisance. Faith, Louis is no gentleman to turn informer +in that fashion!” + +“’Tis unkind of him, I admit. I am the less useful to you, Sir, in +consequence.” + +Charles stretched out his hand quickly. + +“Don’t speak like that, Davy! Always you are my dearest friend!” + +Roxhythe went on his knee. + +“Always,” he said, and kissed the King’s hand. “Always.” + + * * * * * + +Danby’s attack on Montague failed, for Montague carefully secreted the +two most important documents in his possession. One of them was the +letter written by Charles’ order before the Peace of Nimeguen. Backed +by the Treasurer’s bitterest enemies he brought charges against Danby. +Impeachment followed. There was fresh uproar in the House. + +Danby narrowly escaped imprisonment, but the majority was small. Public +feeling was against him. + +Then Charles prorogued his unruly Parliament, and in January, scarcely +a month after, dissolved it. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII + + THE HAVEN + + +AFTER ten years Christopher returned to Holland. Much of it he had +forgotten, much brought back old memories, poignant in their nearness +to him. He had travelled from Harwich to Rotterdam, spending only a +night in that town. He visited 19, Prinsen Straat, hoping to see de +Staal again. It had been a shock to find the house in other hands and +to hear that de Staal had gone to his rest four years ago. He had +hardly realized how much he wanted to see the old man. He went away +with lagging steps, guided along that very road which they had walked +that evening, now so long ago. He visited the inn at which he had +stayed, and looked up at the window of his room. It was just the same. +Nothing seemed to have changed: not even the fat landlord. + +Christopher wandered into the coffee-room. Here he had seen the spy who +had dogged their steps. He remembered, smiling a little, how excited he +had been, and how placid he had found Roxhythe. My lord had been dozing +in his chair; he had refused to be roused. + +He tore himself away from the inn, knowing that it was foolishness to +have come. It was with relief that he left Rotterdam behind. + +The Hague seemed yet more packed with memories. The Poisson d’Or had +changed no more than the inn at Rotterdam. Christopher looked up at +the window, almost expecting to see Roxhythe standing there with the +inevitable Milward at his elbow. + +It was with an effort that he turned away. He had always remembered the +Hague as a cheerful, happy town. Now it seemed dark, forlorn, a place +of ghosts. + +Roderick had grown kinder, and less harsh. He made no reference to +Roxhythe. He was unfeignedly glad to see Christopher again; he wanted +to present him to the Prince, but Christopher refused. Later he would +go to the Huis ten Bosch, but for the present he wanted to be quiet. + +He bought a horse shortly after his arrival and one day rode out to +Scheveningen. The peaceful fishing-village took his fancy. Nearly every +day he rode there, sometimes talking to the fishermen, mostly sitting +by the sea alone, undisturbed by any uncouth sound, watching the +silver-backed gulls swirling and diving against the intense blue sky. + +Slowly the ache within him died, already it was less acute. Sitting on +the shore, listening to the cry of the gulls and the continuous break +of the waves on the sand, all that had passed during the last year +seemed to fade away to a memory. It was no longer the never-ceasing +pain; it was still there; it was still a great sadness, but it had +softened and was not ever-present. + +Bit by bit he began to take an interest in what went on around him. He +watched the fishermen draw in their hauls, interested in the slippery, +gleaming fish that floundered in the bottom of the net. Once he went +out in a boat, helping the fishermen. He grew stronger, more virile, +less morbid. + +Roderick seldom accompanied him to Scheveningen. Christopher did not +wish it. His brother’s presence disturbed him, disturbed the great +peace of the village. He would spend all the day there, rejoicing in +the vast loneliness, feeling the rough spray on his face, and the +wind blowing strongly about him. At sundown he would ride back to the +Hague, tired and hungry. Sometimes he dined with Roderick, sometimes by +himself. + +After a while he went less often to Scheveningen. Desire for company +was coming to life again. Roderick saw it, and introduced him to +Mynheer Heenvliet and various other members of the Prince’s household. +Other friends Christopher made for himself, all Dutchmen. One of these, +Jan Van den Busch, showed him some of the countryside. Christopher +visited Rijswijk and Loosduinen. It gave him a taste for sight-seeing, +and he went away for a time, travelling north. When he returned, +Roderick was surprised at the change in him. His eyes were brighter, +his bearing more brisk, his spirits lighter. His laugh still lacked +its old spontaneity, his smile was not so joyous, but it came more +often and less forcedly. + +Roderick realized that Christopher had aged more in one year than in +all the others of his life. He had no youthful illusions, no youthful +impetuosity. He was calmer, more shrewd. He had a knowledge of men and +of the world. Roderick realized that in some ways Christopher was older +than he. + +Once again he broached the question of an introduction to the Prince. +This time Christopher consented. + +So one day the brothers rode out of the Hague through the wood that +led to the Huis ten Bosch. Christopher was rather silent for the most +part but when they reached the gardens of the palace he expressed his +admiration. + +“His Highness will be pleased to hear that you like his flowers,” said +Roderick. “He takes great pride in them.” + +“What does the Princess here?” asked Christopher suddenly. “I had not +thought that the solitude was congenial to her.” + +“At first Her Highness conceived herself very homesick. She is +different now.” + +“Poor Lady Mary! She was such a gay princess! She took such delight in +the life at Whitehall.” + +Roderick spoke stiffly. + +“There is no need to pity her. She is the Prince his wife.” + +“Poor lady!” said Christopher again. “I do pity her.” + +“Her Highness should be happy enough,” replied his brother. “She has +changed.” + +The Prince was not in the house. One of the lackeys had seen him +walking in the gardens not long since. They found him at length on a +terrace, basking in the sunlight. + +Roderick swept him a low bow. + +“Highness, I have brought my brother. May I present him?” It was a +triumphant moment for him. At last Christopher had been brought face to +face with this Prince whom he had affected to despise. At last he could +show Christopher how wonderful was his master. + +William turned. Christopher thought he had never met such a piercing +scrutiny. Then the Prince smiled and rose. + +“I have long desired to make your acquaintance, Mr. Dart. Rodrigue has +often spoken to me of you.” He extended his hand. + +Christopher went on one knee to kiss it. + +“Your Highness is very kind,” he said. + +“Christopher greatly admires the gardens, Sir,” said Roderick. + +William looked pleased. + +“They are beautiful!” said Christopher warmly. “I do indeed admire +them, Sir.” + +“I love them,” answered the Prince. “I could not live without my +flowers.” He waved his hand towards a bed of tulips. “Those are my +flowers.” + +Christopher smiled. + +“Even we in England know which are your favourites, Sir!” + +“So? They are my favourites because they are part of Holland. You do +not grow such flowers in England.” + +“No,” said Christopher. “But we have our roses.” + +“Yes, you have your roses. Rodrigue, he must be shown the west side!” + +So the Prince of Orange showed Mr. Dart the west side of his gardens. + +The visit to the Huis ten Bosch was the first of many. Christopher made +more friends in the Prince’s household, and the Princess desired his +acquaintance. + +He hardly recognized the Lady Mary in the quiet, soberly dressed woman +to whom he was presented. The Mary he knew had sparkling eyes and a +roguish smile. The eyes were calm now, almost sad; the smile was full +of dignity. He thought that she seemed unhappy, and later he found that +there was a coldness between the Prince and his wife. + +Mary was anxious to hear all the London news. More than once +Christopher saw her eyes fill, but the tears did not well over. He +could not tell her much, but she was grateful for very little. She +asked after various people, lingering over their names as over a +pleasant memory. Christopher pitied her from the bottom of his heart. + +Desire for work was growing apace. The indolent life he was leading had +become irksome. Christopher realized that he must find some occupation. + +The more he saw of William, the more convinced he was that he had found +one who was honest and a patriot. He watched the Stadtholder’s adroit +management of affairs with growing admiration. + +Roderick was surprised that his brother did not fall at the Prince’s +feet, worshipping. He was still more surprised that Christopher should +feel no desire to become one of the Prince’s household. He could not +understand that all Christopher’s love remained with Roxhythe. + +“You do not desire to be near the Prince his person?” + +“I would rather join his army,” answered Christopher. + +“Join the army! You had better enter his household.” + +“I do not wish to serve any man--personally.” + +“Odds life! Not even His Highness?” + +“No one.” + +Roderick stared. + +“You are no soldier, Chris!” + +“I can learn.” + +“You were better advised to turn your hand to politics.” + +“Never! I want not to hear the word again!” + +“But that is ridiculous! Because you found Shaftesbury acting +questionably is no reason to think that----” + +“I will not hear of politics. They mean intrigue and covert dealing; +bribing and tricking. I’ll none of it.” + +Roderick shook his head in amazement. But he broached the subject to +his master. + +Thus it came about that Christopher had audience with the Prince one +sunny morning at the Huis ten Bosch. + +William sat at his desk, chin in hand. He regarded Christopher +thoughtfully for some moments. + +“Rodrigue has been speaking to me of you, Mr. Dart. You desire to serve +under my standard?” He spoke in Dutch. + +“If your Highness permits, I ask nothing better.” + +Christopher saw the hazel eyes twinkle suddenly. + +“Yet if I offer you a post about my person you will refuse it?” + +There was something disconcerting about the Prince. Christopher +stammered a little. + +“I hope--Your Highness--will not--offer that.” + +“Sit down,” said William. “Why do you hope that?” + +“Sir, I desire to serve no man personally. I want to serve as a +soldier.” + +William smiled. + +“You want to serve an ideal, _hein_?” + +“Perhaps that is true, Sir. I do not want to serve--a man.” + +“Are you afraid that I should betray your trust?” + +The swiftness of the attack got behind Christopher’s guard. + +“I--don’t understand, Sir.” + +“I think you do. Am I the man to betray a trust?” + +“No, Sir. Why do you ask?” + +“Because I will not be served by any man who does not place in me his +whole confidence.” + +Christopher hesitated. + +“I believe that you at least are honest, Sir,” he said at last. + +“But you will not accept a post about my person.” + +Christopher grew hot under the steady scrutiny. + +“No, Sir.” + +“Why not?” + +For a moment Christopher did not answer. + +“Highness, if you must know, it is this:--For nine years I have served +my Lord Roxhythe. He has all my love, all my devotion. I cannot serve +another man in the same way. I have tried and failed. Twice failed.” + +“Mr. Dart, you say that Roxhyt’e has your love and your devotion. What +then have you to offer me?” + +“Faithful service, Sir, and loyalty.” + +“So!” William tapped his fingers lightly on a sheet of parchment. His +face grew harsh. “We will have plain speaking, if you please, Mr. Dart. +I have some knowledge of milor’ Roxhyt’e’s life, and of his dealings. +How am I to know that you are not imbued with his morals--or lack of +morals?” + +Christopher straightened. + +“Highness, may we leave Roxhythe out of the discussion? I trust my +morals are above reproach.” + +“I trust so, Mr. Dart. Yet in ’77 there was some question of that.” + +“Will your Highness explain?” + +“It is necessary? In ’77 you bore letters to Cherrywood; letters that +we believe to have been addressed to the French King from King Charles. +You will admit that gives food for thought, Mr. Dart.” + +Christopher met his eyes bravely. + +“I give Your Highness my word that if that was so I knew nothing of it +when I did take the letters. I thought them innocent dispatches to His +Grace of Monmouth.” + +“So your brother assures me. He tells me you were tricked. It is +because you fear that I might trick you that you will not enter +my--personal--service?” + +“N-no, Sir. I think not. It is because I could not serve you with +whole-hearted affection. It is true that I have grown suspicious of +late, but I believe that I do trust Your Highness.” + +“Thank you. That is your only reason?” + +Again Christopher hesitated. + +“No, Sir, there is another. However honest you be there must always be +intrigue. I desire to know nothing of intrigue. I want to--be outside +all the inner workings of politics. I want to--forget everything.” + +William coughed a little. + +“Then I think you would be better advised to seek employment with +someone who lives not a public life.” + +“I have thought of that, Sir, but it does not appeal to me.” + +“In truth, Mr. Dart, you do not know what you want.” + +“Indeed, Sir, I do! I want to fight France--our common enemy.” + +“I do not fight France. There is peace.” + +Christopher looked at him strangely. + +“Your Highness will not always be content with this peace.” + +William’s brows rose perceptibly. + +“Oh! So you will join the army--and wait? Dull work, Mr. Dart.” + +“I have yet to learn a soldier’s duties, Sir.” + +The Prince tapped the parchment again. + +“Well.... Perhaps I can find employment for you. We shall see.” + +He took up a quill. For some moments he wrote swiftly. Then he dusted +the parchment and folded it. + +“You are quite sure that you wish to serve the Orange? Remember that +you are an Englishman; remember that once you have entered the army you +cannot leave it at will.” + +“I have considered all that, Sir. It is no hasty decision that I +have made. I have thought long, and--pardon me--I have observed Your +Highness closely. I believe that at last I have found a master who is +above bribes; who does not work for himself but for his country.” + +William bowed. + +“I admire plain speaking, sir. In my turn I believe that you too are +honest. I doubted it at one time, but when I was told that you had +quitted Lord Roxhyt’e I concluded that I was wrong.” + +“Thank you, Sir. I may enter your service?” + +William handed him the parchment. + +“You will convey that to Bentinck. Rodrigue will direct you. Bentinck +will give you a commission, and it will remain for you to prove +yourself.” + +Christopher went down on one knee. + +“I will serve Your Highness faithfully,” he said. “I have to thank you +for your kindness.” + +William held out his hand. + +“That is very well,” he said. + +Christopher went quietly out of the room. Roderick was awaiting him, +all eagerness. + +“Well, Chris?” + +“I am to go to General Bentinck.” + +Roderick was disappointed. + +“I had thought--that when you had spoken with His Highness--you would +have desired to be always at his side.” + +Christopher smiled faintly. + +“I am no longer twenty-one, Dick. The age of illusions is past.” + +“Have you no enthusiasms?” + +Christopher sighed. + +“I hardly know. Perhaps. But not for man.” + +“I don’t understand you, Chris. I had thought that the Prince would +have captured your devotion.” + +“You have yet to realize, Dick, that my devotion lies elsewhere.” + +“Still?” Roderick was incredulous. + +“Always.” + +“But after all that has happened! after his treatment of you----” + +“If you think that any harm done to me could kill my love for Roxhythe, +you do not understand love.” + +“You are infatuated! Pray heaven it will pass!” + +“For my peace of mind I hope it will. You’ll dine with me to-night? I +shall leave the Hague early to-morrow.” + +“As soon as that? Yes, I’ll dine with you. I wish you were to be of the +Household, though. I wanted you near me after all these years.” + +Christopher spoke rather cynically. + +“No, Roderick. You had been jealous of me an I had joined the Prince +his Household.” + +“Really, Christopher!” Roderick was inclined to be offended. Then he +smiled. “Perhaps you are right. But I shall miss you.” + +“It will pass,” replied Christopher easily. + +Roderick went back to his master. + +“Well, Rodrigue? You have seen your brother?” + +“Yes, Sir. I cannot understand his attitude.” + +“No?” + +“He is so cold! so unlike his old self.” + +“My dear Rodrigue, your brother has suffered. I understand him.” + +“But then, Highness, you understand all men,” said Roderick softly. + + + + + BOOK V + + THE OTHER PART + + + + + CHAPTER I + + THE TRIPLE GAME + + +“TROUBLE, trouble, naught but trouble!” Charles flung out his hands +hopelessly. “Shaftesbury, Russell, Cavendish! What is to be done?” + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“Do you despair, Sir?” + +“Do I ever despair? But this combination means endless toil, endless +dissension. Shaftesbury is mine enemy.” + +“To counteract Shaftesbury you have Sunderland.” + +“Whom I would not trust.” + +“Nevertheless he may prove useful. And there is Halifax.” + +“He blows hot and cold.” + +“But mostly cold.” + +“What do you mean, David?” + +“I wonder that you have not observed Halifax more closely, Sir. When +the greater party blows hot, he blows cold. You’ll find him opposed to +Shaftesbury.” + +“It may be so. You think he’ll support me?” + +“If you are the losing side, Sir, yes. If you are the stronger he will +not matter.” + +“True. But that will not help us now. I see trouble stirring for James. +The people wax unruly.” + +“His Grace acts very imprudently. You would be wise to remove him, Sir. +While he remains in England the Protestant cause will keep fresh in +England’s mind.” + +“Remove him ... ay, but where?” + +“Does it signify? Send him where he cannot stir up agitation by his +foolish behaviour.” + +Charles sat up. + +“I believe you are right, David. I’ll send him to Brussels.” + +“It will suffice. At least he will be out of harm’s way.” + +“Yes. But I do not think he will thank me.” + +“Perhaps not.” + +“He’ll be greatly incensed. It may be that he will suspect your hand in +the matter.” + +“Probably. It does not worry me.” + +Charles stroked one of his dogs reflectively. + +“Do you think that by doing this I shall avert the storm against his +succession? I do not.” + +“No, Sir. You will modify it.” + +“It will still mean a fight. Shaftesbury is determined to exclude him.” + +“Sire, most men are determined. Nearly all your new ministers are at +one on the question. But I think that there will be dissension.” + +“Why?” + +“They will not all want the same successor.” + +“You think some will stand for Monmouth?” + +“I do expect it, Sir. Prince William is not every man’s choice.” + +“No. And Monmouth is popular. He would be the people’s choice, but I +cannot believe that the Cabinet would consent to it.” + +“We shall see. In the meantime, Sir, I propose to act.” + +Charles leaned back in his chair. + +“I were not King without you, Davy. You’ll help me to overthrow the +coming cry for exclusion?” + +“I will.” + +The King looked at him curiously for a moment. + +“Roxhythe, what are your own sentiments?” + +“I’ve none. I care not what happens after you are gone. England may +have James, or Mary, or Monmouth. It is all one to me. All that matters +is your pleasure.” + +“I would I had more of your mind about me! What do you think of doing?” + +Roxhythe sat down on the nearest chair. + +“I shall throw myself into the cause against His Grace of York. +Secretly.” + +The King’s brow contracted in bewilderment. + +“Go on.” + +“His Grace of York’s dislike for me is well known. That adds colour to +my attitude. I approach Shaftesbury when the time comes, with great +caution. I am a thought fearful of discovery, you understand. I think +that it were best for me to act secretly for fear of incurring Your +Majesty’s displeasure.” + +“I do not think that they will trust you.” + +“They will undoubtedly have misgivings. But my support in the matter +would be invaluable. They would count on my exerting my influence to +sway you ’gainst the Duke.” + +“Ay, but what then?” + +“When I have convinced the worthy Shaftesbury of my whole-hearted +sincerity I shall enter deep into the inner workings of the affair.” + +“Which you will impart to me?” + +“Which I shall impart to you. I think I may be instrumental in bringing +about the fall of our friend Ashley.” + +“You are clever enough for anything,” admitted Charles. “But this is a +big risk.” + +“No. They can but disbelieve in me, and I do not think they will do +that. They will see that if the Duke succeeds you I must fall. It is +the popular belief that I work primarily for my own ends.” + +Charles nodded. + +“If all this should come to James his ears you are ruined--when I die, +my David.” + +“That matters not at all, Sir.” + +“I might confide in James....” + +“I beg you will not, Sir! He is so incautious. And he mistrusts me. He +would not believe that I was working in his interests.” + +“I do not suppose he would. Especially if he guesses by whose advice he +is sent to Brussels.” + +“He’ll guess that, of course. He suspects my hand in everything. His +mistrust will but further my machinations.” + +“Very well, Roxhythe, I consent.” + +The favourite laughed. + +“Did you mean to withhold your consent, Sir?” + +“I’ve no wish to ruin you, David.” + +“Why, I am ruined already. What happens after your death is no matter +at all.” + +“Well, I do not think I shall die yet,” said Charles placidly. + + * * * * * + +After welcoming the new Parliament with wild enthusiasm, England +settled down to enjoy a panic concerning Papists and Papist heirs. +This panic my Lord Shaftesbury fostered lovingly. He was a brave man, +but the rest of the Council were not. They hesitated at bringing in an +Exclusion Bill. But they agitated with the rest. + +For a short space Shaftesbury supported the King’s suggested Bill of +Securities, but he decided at last that it was not strong enough, +and laid it aside. He prevailed upon the Council to bring in a Bill +excluding James from the throne and devolving it upon the next +Protestant heir. The Commons liked the Bill, and passed it. My Lord +Shaftesbury anticipated trouble in the other House, and he instructed +the Commons to prepare a Remonstrance. + +Charles deemed it prudent to prorogue his Parliament. + +The trouble fermented. My Lord Shaftesbury held meetings and +discussions. So did my Lords Halifax, Essex, and Sir William Temple, +the Secretary of State. Into these meetings was introduced the magic +name of Roxhythe. + +Lord Holles mentioned my lord first. He was dining with Shaftesbury. + +“I believe I have set my finger on a weak spot in the King’s armour,” +he remarked. He peeled a nut, and ate it. + +The Earl was all attention. + +“What have you discovered, Holles?” + +Holles ate another nut. + +“I have reason to think that his favourite stands against him.” + +“Roxhythe? Impossible!” + +“On the contrary. If you think for a moment you will see that it is +more than probable.” + +“You think that Roxhythe realizes that the accession of James would be +his downfall?” + +“Well, he is no fool.” + +Shaftesbury pushed back his chair, frowning. + +“I would never trust Roxhythe.” + +“Except when he works for himself.” + +“Less than ever then.” + +“I disagree. I discern signs of uneasiness in my lord.” + +“I can’t believe that Roxhythe would ever betray his feelings.” + +“They were very slight signs, I admit. I fancy he is working for the +exclusion.” + +Shaftesbury sat biting his nail, his face in worried lines. + +“If it were so it would help the cause more than anything else.” + +“So I think. I know that he dined with Savile twice last week.” + +“With Halifax! That means he favours the accession of Mary!” + +“It is more likely that he has not thought of Monmouth. Monmouth should +be more to his taste.” + +“Holles, I wish that I might be sure of this! If one could trust him he +would be invaluable. He has so much influence.” + +“Why not sound him?” + +“How?” + +“Invite him to dinner.” + +“Quite impossible. I do not visit him.” + +“Then let me. I’ll also invite you.” + +Ashley bit his nail again, irresolute. + +“If he would come----” + +“Oh, he will come! He often dines with me.” + +“I do not think that he would ever work for a party.” + +“It remains to be seen. It is just possible that our great Roxhythe is +a little apprehensive.” + + * * * * * + +Two days later Roxhythe exhibited a letter to his master. + +“I am bidden to Holles to-morrow, Sir.” + +“Really?” Charles took the letter. “How amiable he is! They mean to +probe you, David.” + +My lord smiled serenely. He accepted the invitation. + +During dinner at Lord Holles’ house he excelled himself. He talked on +every subject but one, and that one politics; witticisms flowed from +his tongue, and if they annoyed Shaftesbury, they delighted his host. + +When the servants had at last left the room, Lord Holles filled up the +glasses, and, not without regret, brought the conversation round to +home affairs. He began cautiously, for Ashley had implored him to be +very circumspect in what he said before Roxhythe. He leaned back in his +chair, tilting it slightly. + +“We are all idle since our prorogation, Roxhythe--and somewhat +disgruntled!” He grimaced ruefully. “I should not say that to you, I +suppose.” + +Roxhythe stared into his glass. + +“Yes, the Bill seems to have failed.” + +“The poor Bill! But we must not weary you with it. You understand it +is something of an obsession! However, I know you are not interested. +Shaftesbury, a little Burgundy?” + +“Why should I not be interested?” asked Roxhythe. “Of course--it really +does not affect me....” He left a pause. + +Holles shot a look at the Earl. + +“Why I rather thought ye were above our discussions! But--well, you are +not always at one with his Grace of York, are you?” + +He achieved a roguish smile. + +Roxhythe touched his lips with his napkin. + +“Not always,” he said. + +Holles thought it as well to change the subject. He was an artist, he +flattered himself. Presently he would let the the conversation glide +back to politics. He was annoyed when Shaftesbury, always impatient, +came abruptly back to the all-important topic. + +“Of course, if we have James we are assured of Papist successors.” + +Roxhythe looked up quickly. + +“Oh, ’tis not the successors----” he stopped. “Do you think so?” + +Holles replenished his glass. Since Shaftesbury had so tactlessly +re-introduced the subject it had best be continued. + +“With both parents Catholic, what would you?” he asked. “We ought to +have a Protestant heir.” Out of the corner of his eye he could see +Shaftesbury’s apprehensive gaze, full of warning. + +Roxhythe was gloomy. + +“Yes, but Mary means the Prince of Orange.” + +“True.” Holles returned Shaftesbury’s look steadily. “You do not like +the thought?” + +Roxhythe sipped his wine, of a sudden languid. + +“In truth it concerns me not.” + +There was no more political talk that evening. + +When Roxhythe had gone, Holles returned to Shaftesbury, triumphant. + +“What did I say?” + +“Yes,” agreed the Earl. “But he is not desirous of joining us. I think +he still ponders.” + +“Evidently. And you see that he does not relish the idea of the Orange. +We must secure him, my lord.” + +“If we can--if ’tis safe. He does not give much away.” + +“Except that he wants the exclusion.” + +“I wonder....” Shaftesbury frowned uncertainly. “It may have been that +he wished us to infer that.” + +Holles was derisive. + +“My dear Ashley! One could see that he was perturbed by his manner. Did +you not think so?” + +“Yes--and no.” + +“It was palpable! He must be cajoled to our side.” + +“I do not like it!” Shaftesbury spoke curtly. “I do not trust Roxhythe. +He might ruin us.” + +“But will he? Do you not see that he must at all costs exclude James? +He knows that the Duke hates him.” + +“I do not expect him to work against the King.” + +“Rest assured that he would never do so openly. So much the better.” + +“If we invite him to be one of us we take too great a risk.” + +“I do not agree. If we do not snare him he may go over to Temple’s +party. He has too much influence in the Upper House to be counted +lightly. You do not want the Orange.” + +“No, damme! But could he influence the House to that extent?” + +“I think it more than likely. And if we set Monmouth up as the heir +Roxhythe could very easily influence the King to ruin him.” + +“If he became one of Temple’s party that is what he would do, of +course. Well.... But I do not like it!” + +“Leave it to me!” said Holles. + + * * * * * + +My Lord Roxhythe repaired to Whitehall. The King went apart with him. + +“We progress,” said my lord tranquilly. “I am advocate for Mary, I am +advocate for Monmouth.” + +“’Sblood, David, does Shaftesbury really think to set Monmouth on the +throne when I am gone?” + +“So I gather. Temple wishes to bring Prince William to England to +accustom the mind of England to the idea of his succession. But +Shaftesbury will have none of it.” + +“And you?” + +“Very secretly I am with Temple--say Halifax. Not wholly. They are +still in doubt about me. Shortly I shall be one of Shaftesbury’s band. +Then we shall see.” + +“It must be damned entertaining!” exclaimed the King. + +“It is damned hard work!” retorted Roxhythe. + + + + + CHAPTER II + + THE SCHEMERS + + +CAUTIOUSLY did my Lord Holles set about the business of snaring +Roxhythe. It took some little time to win this trump card to his side, +but he did it at length, marvelling at his own sagacity and cunning. +At last Roxhythe allowed himself to be persuaded, and then he entered +into the cause, as he put it, heart and soul. Shaftesbury still had +misgivings; in Roxhythe’s presence his conversation was always guarded, +yet he could not but see the truth in what Holles said: Roxhythe must +at all costs work for the Duke of York’s exclusion. Reluctantly he +invited Roxhythe to a discussion at his house. + +The only other schemers there that day were Holles and one Lord +Roberts. Roberts was entirely of Holles’ mind concerning Roxhythe. He +clasped my lord warmly by the hand. + +“I am glad to know that you are one of us, my lord!” + +“I am honoured to be one of you,” smiled Roxhythe. “This is a serious +matter.” + +“It is indeed, my lord! It is indeed!” + +Shaftesbury drew forward a chair. + +“I need hardly say, Lord Roxhythe, that we trust to your discretion.” + +“Certainly,” bowed my lord. + +He listened to the discussion with interest. It appeared that the +worthy gentlemen did not know how to win my Lords Halifax and Essex +to their side. It also appeared that not many of the Council desired +Monmouth for King. + +In the middle of the argument my lord upraised his smooth voice. + +“It seems, gentlemen, that the opposing side think his Grace would be +an unpopular King.” + +“That is true!” cried Roberts. “They do not think that he would ever +be received. I believe it is for that reason alone that they will not +join us. Many of them do not really want William.” + +“Then they should be shown how popular is the Duke,” said my lord. + +“You mean that we should thrust him to the fore?” + +“Present him to the people.... H’m!” Shaftesbury was dubious. + +“He has been in the background of late,” remarked Holles. “It might be +well to parade him.” + +“Where is his Grace?” blandly asked my lord. + +“He could not be present to-day,” answered Roberts, before Shaftesbury +could intercept him. + +“A pity,” said Roxhythe. He shrugged, and brought out his comfit-box. + +“Why?” Shaftesbury it was who shot the question. + +“He might have had some suggestion to put forward,” replied my lord. + +“Oh, no!” Roberts shook his head. “He will be advised by us.” + +“Why, that is better still,” said my lord, very urbane. + +“Lord Roxhythe’s suggestion has merit,” observed Holles slowly. “It +might be well to bring the Duke before the people’s eyes once more. You +remember how popular he was during the war?” + +“The people admired his courage--why not send him to Scotland?” Lord +Roberts started forward. “If the King might be induced to put him at +the head of the troops!” + +“To quell the rising? I do not know that His Majesty would do that.” +Roxhythe spoke disparagingly. “He desires to keep the Duke at his side.” + +“Could you not prevail with the King?” asked Holles. + +Roxhythe seemed to consider. + +“It is difficult. I do not want to become a suspect.” + +“Surely you could do it in such a way that the King should suspect +naught?” + +“I might. I do not know.” + +“It should not be so difficult. The King trusts in you.” + +“Yes. Well, I will think on it. If I may safely do so I will use my +influence. But the suggestion should come from Shaftesbury.” + +“I agree with that,” said Roberts decidedly. “You could well suggest it +to His Majesty, Ashley.” + +“I am not sure that I approve of the scheme. Better that we should wait +for a time.” + +“No, no! If we wait we lose ground,” replied Holles. “If Monmouth +quells the rising in Scotland the people will laud him once more. Then +he can be paraded as much as you please. My Lords Halifax and Essex +will see that he would be very easily the people’s choice.” + +Still Shaftesbury hesitated. + +“It is a bold step.” + +“A sure step.” + +“I think Holles is right,” said Roxhythe gently. “Halifax and Essex are +uncertain. If they were clearly shown which way the people look they +would be more likely to join us.” + +“That is so, of course. On the other hand they may take fright at so +bold a move.” + +“If you think that I should keep Monmouth in the background,” said +Roxhythe. + +“No. The step is worth taking,” said Roberts. “Do you, Roxhythe, think +that Halifax and Essex will take fright?” + +“It is hard to say,” fenced his lordship. “I had not thought so, I +confess, but I may have been wrong.” + +“There!” Roberts turned to Shaftesbury. “You hear?” + +“And I still hesitate.” + +Roxhythe smoothed his ruffles. + +“I do advise you to be guided by Shaftesbury. I know very little of +these matters.” + +“You under-rate yourself, my lord!” cried Roberts. “I advocate the +scheme.” + +“And I,” said Holles. + +Shaftesbury sighed. + +“Very well, gentlemen. Since you are determined.” + + * * * * * + +Roxhythe visited the King in his closet that evening. Charles laughed +at him. + +“Well, my plotter?” + +“I am deep in intrigue,” said Roxhythe. He sat down. “I have attended a +meeting of our dear friends Ashley, Holles and Roberts.” + +“I would give much to see you in their company,” chuckled the King. +“What have you gleaned?” + +“Several things. One that will grieve you, Sir.” + +“Monmouth?” + +“Monmouth.” + +“He is privy to it?” Charles’ voice was anxious. + +“I am afraid so, Sir.” + +For a moment the King did not speak. He fingered his curls, his face +overcast. + +“I had not thought it of him,” he said at last. “This is ill hearing, +David.” + +“Not so ill as it might be, Sir. Monmouth would appear to be little +more than a puppet in Shaftesbury’s hands.” + +Charles pulled down the corners of his mouth. + +“I wish he were not so weak!” + +“Well, Sire, you always knew that he was--easily led.” + +“You said so from the first. What more?” + +“I played with these worthy gentlemen. It was most amusing. They +debated as to how they were to further Monmouth’s cause. I suggested +that he should be brought to the people’s notice again. They liked +my suggestion. All but Shaftesbury. He has sense but not sufficient +faith in himself. The next suggestion came from Roberts. Why not +send Monmouth to quell the Scottish rising? Eventually they decided +that this was a brilliant step. I am to prevail upon Your Majesty to +consent. Shaftesbury is to suggest it to you.” + +“Shaftesbury is very daring!” + +“Very. Now, Sir, the point is this: by exhibiting Monmouth and by +circulating the cry that he is the rightful heir, Shaftesbury will +undoubtedly excite the people. I have insinuated that Halifax and Essex +will also be won over.” + +“They will not.” + +“Most certainly they will not. They are hot for the Orange. And they +would never stand for Monmouth on account of his birth. Your Majesty +will pardon me if I speak too plainly.” + +Charles smiled. + +“Ay, I pardon you. Go on.” + +“When they see Monmouth blazoning in Scotland, and, later, blazoning +through England, they will be the more alienated from Shaftesbury. And +I rather think that the more timorous members of the Council, still +wavering, will be shocked at Shaftesbury’s sudden move, and will either +join the Orange party, or withdraw from the combat. Especially if Your +Majesty shows signs of annoyance.” + +“Very wise, Roxhythe. But are you sure of Halifax and Essex?” + +“Perfectly. And I am moderately sure of our dear Sunderland.” + +“Sunderland! Is he an Orangist?” + +“Tentatively. If the Orange cause seems likely to prosper, he will +become an ardent member. If not--he will be properly indignant at the +Exclusion Bill.” + +“He does not cast his eyes in Monmouth’s direction?” + +“He is too astute. Monmouth could never be King.” + +“H’m! Well, I always thought him a man of brain.” + +“He is very wily. I advise you, Sir, to consent to Monmouth’s +generalship of the troops. Let him quell the rising; he has shown +himself to be an able soldier. When the talk circulates that he is to +be King after you, I shall be shaken with doubt. It may be that I shall +affect others of Shaftesbury’s persuasion. It may even be that these +eminently temperate gentlemen will draw back a little. Thus you have +Shaftesbury standing alone. Then you may strike, and be sure of Essex +and Halifax and Temple their approval.” + +Charles stopped fingering his curls. His eyes brightened. + +“_Cordieu_, David, I believe you are right! Essex and the rest of +them are afraid of Shaftesbury since they supported the prorogation in +May. If Shaftesbury wins they fall. Why, I shall have Shaftesbury in +the hollow of my hand!” + +“It will mean a struggle,” warned Roxhythe. “He is a dangerous man.” + +“Whatever I do means a struggle. When I dismiss him Shaftesbury will +move heaven and earth to defeat me, but it is the first step. And +then--an end to our brave Earl!” + +“So I think, Sir.” + +Charles relaxed again. Presently he frowned. + +“Heigh-ho! I am disappointed in Monmouth. I did not think he would work +behind me.” + +“You would not like him to step into your shoes, Sir?” Roxhythe glanced +at him curiously. + +Charles was genuinely surprised. + +“I know that I have accorded him many rights and favours, but surely +you cannot think that I would set him above James? Why, he is +illegitimate!” + +Roxhythe nodded. + +“I wondered.” + +“My moral sense is not so perverted, David!” + +“No. I am glad of it.” + +Charles opened his eyes lazily. + +“Do you care, then? I thought it was all one to you?” + +“It is really. But I would sooner have James than the son of Lucy +Walters.” + +“Of course. God’s Body, but I should be a pretty Stuart if I connived +at that!” + +Roxhythe took up his hat. + +“But you would not connive at it.... Well, Sir, I must be gone. I am +due at Lord Essex his house in an hour.” + +“Poor David! Have you ever led so strenuous a life before?” + +“Seldom,” answered Roxhythe. He smiled a little. + +“I believe you like the game!” cried Charles, much amused. + +“It is not without interest,” admitted his lordship. Then he sighed. +“They are all so easy to trick,” he deplored. He went out languidly. + + + + + CHAPTER III + + AGITATIONS + + +SO the Duke of Monmouth went to Scotland. + +A mysterious tale arose. It was rumoured that the King had married Lucy +Walters. There was much talk of a marriage certificate sealed in a +certain box. Roxhythe attributed the tale to Shaftesbury, and affected +dismay. He told the Earl that he had gone too far. He implored him to +do nothing rash. Shaftesbury almost believed in his honesty. + +As soon as he had put down the rising, the Duke of Monmouth returned +triumphant to London. + +Then the King fell ill. Monmouth showed himself everywhere on the +strength of it, and my Lords Sunderland, Halifax and Essex implored +Charles to recall the Duke of York. They were very much afraid that if +Charles grew worse and died, Monmouth would succeed at once. + +Back came the Duke of York, sore at what he termed his banishment. +From Sunderland he learned that Roxhythe was all for his exclusion. He +thanked the pious Lord Sunderland for this information, and confessed +that it in no way surprised him. He raved at Charles. Charles, +convalescent, told him that he was a fool, and sent him to Scotland. +Acting partly on Roxhythe’s advice, and partly from his own disgust at +his son, he deprived Monmouth of his generalship, and ordered him to +leave the country. + +Doggedly Shaftesbury clung to his cause, deserted by all but a few. +Supported by Lords Russell and Roxhythe, he pushed on the persecution +of the Catholics in the country. Several entirely innocent men were put +to death, including eight priests. The terror of the Popish plot was +fanned into fresh flame. Roxhythe watched carefully, and, at length, +solemnly warned Shaftesbury that he was going beyond all bounds. He +counselled prudence, but by now my Lord was violent. + +The King entered into the conflict and dismissed him from his post of +Lord President of the Council. As Roxhythe had predicted, he had the +Council’s full support. + +Then he summoned Roxhythe. + +“There is danger, David.” + +“Great danger, Sir. Shaftesbury is determined to win.” + +“And so am I. We shall see. I have appealed to France.” He frowned. + +“France has answered?” + +“Ay. Offering me degrading terms! This means I must call a Parliament. +Heigh-ho!” + +“You would be wise to wait before you allow it to meet, Sir.” + +“I must gain time. I shall prorogue its assembly until November.” + +“November of ’80. If you can.” + +“I know that I can.” + +In spite of all petitions he stood firm. Parliament was not allowed to +meet. + +Shaftesbury grew still more daring. Again Roxhythe was closeted with +the King. + +Charles was worried. + +“Shaftesbury exceeds all bounds, David. I am fearful for the result.” + +“Give him rope, Sir,” advised my lord. “He’ll hang himself yet.” + +“I don’t doubt it. But in the meantime he is working much harm. What is +this tale of pamphlets?” + +“Our gentle Earl has a brain, Sir. He has formed a body. I am one of +the body. We promote agitation. In time Essex will join us.” + +“Roxhythe, this is serious!” + +“Not as serious as it would seem, Sir. The public is tired of the +Popish plot. Instead of executions, we now have acquittals.” + +“But if Essex joins Shaftesbury it will mean great trouble!” + +“It will bring matters to a head. There will indeed be trouble, but if +you stand firm you will win. Monmouth is to return.” + +Charles started up. + +“What’s that? Monmouth defy me?” + +“Shaftesbury sways him to his will. He induces him to come back to +London.” + +“It exceeds all bounds! It is direct insolence to me!” + +“Therefore let be. It gives you yet another handle against our good +Earl. You may trust me to further the dissension in the Council. +Halifax is still for the Orange. Sunderland....” He paused. + +“What of Sunderland?” + +“He has my admiration. He is very secret. As yet I can hardly say which +party he supports: Orange or James. He waits to see which will win.” + +“God’s Body! I am prettily served!” + +“You are, Sir.” + +“That Monmouth should treat me thus! My own son!” + +“Monmouth is a tool. You have very little to fear from that quarter. +I have ascertained that every right-minded person in the country is +opposed to him. They want Mary. Provided we can keep up the dissension, +and use your influence in the Lords, the Exclusion Bill will be thrown +out.” + +“And in the meantime every town is garrisoned and I dare not move one +way or the other for fear that popular feeling may turn against me! All +this arming smacks of civil war.” + +“Therefore I help to push it on. No one wants another war, and daily +more men are coming round to your side.” + +“You think that, David?” + +“I am sure of it, Sir. But use your influence in the Upper House. The +Bill will come again very soon and I think it will easily pass the +Commons. The Peers are your one hope.” + +Charles rested his head in his hand. + +“_Mordieu!_ I am beset! I must look again to France.” + +“Not yet. Let Shaftesbury run his course.” + +“Oh, ay, ay! But what of the Orangists?” + +“I told you some time ago, Sir, that Halifax blows cold when the rest +blow hot. I believe he will oppose the Bill. Ostensibly it will be for +the Duke of York, but William is at the back of his mind. He talks of +another Bill of Securities that will vest all power in the Parliament. +The Commons will never consent to that, I am sure. So if the Lords +throw out the Exclusion, the Commons will throw out the Securities. +Thus you gain time.” + +Charles sighed. + +“You are wonderful, David. So you advise me to take no steps?” + +The favourite dangled his gloves by their tassels. He was cool and very +collected. + +“Not yet. Exert your influence in the Upper House and leave the +factions to quarrel. The Country itself is divided in half.” + +Charles sat silent. Suddenly he rose. + +“It might be as well to recall James,” he said. + +“If you like, Sir. It will bring him before the people again. It may +bind his supporters more closely to him; on the other hand it will +raise fresh opposition.” + +“In fact,” said Charles, “it will raise more dissension, which you say +we want.” + +“Then send for him, Sir.” + + * * * * * + +A fortnight later Monmouth was travelling round England, having arrived +in London secretly, by night, and Essex had joined with Shaftesbury. +Russell and Cavendish handed in their resignations, and back came the +Duke of York to London, furious at Monmouth’s return. The Exclusion +Bill came and went; the tide was turning in the King’s favour. + +Almost despairing, Shaftesbury brought in a Bill of Divorce, enabling +the King to put away his Queen and re-marry. Charles was very angry; +the Duke of York was more so. + +Then Roxhythe brought new and disturbing news to Court. + +“Sire, Shaftesbury is desperate, but he contemplates a last blow.” + +“What is it?” asked Charles. + +The Duke, who was present, eyed Roxhythe malevolently. + +“He seeks to impeach Lord Stafford.” + +Charles sank back in his chair. + +“Impossible!” + +“It is infamous!” snapped the Duke. “It can come to naught.” + +Roxhythe turned. + +“Your pardon, Sir, it can come to a great deal.” + +“Lord Stafford’s age protects him!” + +“Not from the fury of the mob.” + +“You are right,” said Charles wearily. “His trial would inflame them +again. Shaftesbury knows that.” + +“I have done all in my power to dissuade him, but he had a strong +support. It has also come to his ears, through Essex, that I have not +played his game alone. He looks on me with an eye of suspicion once +more.” + +“As well he might!” + +Roxhythe smiled blandly upon his Grace. + +“As well he might,” he agreed. + +Charles frowned. + +“I’ll have no bickering! Roxhythe works in my interests and yours, +James.” + +The Duke sneered. He did not relish being rebuked in front of the +favourite. + +“David, if the jury finds Stafford guilty I am undone. Already Louis +stands against me, and if Shaftesbury succeeds in this, Sunderland will +take fright again. What would you have me do?” + +“Stafford must not die!” said James harshly. “It were iniquitous!” + +Roxhythe walked to the window. He spoke with his back to the room. + +“It may mean Stafford or you, Sir.” + +James gnawed his lip. The King’s eyes were brooding. + +“I might intervene.” + +Silence. + +“What say you, David?” + +“You must intervene!” cried James. + +“David!” + +Roxhythe shrugged. + +“You’ll lose all that we have been fighting for, Sir. Perhaps your +throne.” + +“You think that?” + +“Your Majesty knows the temper of a mob. If it is baulked of its victim +it may turn on you.” + +“But, _cordieu_! Surely Stafford is innocent?” + +“Undoubtedly. That will avail him naught.” + +“No jury will find him guilty!” rasped James. + +“I think no jury will dare acquit him.” + +“_Sangdieu_, am I King, or am I not?” cried Charles. + +“At present, Sir, you are King.” + +“Is it possible, Lord Roxhythe, that you advise Stafford’s death?” +asked James scathingly. + +“I advise naught, sir. It is for His Majesty to decide.” + +“It seems I am impotent,” said Charles. His voice held much of +bitterness. “Why did I return to this ungrateful people?” + +“God knows, Sir.” + +“And what if I allow them to murder Stafford? Is it the end? Can I make +it the end?” + +“You will be nearing the end. Shaftesbury thinks to hold you at his +mercy on account of the poverty of the Treasury. He relies on your +enforced consent to the Exclusion. If you can wring money from France +the end is in sight.” + +“Faugh!” James flung himself back in his chair. “My God, to what are we +coming?” + +Charles was thinking quickly. + +“I am still negotiating with Louis ... it might be possible.” + +“_Mille diables_, Sir, consider!” + +“Pray calm yourself, James. Do you want the Crown?” + +“Ay! But not this way!” + +“How then?” + +James was silent. + +“In Stafford’s place I would readily die, Sir.” + +James burst out again. + +“Very noble, Lord Roxhythe, and easily said! You are not in his place!” + +“At seventy, and lying in prison, death should be welcome,” said +Roxhythe imperturbably. + +“A traitor’s death? You sicken me! You revolt me!” + +“Have done!” commanded the King. “It is Stafford or ourselves. And he +has not yet been tried. Wait.” + +“Call out the army!” snapped James. “Arrest Monmouth and Shaftesbury.” + +Roxhythe smiled. The smile infuriated His Grace. + +“Ay, sneer my lord, sneer! How do I know that you are not deliberately +advising my brother to his undoing? You are very sanguine as to the +result of this execution! What do you know? You would do well to have a +care!” + +The brown eyes grew haughty. + +“Your Grace is insulting.” + +“_Sangdieu!_ Has it come to that? I am insulting? I tell you, my +lord--” + +Charles rose. He was no longer one of them. He was the King. + +“You are both lacking in respect to me. I will have no quarrelling +here. James, you speak wildly. Roxhythe, you may go.” + +My lord picked up his hat and bowed. + +“I crave Your Majesty’s pardon.” He left the room. + +The King turned to his brother. + +“James, I request that you will not speak thus to Roxhythe. You should +know by now that he acts only in my interests.” + +“The man is double-faced! He hates me!” + +“You have not given him over-much cause to love you. I warn you, do not +anger him.” + +Two red spots burnt on the Duke’s cheekbones. + +“Your Majesty asks too much of me! I also have a warning! Do not trust +Roxhythe!” + +Charles looked at him, half smiling. He seemed to slip back into his +easy placidity. + +“You are a fool, James,” he said, quite pleasantly. + + + + + CHAPTER IV + + THE KING HIS TRIUMPH + + +SIR Jasper came slowly into his wife’s room. Lady Frances knew from his +face that he was troubled. She could guess the cause. She was reading a +letter from Christopher, but it fell to the ground as she sprang up. + +“Oh, Jasper--no!” + +Montgomery took her hands. + +“My dear....” + +Unaccustomed tears came to her eyes. + +“They won’t let him die! Oh, they cannot!” + +“The sentence was read to-day.” + +Lady Frances pulled her hands away. + +“It’s too awful! too cruel! He never had a thought of--plotting! He was +so sweet--so--” She broke down. + +Montgomery watched her pitifully. + +“Dear....” + +“They cannot believe--him guilty of--these monstrous charges!” + +“They do not. But public feeling is too strong. My lord made an +excellent defence, but to no avail. The judges affected to believe +Tuberville’s lies. Tuberville swore that Stafford had engaged him to +murder the King, five years ago.” + +Lady Frances tried to check her tears. + +“The King--will not--intervene?” + +“My dear, I have long since given up expecting aught but selfishness +from the King.” + +She twisted her hands. + +“It is death?” + +“Yes. I’ll not revolt you with the details.” + +She shuddered. + +“He is--so old! They surely--cannot hang him--and--oh, it is too +awful!” + +“It is believed that the King will refuse his consent to that. We can +only hope for decapitation.” + +Lady Frances turned away, biting her lip. + +“I knew him so well! Papa--was one of his--dearest friends. I--oh, +there’s naught but cruelty and--lowness in England!” + +“We are indeed come to a pretty pass,” sighed Montgomery. “I never +heard palpable lies so easily swallowed. The whole affair was +disgraceful. The King was present, and the Duchess of Portsmouth. Her +Grace might have comported herself more decently, I thought.” + +“I daresay.” Lady Frances picked up Christopher’s letter. Her voice +still trembled. + +“Chris--seems more at ease. He--writes cheerfully. He is very busy.” + +“I am glad he went away before all this trouble came to a head,” said +Montgomery. “I wonder what part Roxhythe plays?” + +“I had rather--not know,” said his wife. + + * * * * * + +Bit by bit Shaftesbury’s adherents fell away from him. Roxhythe still +ostensibly helped on his cause, but the Earl neither trusted nor +mistrusted him. He believed that Roxhythe wanted the Exclusion but he +knew that he had intrigued with the Orangist faction. The Cause was +practically hopeless now, for the execution of Stafford had somewhat +appalled the mob. Monmouth still blazed through England, and James +clamoured for his arrest. It was Roxhythe who counselled the King to +hold his hand. + +Divining the calming temper of the mob, Shaftesbury tried to revive the +terror of the Popish Plot. Roxhythe urged him to take action, knowing +that, as a result, more members would join the Crown. + +Then came the Exclusion Bill again, and the King moved at last. + +“David,” he said, “I shall now prorogue Parliament.” + +“You could not do better, Sir,” agreed Roxhythe. “Your popularity with +the people is growing. They have begun to consider.” + +“What do they consider?” + +“Your attitude. They laud you for refusing to listen to Monmouth’s +claim. They see in it a just regard for your brother.” + +“How do you know, David? ’Pon my soul, you are sublime!” + +“I am indeed. I have done more work in these past months than I ever +thought to do in a lifetime. And I am a frequenter of taverns and +public meetings. It is most amusing.” + +“No one suspects you?” + +“On the contrary, everyone suspects me. Sunderland guesses that I +informed you of his duplicity; Halifax will no longer traffic with me; +Essex warns Shaftesbury to have no dealings with me. My day is nearly +done, but I know enough. Shaftesbury’s ruin is in sight, and it but +remains to snare the rest. One man alone trusts me.” + +“Who is he?” + +“Monmouth.” + +The King recoiled a little. + +“I don’t want him ruined, David! I love him.” + +“Certainly, Sir. But through him I can catch at the rest.” + +“I--cannot--believe that he is willingly against me!” + +Roxhythe looked down at his hands for a moment. + +“Why, Sir,” he said slowly, “do not distress yourself. Monmouth is +weak; he has been led away.” + +“You say that to console me,” answered Charles. “I will not conceal +from you, David, that it has hurt me more than all else.” + +“I repeat, Sir: he is weak. And very young.” + +“Yes,” assented Charles. “He is young, of course....” He sighed. “Well, +David, repinings will not help me. I am minded to appeal to the nation.” + +“A declaration.... Well, I think the nation will support you.” + +“So do I,” nodded the King, more cheerfully. + +He was right. The Declaration was the one thing needed to seal the +change in the people’s temper. The country was plunged into a sea of +loyalty, and Shaftesbury, almost despairing, withdrew to his house +in Aldersgate Street, where he proceeded to gather round him certain +citizens of London who, he boasted, would rise at a moment’s notice. + +Then came a diversion in the shape of William Nassau, who visited +London again with Charles’ consent, although the Duke of York, already +wary of him, besought the King to forbid his coming. + +William was as secret as ever, but his uncle could guess his +intentions. He wanted to bring England into league with him against +France. He wanted Charles to summon a new Parliament. During his stay +in London he very frequently visited the Duke of Monmouth and his +followers. Charles lifted his brows at that, confessing to Roxhythe +that he would give much for a peep into his nephew’s mind. + +When William at length left England he had extracted a promise from the +King that he would call a new Parliament if Louis again invaded the Low +Countries. + +“Sir,” said Bentinck. “Does Your Highness trust His Majesty at last?” + +“I trust no Englishman,” answered William shortly. “But I think to see +upheavals in England.” More he would not vouchsafe. + +“Sir,” said Roxhythe. “What of Louis?” + +“Dear David,” replied Charles. “Am I a fool? I have placated M. +Barillon. Louis plans to attack Luxembourg.” + +“Ah! And you?” + +“I believe I shall be blind to it,” answered Charles placidly. + +“I see,” said Roxhythe. “To what figure does he go?” + +“He is very mean. Only a million livres,” sighed Charles. “I must +recall James once more. He grows a thought too violent in Scotland.” + +Meanwhile Roxhythe was sowing hesitancy in Monmouth’s mind. The Young +Duke was planning a rising all over the country, but Roxhythe, by +some miraculous means or other, kept him uncertain, not daring to +move boldly in any one direction, ever procrastinating, and ploughing +through what seemed to him a bog of insurmountable difficulties. + +Shaftesbury, already desperate, and fearing to be betrayed by the +Duke’s wavering spirit, found that his brave London citizens were not +to be relied on, and gave up the struggle, broken. He had reason to +think that he would be arrested again, and, this time, not released. He +feared Roxhythe, although he had no proof of my lord’s duplicity. Ill +bodily, and more ill in spirit, he left London hurriedly and arrived in +Holland in the middle of November, 1682. + +He was suffering from an internal disease, and that, coupled with the +many worries gathered about his head, hastened on his end. Some few +weeks after his arrival in Amsterdam he died, broken-hearted, conscious +of utter failure. + +“So I win,” remarked the King. + +“I told you, Sir, that you should give him rope,” replied Roxhythe. + +“I had not dared without you, Davy.” + +“Oh, I think you would!” smiled my lord. “We can now almost touch the +end.” + +“It is ended,” said Charles. + +“Not while Russell and Essex are at large, Sir,” replied the favourite. +“Wait!” + + + + + CHAPTER V + + PLOTS + + +“DAVID, ye are a rogue! We see you less and less at Whitehall!” said +Charles. + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“I crave your pardon, Sir. In truth, I am busied with Your Majesty’s +affairs.” + +“Let be! They are very well.” + +“Sir, they may be well for the moment, but as long as Russell and Essex +and Sydney are at large trouble will continue to brew.” + +Charles waved his hand impatiently. + +“How can you prevent their being at large? Let be!” + +“Sire, one word I seem to have repeated a number of times: wait! I am +deep in plots.” + +“I am tired of plots and plotters.” + +“Why, so am I. So I seek to make an end.” + +“Ye are very mysterious, Davy! Are you playing some deep game, I +wonder?” + +“I am amusing myself, Sir.” + +“That means that you will say no more. Well, well!” + +My Lord Roxhythe accompanied His Majesty to Newmarket Races, as was his +wont. Five days before the appointed day of departure he had speech +with Charles. + +“Sire, will you be advised by me?” + +Charles, lolling on a couch, stretched out his long legs, yawning. + +“Roxhythe, you have become as secret as the grave! What now?” + +“I ask you to return to London in two days’ time.” + +The sleepy eyes opened. + +“Oho! More plots?” + +“The strings of which I am gathering into my hands.” + +“And you’ll tell me naught?” + +“Not yet, Sir. I must first enmesh my victims.” + +Charles yawned again. + +“I am sick of plots.” + +“So I shall not worry you with this. But return to London the day after +to-morrow, taking the Duke of York with you.” + +“Very well, David. As you please.” + +Thus it came about that the King and his brother drove quietly past Mr. +Rumbald’s house at Hoddesdon two days before the appointed time. And +Mr. Rumbald, who had arranged with one Goodenough and various others, +to lie in ambush till the coach passed and then to stop it, and to +murder the occupants, was justly incensed. He saw the coach go by, but +he was alone in the house, awaiting his fellow-conspirators who were to +arrive on the morrow, and he dared not attempt the deed. + +Meanwhile, my Lord Roxhythe visited His Grace of Monmouth who was +living in seclusion. + +Monmouth greeted him effusively. + +“Dear Roxhythe! I have been expecting you.” + +My lord disengaged himself. + +“I have been at Newmarket, Sir, and could not come before.” + +Monmouth drew him to a chair. + +“Sit down, my lord! sit down! I think you know Mr. Ferguson?” + +Roxhythe turned to look at the grim Scotsman. + +“I have that honour,” he bowed. + +“Yes, I have met his lordship,” said the pamphleteer harshly. + +Roxhythe glanced round the room. + +“I do not see Lord Russell?” + +“He is away from town,” answered Grey, one of Monmouth’s staunchest +adherents. “He works to raise the West Country.” + +“He is too finicking,” said Mr. Sydney suddenly. “Too cautious.” + +Sydney was a very thorough Whig. In the past he had fought under +Cromwell. + +“Oh!” protested Monmouth. “We have surely need of caution!” + +Mr. Trenchard, rough and ready, uplifted his voice. + +“He makes no progress. Taunton will rise at my call.” + +Monmouth smiled. + +“We are indeed pleased with you, Mr. Trenchard.” + +Roxhythe bit back a smile. + +“It seems we make very little progress in any way,” grumbled Sydney. +“We cannot rely on any part of the country to rise.” + +“We must have patience,” said Monmouth vaguely. + +“Patience will avail us naught! The longer we wait the more we lose!” + +Someone argued this hotly. Others joined in. + +“Peace, peace!” cried Armstrong. “Do ye quarrel in his Highness’ +presence?” + +“Ay,” nodded Monmouth. “I cannot have this babel.” + +“Highness, all this dilly-dallying is a weakness!” + +“Lord Grey is right!” Ferguson sat up. “We have to strike at the head!” + +“That is right,” struck in Mr. Sydney. “The Duke should die.” + +“How?” interposed Roxhythe. His soft voice easily made itself heard +above the bickering at one end of the room. + +Ferguson glowered at him. + +“There are many ways.” + +“Yet one should be decided on.” + +“He might be intercepted as he returns from the playhouse.” + +Monmouth expostulated. + +“Gentlemen, gentlemen! I’ll have no murder.” + +“You cannot make war in gloves, sir,” retorted Lord Grey. “There must +be killing. If we strike at the root we shall avoid undue slaughter.” + +“I cannot have murder,” reiterated Monmouth. To show his displeasure he +went aside with one Colonel Rumsey. + +Ferguson drew his chair closer to Mr. Sydney’s. + +“We want more than the Duke.” + +Sydney shot him a warning glance. But Roxhythe was not attending; he +was holding a languid argument with Lord Grey. + +“I’m with you there. While the King lives we shall have trouble.” + +“Our rights he destroys, our religion he curbs!” Ferguson’s eyes were +fanatic. + +“Monmouth would never consent.” + +Ferguson lowered his eyes. + +“If Monmouth is tiresome....” he left a pause. “What think you of him?” +By a faint movement of the head he indicated Roxhythe. + +Sydney frowned. + +“Untrustworthy. Too secret. But His Grace is blind to it.” + +“I’d have no dealings with him.” + +“Nor I. Except that he may prove useful.” + +“How?” + +“He could help to overthrow the guards at Whitehall. It is always well +to have one on the inside.” + +“Ay, but he would not do it. He’ll stop short of killing Charles.” + +“He need not know. He is agog for the Duke to be disposed of.” + +“He is double-faced. I fear that he’ll betray us.” + +“Not a whit. For his own safety he dare not. If the Duke succeeds his +day is o’er. And Rumsey vouches for him.” + +Monmouth came back into the middle of the room. + +“Gentlemen, it has come to my ears that there was lately a plot on foot +to murder His Majesty and the Duke of York on their way from Newmarket!” + +Grey shrugged and said nothing. Armstrong glanced at Roxhythe. + +“My lord, did this come within your ken?” + +“I heard rumours,” admitted Roxhythe. “Whence comes Your Grace’s +knowledge?” + +“From Wildman. He seemed to know much of the plot, and spoke of one +Rumbald. Understand me, gentlemen, I will not have it!” + +Mr. Sydney was hurt. + +“Does Your Highness insinuate that any of us were privy to it?” + +Monmouth shrugged peevishly. + +“I know that Wildman was, so why not more of you? I will not +countenance it!” + +There was an uncomfortable silence. + +“Should we not come to business, sir?” asked Grey. + +“We cannot decide aught until we hear from Russell,” answered Monmouth. + +“Then we are likely to remain inactive for some time!” Mr. Trenchard +snarled. “All this indecision is ruinous to the cause.” + +“I would I had not lost Shaftesbury,” mourned the Duke. + +“He acted the coward’s part! We were well rid of him!” snapped +Trenchard. + +“Shaftesbury was a wise man,” murmured Sydney. “So, I think, is Lord +Essex.” + +“By the way,” drawled Roxhythe. “Where is Essex?” + +“He is not here,” sighed Monmouth. + +“I had perceived it, sir,” said Roxhythe drily. “Is he ever here?” + +“Seldom.” Monmouth was cast down for a moment. “But I doubt he is very +much in our interests,” he continued, more brightly. + +Trenchard snorted. + +“I cannot see that Russell and Essex their absence need hinder us from +deciding on a course of action!” cried Ferguson. “We remain inert from +week’s end to week’s end! Strike! Strike!” + +“You speak like a fool!” Lord Grey was angry. “How can we move until we +are sure of the West Country’s support?” + +“I disagree!” Sydney took up the cudgels. “This talk of rising is +impracticable! If we had the army with us it would be different, but +what are we?--A mere handful, with possibilities of some counties +behind us. Only fools count on possibilities!” + +Armstrong joined in. + +“Ye are insulting, Sydney! We must wait, and the possibilities will +turn to certainties.” + +“Ay!” Mr. Sydney sneered. “Next century!” + +“Sydney is right!” Up started Ferguson. “We must strike a decisive +blow at the root of the trouble! Kill the Papist James! I have three +hundred Scotsmen in London to-day, and they will rise at my call! Storm +Whitehall, and possess ourselves of the city! The other counties will +never rise for us until they see that we mean business.” + +“Wild and impracticable,” declared Armstrong. “We must wait.” + +Sydney thumped the table. + +“Wait till we ruin all by our waiting! Oh, ay, Sir Thomas! Good advice!” + +“Do you provoke me, Sir?” Armstrong’s hand went to his sword-hilt. + +“Gentlemen, gentlemen!” implored Monmouth. “I must beg you to be +silent.” + +“Highness, I’ll brook no insult from Mr. Sydney! He has sneered at my +advice. Then let him suggest better, or withdraw his words!” + +“I have already voiced my suggestion! I’ll voice it no more! It is +meant for men who do not give way to squeamish, timorous doubts!” + +Lord Grey arose. + +“Mr. Sydney, you pass all bounds! Am I a timorous man? Your suggestions +are foolish, and thoughtless!” + +“Meant for men!” cried Ferguson. + +“Ay, meant for men!” said Sydney. “All you and Sir Thomas do, Grey, is +to counsel inaction! What good is there in that?” + +“You had best have a care, sir! I do not stand criticism from you!” + +“What’s that?” Mr. Sydney came to his feet. “You’ll answer for that, +Lord Grey!” + +“Will no one stop me this babel?” cried Monmouth. “It is disgraceful! +I will not have it! Lord Grey, I beg you will not speak hastily! Mr. +Sydney--” + +“Mr. Sydney has insulted me, sir!” + +“Sydney speaks very truly! You waver and hesitate, and have not the +courage to strike a blow!” + +“You had best guard your tongue, Mr. Ferguson!” + +“Ay!” Armstrong was flushed. “An you dare--” + +Roxhythe stood up. He seemed to tower above them. His lazy eyes +travelled slowly round the room from the angry, distracted Monmouth, to +the squabbling men by the table. + +“An I dare?” cried Ferguson. “Dare? Dare? I’d have you know, sir, that +I dare all! and--” + +“Thank you. That will do.” The calm, haughty voice penetrated the din. +There fell a sudden hush. All eyes were turned to the tall, graceful +figure standing by Monmouth, with one hand upraised. + +Roxhythe indicated a chair. + +“Mr. Sydney, resume your seat.” + +Sydney’s eyes flashed. + +“Sir!” + +The cold voice grew yet more gentle. + +“Mr. Sydney?” + +“I’ll--I’ll not have this--tone--to me....” Mr. Sydney sat down, fuming. + +Roxhythe turned to Grey. + +“You too, my lord. Mr. Ferguson, you will please remember his Grace’s +presence. This childish quarrelling is both futile and unseemly.” + +“I’ll have ye know, sir, that Ferguson takes orders from no man!” + +The faintest suspicion of a smile crossed my lord’s eyes. + +“Do ye seek to rouse mine ire, sir?” + +The smile crept down to Roxhythe’s lips. + +“You would do well to sit down, Mr. Ferguson,” said my lord softly. + +Ferguson flung over to the window. + +“Thank you. Allow me to say that while you are all at variance, action +is impossible.” He picked up his hat. + +“Roxhythe hits the very root of the matter,” said Monmouth. “You are +all under my displeasure.” + +“How are we to be assured of Lord Roxhythe his loyalty?” sneered Sydney. + +“Any insult to Roxhythe I take to myself!” flashed Monmouth. “_Mort +de ma vie!_ To what are we coming? You may be silent, Mr. Sydney!” + +“What advice has Roxhythe ever given?” answered Sydney, waxing hotter. +“What has he done to help us?” + +“Lord Roxhythe has given me sager counsel than any of you!” + +“I will give you one piece of advice, Sydney,” said my lord. “It is +that you have a care to that unruly tongue of yours. It is like to lead +you to disaster.” + +“Do you threaten me, my lord?” + +“I have never been known to do such a thing,” smiled my lord. + +Mr. Sydney said nothing further. Roxhythe turned to Monmouth. + +“Your Grace, I do counsel you to await Lord Russell his return. Be sure +of your supporters; do nothing rashly. When the time comes, strike +firm and true; above all, strike home. But do not endanger success by +precipitous action. Permit me to take my leave.” + +Monmouth smiled graciously. + +“You speak with great sense, my lord. I am entirely of your mind.” + +Roxhythe bowed and walked out. + +“I applaud Roxhythe,” said Grey. “He at least has a brain.” + + * * * * * + +Late that evening, Colonel Rumsey presented himself at Bevan House. He +was taken to Roxhythe’s private room. + +My lord waved him to a chair. + +“Sit down, sir. Did they continue to quarrel this morning?” + +Rumsey chose the most uncomfortable chair in the room, and sat gingerly +on the edge. + +“They did, my lord. They fell to arguing over your loyalty. Grey upheld +you; Armstrong of course deems you true. But Sydney and Ferguson +mistrust you.” + +“It matters not in the least. I have learnt enough to hang every man +amongst them.” + +Rumsey looked at him uneasily. + +“My lord, I do not like the part I have to play.” + +“No?” said Roxhythe. “I am sorry.” + +Rumsey twisted his fingers. + +“My lord, expose the plot yourself! Do not ask me to do so!” + +“I do not ask,” said his lordship sweetly. + +“You have me in a vice!” Rumsey flung out his hands. + +“Yes,” agreed Roxhythe. + +“If I refuse to betray these men, you will do it and betray me with +them. My lord, have a little pity!” + +The scorn in Roxhythe’s eyes made Rumsey wince. The fine lips curled. + +“I have no mercy for those who plot against His Majesty’s person,” said +my lord. His voice was like ice; but it was ice that concealed a fire. +“If I followed mine inclination I would have you strung up--ay, and +quartered. But as a price for your obedience I give you your life, such +as it is.” + +Rumsey was white to the lips. Roxhythe fascinated him as a cat +fascinates a mouse. He could not look away from that disdainful face. + +“My lord,” he stammered. “Have pity! To turn informer! I--” He +broke off hopelessly. Roxhythe was smiling. “I am afraid!” he cried +desperately. + +“So I perceive. If you refuse to do my bidding you will have good cause +to be afraid.” + +“My lord, my lord, why do you want me to do it? Why do you not do it +yourself?” + +“It is not my will. If you disclose my hand in the matter you will know +what to expect.” + +Rumsey passed his tongue between his dry lips. + +“And if I do not? If I obey?” + +“Have I not said? I give you your life.” + +“How do I know that you will not hurl me to destruction when my work is +done?” + +“It were not worth my while,” answered Roxhythe pleasantly. + +“And Keyling? Is he in your power too?” asked Rumsey. + +“Certainly.” + +“You--you--devil!” said Rumsey, almost hysterically. + +“I should advise you to be more civil,” said Roxhythe. “I am not the +man to be rude to.” + +Rumsey bit his lip. Suddenly he looked up. + +“My lord, have you not thought that I might implicate you? You have +been in this plot--” He stopped, stricken by the sight of that slow, +pitying smile. + +“Do you think His Majesty is not aware of the part I play?” asked +Roxhythe. + + + + + CHAPTER VI + + MONMOUTH + + +“ALL is meet for the sacrifice,” remarked Roxhythe. + +Charles looked up, interested. + +“Am I to know at last?” + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“In truth you have been very much in the dark, Sir. You are to know.” + +“Then come and tell me! Are you about to deliver me from Russell and +Essex?” + +“Also Grey, and Sydney, and Hampden. And Ferguson.” + +“Good God, Roxhythe, you have done your work well! Are all these people +in league against me?” + +“There are many more,” said Roxhythe calmly. “Those are the principals.” + +Charles looked at him anxiously. + +“What of Monmouth, David?” + +“He plans a rising all over the country, but he resolutely refused to +listen to the idea of your assassination.” + +The King started. + +“I should be grateful, I suppose! Is there in very truth a plot to +murder me?” + +“There are several, Sir. All equally wild, but equally dastardly.” + +“God’s death! I had no notion ’twas so serious!” + +“Nor is it, Sir. But by making it seem so we can ensnare your enemies.” + +“Speak plainly, Roxhythe! Let me know all that there is to know.” + +“Very well, Sir.” Roxhythe moved to a chair. “Some time ago I came +across one Keyling, a salter, and one who was embroiled in a certain +quarrel with the Lord Mayor some while back. He goes in fear of his +skin on account of it. He was also so unwise as to enter a plot +’gainst your life. He is a very thorough Whig, you see.” + +“Wait, David! How in heaven’s name did you come to know him?” + +“I have frequented a certain tavern in Aldgate where these gentlemen +meet from time to time. I observed them all very closely. The rest I +got from Rumsey.” + +“Who is Rumsey?” + +“We shall come to him, Sir. Well, this Keyling is not too scrupulous, +and not too loyal. A little bribery, and _voilà!_ he was my man. +He was more than ever my man when I hinted at the affair with the Lord +Mayor. He turned informer to save himself. From him I gathered that +there was a party of men engaged to dispose of Your Majesty and the +Duke of York. A certain fellow, Rumbald, headed them. They planned to +shoot you on your way from Newmarket. The appointed spot was Rye House, +near Hoddesdon, which is where Rumbald lives. I counselled you to leave +Newmarket two days before the appointed time, and the plot came to +naught. But they continue to scheme, and this time they seek to kill +you in London. They hold lengthy meetings at a certain Devil Tavern. +They are joined by Rumsey and Ferguson, possibly Sydney.” + +“You’re very cool!” said Charles, half-laughing. + +“It is so interesting. For this is where the two plots meet.” + +“’Sblood! What is the other plot?” + +“The Monmouth rising that I spoke of. Monmouth hath a large following: +Russell, Essex, Armstrong, Grey, Sydney, Trenchard and a score of +others. Monmouth, Russell and Essex seek only to rise and to force you +to declare Monmouth the heir, but Sydney and Ferguson wish to kill you. +Ferguson would murder Monmouth too if necessary. He is by no means a +pleasant character. They hold meetings at the house of one Shepherd. +Lord Russell has been there many times, and there has been much +treasonable talk. All this I have from Rumsey, whom I hold, as he puts +it, in a vice.” + +Charles uncrossed his legs and sat upright. + +“Who--is--Rumsey?” + +Roxhythe opened his eyes rather wide. + +“A creature of no account,” he said. “One of Monmouth’s followers.” + +The King leaned back again with a sigh of relief. + +“At last! Why have you him in a vice?” + +“I know a waverer when I see one, Sir. I easily discovered him. I told +him that I had ample proofs of his meetings with Rumbald at the Devil +Tavern. I frightened him, and, perforce, he became my man. I have +promised him his life, as a price of which he will turn informer when I +tell him.” + +“He will incriminate Russell?” + +“He will incriminate anyone that I wish.” + +Charles was openly admiring. + +“You are wonderful, David!” + +“It was really very easy,” disclaimed my lord. “But it will prove +useful. The plot can be used as Shaftesbury used the Popish plot. You +will gain power by it.” + +“And be rid of those who seek to bring about the Exclusion. When do +these men lodge their information?” + +“There are still one or two minor details that we must discover if we +are to trap Essex. In about a week.” + +“Meanwhile I shall be murdered,” said Charles cheerfully. + +“Not a whit, Sir. If you could but see these schemers you would laugh +at the thought of their ever moving either one way or another. They +fight amongst themselves; they waver, they hesitate. Monmouth is swayed +this way and that. They meet to decide on some sort of action, and +when they are assembled they bewail the fact that they cannot, after +all, come to a decision as one of their number is not present. If one +puts forward a scheme, the rest pounce on it and tear it to bits. Then +they come to blows--or would, if Monmouth did not intervene. It is the +wildest, silliest band of malcontents I ever was in.” + +“It is because Monmouth is no leader of men. In battle, yes. But he has +no fixity of purpose. A pity.” + +“In this case, Sir, a good thing.” + +Charles rested his head in his hand. + +“I wish he were not acting thus against me. It--hurts, David--though I +suppose I encourage him. I should never have accorded him the rights I +did. It put higher ideas into his pate.... Does he trust you?” + +“Implicitly. I have given him a little obvious advice and he imagines +that I am wholly with him. Sydney mistrusts me, but Grey stands for me +because I studiously agree with what he says. Rumsey assures the rest +of my loyalty. They think to hold me in their hands on account of the +Duke of York his hatred for me. It never enters their heads that I work +for you alone.” + +“I see. Does it irk you, I wonder?” + +“Does what irk me, Sir?” + +“The double part you play: delivering these men into my hands.” + +Roxhythe’s eyes flashed suddenly. + +“Sire, where you are concerned I have no pity.” + + * * * * * + +And so, at last Roxhythe having all the threads at his finger-tips, +started to pull them, so that the Great Whig Plot fell in ruins about +its makers. Roxhythe worked still in the shadows, and so deftly did +he play his part that his name was never mentioned. One by one he set +his hapless tools to do his bidding, secure in the knowledge that they +dared not refuse. Keyling and Rumsey disclosed all that they knew, but +they were carefully coached by Roxhythe, and on every occasion they +denied that Monmouth had ever countenanced the idea of assassinating +the King or the Duke. Very skilfully was the betrayal done, bit by bit, +till at last the network of information was complete, woven together by +a master-hand. + +Proclamation was issued, ordering the arrest of Monmouth and his chief +followers: Grey, Russell, Ferguson and others. My lord’s work was +well done, and so thoroughly that no loop-hole was left through which +the incriminated men, save Monmouth, might creep. All that Roxhythe +had striven for since first he joined Shaftesbury and Holles was +accomplished. It had entailed endless toil, constant alertness of brain +and unfailing perseverance. And now it was finished, the task that +had been so colossal, and which, to any other man, would have seemed +impossible. Step by step my lord had entered into almost every plot for +over a year, and had gradually drawn those implicated into a cunning +net whose strings were held by a relentless, merciless hand. My lord’s +quick brain was moving all the time, linking each tiny plot into one +whole, leading on the men he was tricking, until, by their actions, +they gave him damning evidence against themselves. Not until the +evidence was complete did he draw the strings tight. To act too early +would have meant failure, to act too late might have meant disaster. +Coolly Roxhythe awaited the right moment, never losing patience, never +relaxing his vigilance. The moment had come, and at last his task was +over. The King’s enemies were smashed, and the King sat firm upon his +throne. Only one thing remained to be done. Because Charles wished it, +Monmouth must be saved. + +Thus it was that my Lord Roxhythe went to wait upon His Grace of +Monmouth. + +The young man was in a state of terror. He almost clung to Roxhythe. + +“My lord, ye see how we have been betrayed!” + +Roxhythe looked at him thoughtfully. + +“What am I to do?” went on Monmouth. “Does the King suspect you?” + +“No,” said Roxhythe, smiling. “He does not.” + +Lord Grey had entered the room. He spoke now with suppressed fury. + +“He has good reason not to suspect Lord Roxhythe!” he said. + +Monmouth recoiled. + +“What’s that? No, no! Roxhythe, you have not betrayed me?” + +My lord ate a comfit. + +“I could kill you where you stand, you lying devil!” said Grey. + +“No, you could not,” replied his lordship tranquilly. + +“Roxhythe, Roxhythe, it is not true! Good God, you could not have +betrayed me!” + +“Could he not, sir? Do you forget Sydney’s warnings? Alas, that I +ignored them! Rumsey has turned informer, but who was behind Rumsey? +Who prompted him to tell such a careful mixture of truth and lies? He +had not the brain, I know!” + +Monmouth clung to the table. + +“Roxhythe, speak!” He was very near tears. + +Roxhythe shut his comfit-box. + +“Gently, sir. Do not agitate yourself. Lord Grey, either leave the room +or behave sanely.” + +Grey had drawn his sword. Murder was in his eyes. + +“Will you draw, sir?” + +“Certainly not.” + +Monmouth caught at Grey’s arm. + +“Fool, fool! We are surely ruined if you kill Roxhythe! Put up your +sword! I command it!” + +Reluctantly Grey obeyed. Monmouth sat down limply. + +“Roxhythe--explain! Deny that you betrayed me!” + +“I wonder that Your Grace ever believed I should do otherwise. I am the +King his man. You were all very guileless.” + +“We were honest!” cried Grey. “We--foolishly--judged you by ourselves!” + +“Then you were indeed foolish. You counted on my dislike for the Duke +of York. You forgot my love for the King.” + +“Oh, my God!” choked Monmouth. “How could you do it? You have ruined +me!” + +Roxhythe’s smile was sarcastic. + +“I have prevented your ruin, Sir.” + +“How can you say so? Don’t seek to excuse yourself!” + +“I beg your pardon?” + +“I said, don’t seek to excuse yourself!” + +Grey watched the smile come again, sick at heart. + +“I most certainly shall not excuse myself,” said my lord haughtily. +“Had it been necessary I would have ruined Your Grace. As it is I have +saved you. It was not my deliberate intention.” + +“You confound me with your riddles! What have you done to save me?” + +“I have very effectually prevented your rising against King Charles. Is +it possible that you do not realize how futile such a rising would have +been? You would have caused a little trouble, your army would have been +disposed of, and you would have died a traitor’s death on Tower Hill.” + +“I am like to do that now!” groaned the wretched young man. + +“Not at all. That is why I have sought you out to-day. Because His +Majesty hath a great affection for you in spite of your conduct, I must +help you to evade justice.” + +“Do not trust him, sir!” said Grey sharply. + +“I shall not. I’ll listen to no more of his advice!” + +Roxhythe bowed. + +“In that case I’ll take my leave, sir.” + +Up started Monmouth. + +“No, no! Come back, Roxhythe! Come back! What is it I must do?” + +“Highness, pray do not--” + +“Silence, Grey! Roxhythe, help me!” + +“A warrant is out for your arrest, sir--” + +“Curse you! Do I not know it?” + +“--for your arrest. So I counsel you to go into hiding, not in London. +When this storm has abated, surrender yourself to His Majesty, and +implore his mercy.” + +“I shall surrender myself now! at once!” + +“You will be very ill-advised, sir. Evidence is too strong against +you. Much of it will be withdrawn in a while and you can with safety +surrender. For the present, go.” + +Monmouth stood irresolute. + +“How do I know that you are not trying to ruin me entirely? I--” + +“You do not know. But Lord Grey will tell you that I am speaking with +my accustomed good-sense.” + +Monmouth looked helplessly at Grey who shrugged. + +“Is it a message from the King?” asked the Duke, of a sudden eager. + +Roxhythe looked at his hands. + +“I must say no,” he replied. + +“That is a curious way of saying it! Are you--bidden to--say no?” + +“Is it likely that I shall tell you, sir? You have my advice. Act on it +or not, as you will. It makes no odds to me. What should I gain by your +ruin?” He went out. + +“I shall go, Grey.” + +“Shall you, sir?” Grey smiled wanly. “I suppose you will. And we--shall +stay.” + + + + + CHAPTER VII + + FEBRUARY, 1685 + + +LADY Frances regarded her cousin thoughtfully. + +“I often wonder, David, how you triumphed.” + +Roxhythe showed signs of interest. + +“When? And how?” + +“When Russell died, and Essex killed himself.” + +Roxhythe relapsed into boredom. + +“Old history, my dear.” + +“But none the less puzzling. At the time you would say naught. Now it +should be different. All those enemies to the King are gone; there is +no danger of Exclusion. How did you do it?” + +“It was the King his triumph.” + +“Undoubtedly. But also yours.” + +“I am gratified, of course. But why was it my triumph?” + +“Roxhythe, am I a fool?” + +“You are wiser than the most of your sex, my dear.” + +She made a little grimace. + +“You are more than kind! Well, I am not a fool. Never have you +succeeded in deceiving me, less than ever now. Why does Halifax become +as stone when one speaks your name? Why does Sunderland grind his +teeth? Why do Howard’s cheeks grow red?” + +“Do they?” asked Roxhythe. “How amusing!” + +“No. Why do all these things happen?” + +“In truth, I am too powerful.” + +“Why are you too powerful? What have you done to cause their enmity? +You put a spoke in their wheels.” + +“Several spokes.” + +“You helped to overthrow Shaftesbury, you overthrew the Exclusion, you +ruined Monmouth.” + +“It seems I am omnipotent. But I did not ruin Monmouth.” + +“Oh, I know he was forgiven, but he had to leave the country for all +that.” + +“It was the King his will.” + +“Roxhythe, tell me plainly: were you one of Monmouth’s band?” + +“Is it likely?” + +“It is more than likely that you counterfeited the better to undo him.” + +“Dear, dear!” said Roxhythe. + +“David, I know that it must have been so. Every man mistrusts you, yet +dare not cross you. You have tricked and betrayed; I am sure of it.” + +“In that case there is no more to be said.” + +“You admit it?” + +“I admit nothing.” + +“Neither do you deny. That tells me all I want to know. I am fearful +for you, David.” + +“Odds life! Why?” + +“There is no one will uphold you save the King.” + +“Am I like to require upholding?” + +Lady Fanny did not smile. + +“I think so. Roxhythe, you have sacrificed all for Charles. It was +weak.” + +My lord was genuinely astonished. + +“Weak? What next?” + +“I know ’tis a surprising thought. Christopher was stronger than are +you.” + +“_Cordieu_, why am I weak?” + +“David, when you were young, and I was a child, you were a soldier. +You fought at Worcester. You were honest then, and you played one game +alone. Gradually you dabbled in intrigue; at last you quitted the army. +From that moment you changed. You forgot the soldier in yourself, +overcome by your love for Charles. You put honour and good faith behind +you. You sank yourself for Charles.” + +“This is enthralling! Proceed!” + +“In ’60 you came with him to England. Since that day you have never +once played an honest game.” + +“One moment! I have played a consistent game.” + +“Consistent in that it was always for one man. Never a straightforward +game. You intrigued with Louis--led him to think that you worked in +his interest. You are no longer received at the Louvre because Louis +discovered that your fair promises were empty, that you were not to be +trusted. You betrayed Shaftesbury; you betrayed Monmouth, Russell and +all those others. All for one man. I do admit that you have ever worked +for Charles, and for that much will doubtless be forgiven hereafter. +But, David! You have sacrificed truth, honour, patriotism for man. +You may look at it in what light you will, but always it will be a +weakness--a shame!” + +“Will it?” said Roxhythe, unperturbed. “It is very sad.” + +“You will regret it, David.” + +“If you think that, Fanny, you do not know me.” + +She shrugged. + +“Perhaps I do not. Will it not prey on your mind that you brought about +the deaths of men who were innocent--just to gratify the whim of your +master?” + +“Not in the least. Who are these innocent men?” + +“Russell and Essex. Do you think I did not know them? I knew them +well. In Monmouth’s cause they may have been, but in a plot to murder +Charles, never! All that lying, worthless evidence ... who helped to +concoct it? Methinks I descry your hand. And Stafford; could you not +have induced Charles to save him?” + +“No.” + +She shrugged again. + +“It may be so. But could you not have saved Russell?” + +“Perhaps.” + +“And yet you did not. I can find it in my heart to pity you, David.” + +“Then I beg you will not. I regret nothing. My whole life has been at +the disposal of the King. Am I to regret that?” + +“It is for you to say. I had thought so, certainly. I tell you, David, +Christopher chose the better part.” + +“And what is he now?” + +“He is an honest man. He fought against losing his honour, his +manhood, even as you must have fought, long, long ago. You gave way +to inclination; Chris won his battle. He would not sacrifice all that +was right and true for one man. Don’t think that it was easy for him +to leave you! I watched that struggle, and I know. Now he has found +happiness. He is with his regiment; he works openly, honestly. I don’t +say that he has ever regained the same bliss that he once knew, but he +is at peace, because he knows that he chose rightly. He may not have +won power, but he has friends--and trust. You have power, but for how +long will it last? No man trusts you.” + +Roxhythe turned his head to look at her. He was faintly amused. + +“Quite a homily. Yet if I had to choose again I would choose the same +path.” + +“Would you, David? Are you not lonely?” + +“I am not.” + +“Then I can say nothing more. I suppose you think me very officious.” + +“My dear, you are at liberty to say what you will to me, but don’t seek +to reform my ways. Do you expect me to repent my evil life and weep?” + +At last she smiled. + +“You would not be Roxhythe an you did,” she said. + +“And you would thoroughly despise me.” + +“I suppose I should. I cannot help liking you--perhaps because I too +have lived in intrigue. In truth, David, we are old and wicked.” + +“My sweet Fanny, I am not yet fifty, and you--” + +“Don’t! I cannot bear to think how old I am!” + +“--are not yet forty-five. We are in our prime.” + +“Are we? Roxhythe, do you ever hear from Chris?” + +“At rare intervals. Our interests lie apart.” + +“Do--you ever--miss him?” + +“I really have not given the matter a thought,” said Roxhythe, suddenly +languid. He rose. “I must go. I have to visit Lord Wildmay. Have you +observed his wife?” + +“No,” she said. “But I can see that you have.” + +The door flew open. An agitated gentleman came in. He did not heed +Lady Frances who stared at him in great hauteur. He went straight to +Roxhythe, breathless. + +“My lord--I have searched for you everywhere!” He paused, and spoke +lower. “You must come to the palace at once!” + +Roxhythe’s hand tightened slowly on his comfit-box. + +“What is it, Chiffinch?” + +Lady Frances drew nearer. + +“What is the matter? Why is my lord so instantly required?” + +Chiffinch hesitated. + +“Madam--I trust to your discretion--the King--is ill.” + +Roxhythe picked up his hat. + +“You’ll excuse me, Frances. I will come, Chiffinch.” + +“Make haste, sir! They--they fear--he cannot--live!” He turned away, +hiding his grief. + +Lady Frances went very white. + +“Oh--! Mr. Chiffinch! Roxhythe, go quickly!” She turned towards him and +found that she was addressing space. Roxhythe had gone. + + * * * * * + +The room was full of people. The physicians were consulting together by +the window; James stood by the fireplace with the Earl of Feversham. +When Roxhythe entered he turned, frowning. My lord did not glance in +his direction. He went quietly to the great bed where lay his master. +Charles’ eyes were closed; his face was ghastly; one hand lay on the +sheet. Roxhythe lifted that hand tenderly and kissed it. + +The King’s eyes opened. With an effort he smiled. + +“This is the end, Davy.” He spoke feebly, little above a whisper. + +“Have courage, Sir. This is not the end.” + +The smile lingered. + +“I shall not be sorry, Davy. In--truth, my spirit has--not been at +rest--this many a day. Stay by me.” His eyes closed. + +The day wore on. One after another the surgeons attended him. He was +unconscious, but towards evening he came to himself and seemed better. + +Several divines sat with him during the night; the Duke of York +scarcely left the bedchamber. Roxhythe sat beside the bed, watchful, +immovable. + +Charles hardly opened his eyes. He was suffering great pain, but no +complaint passed his lips. + +On the second day news came of the nation’s grief. During these last +years Charles had regained all his old popularity. The people were +filled with dismay at his illness; prayers were read for him in every +church. + +On the fourth day of his illness it was thought that the King would +recover, and London rejoiced. Suddenly there was a relapse and the +physicians knew that they could not save him. + +At sight of her husband’s sufferings, the Queen had fainted and had +been forced to retire. + +When the news came that the King was dying, the Duchess of Portsmouth +had an interview with M. Barillon, as a result of which M. Barillon +spoke long and earnestly to the Duke of York. + +The Archbishop of Canterbury had urged the King to receive the +Sacrament. Charles seemed sunk in apathy. + +Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, fared no better. + +Then came James to the bedside, and ordered everyone to stand back. He +spoke quietly to his brother. + +“Yes--yes! with all my heart!” gasped Charles. + +The Duke whispered again. The King’s answer could not be heard. + +My Lord Roxhythe was speaking to M. Barillon when James approached. He +turned to the Duke. + +“Your Grace should seek out the Count of Castel Melhor.” + +James frowned. + +“There should be some Englishman.” + +“There is not!” interposed Barillon eagerly. “The Count will find a +confessor.” + +“One who cannot speak English. To what avail?” + +“It is almost the only chance,” said Roxhythe. “Where will you find a +priest these days?” + +James hurried out. Roxhythe went out also. + +The Count promised to find a confessor, but not one was forthcoming who +could speak enough English or French. James was distracted. Then came +Roxhythe. + +“Do you remember Huddleston, sir?” + +“No!” snapped James. “I want no riddles now!” + +Roxhythe looked his scorn. + +“I offer you none. I speak of the man who saved the King’s life after +Worcester.” + +“That man!” James started. “Is he a priest?” + +“Something approaching it. I have taken him to Castel Melhor who will +see that he is well instructed. He is willing to shrive the King.” He +went back to the bedside. + +“He is very cold,” remarked M. Barillon. “_Ma foi!_ I do not +understand you Englishmen.” + +“I thank God we are not all like Roxhythe,” answered James curtly. He +left the room. + +Later the room was cleared, only Feversham and Granville remaining, and +Chiffinch brought Huddleston, disguised, by a back way. + +For nearly an hour the door to the King’s chamber remained inexorably +closed. Glances were exchanged in the outer room, full of significance. +Then again the door was opened and everyone was allowed to enter. + +The King’s children were brought to receive his blessing, but the +absent Monmouth’s name never once passed his lips. + +During the night Charles regained some of his old urbanity. He sent +messages to the Queen, and recommended several people to his brother’s +care. He even contrived to crack a joke. + +The dawn came. Roxhythe was kneeling by the bed, the King’s hand in +his. His face was a mask; he seemed not to notice anyone in the room +save his master. During the night Charles had spoken with him in +broken, laboured whispering. No one knew what he had said. His feeble +voice reached the favourite’s ears alone, and not even James, watching +jealously, could catch a syllable. He had only seen Roxhythe kiss the +King’s hand again and again. + +The light crept in at the windows. Charles ordered that the curtains +should be drawn apart that he might see the day once more. Very shortly +after, speech left him. + +The slow hours crept on. Once the King’s eyelids flickered, and +Roxhythe felt the faint pressure of his hand. He bent over it, his face +hidden. + +Charles became unconscious. It was now only a matter of hours. + +The Duke of York came and went; from time to time the physicians took +the King’s pulse. Nothing further could be done for him. + +Drearily the moments ticked away. Except for the whispering of the men +by the fireplace there was no sound. + +M. Barillon jerked his head towards the still, kneeling figure by the +bed. + +“I think he feels it.” + +Feversham sneered. + +“As much as he feels anything. It means his downfall.” + +“Perhaps,” said Barillon. “Perhaps.” + +It was nearly noon. Dr. Shortt drew near the bed, bending over the +King. He straightened himself and looked across at the other surgeons. +They came to his side.... + +Dr. Shortt came away from the bed. + +“Gentlemen!” + +Everyone turned anxiously. The Duke was with the other physicians. + +“Gentlemen, the King is dead.” Shortt walked away to the window, +blowing his nose. + +There was a long silence. The Duke came away from the great +four-poster, his face set. He went out quickly. + +Roxhythe held the cold hand still. He had made no movement all through; +it was doubtful if he had heard the sentence. Barillon looked at him +curiously for a moment. Then he went to him and laid a hand on his +shoulder. + +“Milor’....” He spoke gently. + +Roxhythe looked up. His face was drawn and grey. + +“Milor’ ... you heard?” + +Roxhythe stared before him. + +“Ay. I heard.” The level voice did not tremble. + +“_Eh, bien!_” Before this coldness M. Barillon’s gentleness fled. +He withdrew. + +Once more my lord bent over the lifeless hand, raising it to his lips. +There was no answering pressure now. For a long while he held it there, +taking his last farewell. Then he rose and looked into the beloved +composed features. + +He turned, and faced the room. No one spoke. Even Feversham could not +sneer. + +The hard eyes travelled slowly round the room. Without a word my lord +went to the door. + +So he left Whitehall, which had been almost his home for so many years. +Never again would he willingly cross its threshold. The King was dead. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII + + THE LOSING GAME + + +“MADAM, my lord sees no one.” + +Lady Frances stamped. + +“I tell you I am his cousin! I will enter!” + +The footman held his ground. + +“I crave your ladyship’s pardon, but I dare not admit you.” + +Lady Frances compressed her lips. + +“I will enter.” + +“My lady--” + +“Stand aside. I must see John.” + +The footman’s face cleared. He conducted Lady Frances to a great empty +room at the back of the house. Presently Roxhythe’s old servant came to +her. Lady Frances sprang up. + +“John, how is he?” + +“Well, your ladyship, but sick at heart.” + +“He--he does not--seek to--take his life?” + +John read her fear. + +“That is not my lord’s way, madam.” + +“I have been so afraid.... May I see him?” + +“I think he will not receive you, madam.” + +“Ah, but ask him! Tell him ’tis I, Lady Fanny, who begs he will let me +speak with him.” + +John was irresolute. + +“I hardly dare, madam--” + +“Yes, yes!” + +John bowed. + +“I will ask him, madam.” + +When he had gone Lady Frances paced up and down the room, gripping her +fingers nervously. + +Roxhythe entered quietly. He was dressed all in black; his face was +very pale, but his eyes were the same as ever, soft and hard by turns, +always inscrutable. + +“I am indeed honoured, Fanny.” He bowed. “Do you need my services?” + +Frances went to him and took his hands. + +“David--my poor David--” + +“No,” said Roxhythe, passionless. “Not that.” He withdrew his hands. + +“David, may not I--even I, who have ever been your friend--may not +I--try to comfort you?” + +“I want no pity. You cannot comfort me.” + +“Dear, won’t you trust me? Can’t you let me see your real self?” + +Roxhythe kissed her finger-tips. + +“You are very kind, my dear. No.” + +Lady Frances was silent. She realized that that impenetrable mask would +not be dropped for her. + +“I am sorry, David. What are you going to do?” + +“In what way?” asked Roxhythe. + +“Come and sit down!” she commanded. “I know that you will not be +received at Whitehall. James hates you.” + +Roxhythe smiled. + +“My dear, if I chose I could hold James ’neath my thumb.” + +“How?” she asked, incredulous. + +“James is weak,” said Roxhythe. “In time I could be as great under him +as I was under--His Majesty.” + +“It would mean truckling to him.” + +“No.” + +“You know best. So you’ll do that?” + +“Oh, no!” he replied. “I shall not do that.” + +“It were a losing game,” she said. + +“Any game I choose to play now is that. I desire to have naught to do +with Whitehall.” + +Lady Frances hesitated. Then she turned to him. + +“David, you must know that your day is over. I have come partly to warn +you. I believe James will strike you.” + +“Probably,” said Roxhythe. “On what score?” + +“Your share in the Monmouth plot.” + +“I am expecting that.” + +“You are armed?” + +“I am still Roxhythe,” said my lord. + + * * * * * + +Hardly a fortnight after the King’s death, my Lord Sunderland waited +on Lord Roxhythe at Bevan House. He was conducted to the library, and +there Roxhythe joined him, a sombre figure in black and silver. + +He swept Sunderland a deep bow. + +“I am honoured,” he drawled. + +Sunderland returned the bow stiffly. + +“My lord, I am come on an unpleasant errand.” + +“I thought it could not be solely for the pleasure of seeing me. Pray +be seated!” + +Sunderland remained on his feet. + +“I am come at the command of His Majesty who bids me--advise you--to +leave the country.” + +Roxhythe laughed gently. + +Sunderland’s sharp face crimsoned. + +“It is no laughing matter, my lord! King James knows how deeply you +were implicated in the Monmouth plot.” + +“Then why does he not arrest me?” asked Roxhythe. + +“He wishes to be lenient. So he advises you to leave the country.” + +“Very kind. Pray thank him for me.” + +“And you will go?” + +“Not at all.” + +Sunderland stared. + +“You are very cool, sir!” + +“I see nothing to be hot about.” + +“Do you realize that you stand in danger of imprisonment?” + +“No,” said Roxhythe. + +Sunderland sat down. + +“I assure you that you do.” He met his lordship’s enigmatical smile +challengingly. But his eyes betrayed uneasiness. + +“It’s very interesting,” said Roxhythe. “You may be sure that I shall +not seek to evade arrest.” + +Sunderland fidgeted. + +“You would do well to leave the country,” he repeated. + +The smile grew more amused. + +“My Lord Sunderland, you have ever commanded mine admiration. Your +astuteness is quite astonishing. I would advise you to employ it now.” + +Sunderland rose. + +“I fail to understand you, sir.” + +“Yes?” said Roxhythe, always polite. “A pity.” + +“I can only repeat my message:--you would do well to leave the +country.” He walked to the door. + +“Your solicitude is charming, but it so happens that I should do better +to await arrest.” + +My Lord Sunderland departed in high dudgeon. He held a consultation +with my lady. + +“That man is dangerous.” + +My lady studied herself in a silver-backed hand mirror. + +“Roxhythe. Have you but just discovered it?” + +“He knows too much. He laughs at my warnings.” + +The Countess laughed long and low. + +“My good Sunderland, he holds you in the hollow of his hand!” + +“Because of my share in the Orange business. Curse the man, I never +trusted him!” + +“It was a pity that you ever took such an interest in the Orange cause. +The time was not then. You had best have a care. My lord knows that +your position is precarious since you voted for the Exclusion.” + +Sunderland was plunged in thought. + +“If James had him arrested for the part he played in the Monmouth +affair, he will accuse me of trafficking with the Orange. There are +many who would support him.” + +“Therefore he must not be arrested,” said my lady. She re-arranged the +laces at her bosom. + +“He must be very sure of his position to refuse to quit the country,” +mused the Earl. “I wonder, has he written authority from Charles for +his dealings in the plot? We know that it was by Charles his wish that +he joined Monmouth.” + +“Did Roxhythe hint at that?” + +“It may have been. He was very secret.” + +“Then I do not think he has authority,” said the Countess. + +“But it might be well to tell the King that he has.” + +“So I think. And yet--we do not want him in England.” + +“My dear Sunderland, the man could ruin you. It would never do to +arrest him.” + +“He may ruin me in any case. He was deep in Halifax his confidence at +first.” + +“If he discloses that he ruins himself. He would only do it if he were +accused of the Monmouth plot.” + +“In fact, it is a threat.” + +“A powerful one,” smiled my lady. “He is a great man still. Placate +him.” + +“God’s life, I want no dealings with him!” + +“You are sometimes a fool, Robert. He would be useful.” + +“Tchah! In what way?” + +“In many ways.” Her ladyship yawned delicately. “If he chose, he could +ingratiate himself with James, who is swayed this way and that. With +his help you could gain the power you lack.” + +“I can gain it myself in time. James will forget the Exclusion. When +has Roxhythe ever worked with any man?” + +“But the King is dead now,” said her ladyship gently. + + * * * * * + +An invitation came from the Countess of Sunderland to the Marquis of +Roxhythe. Would he wait on her at his convenience? + +Roxhythe laid the note down. + +“Is it worth while?” he pondered. + +Power was within his grasp. And yet.... What did he want with it? He +had no wish to serve James. All these years he had plotted and worked +for Charles. Now Charles was dead, and life held nothing more for him. +In fact, he was tired of life. Why not go into exile? Why remain in +this accursed land of memories? He was Roxhythe.... All these men +wanted to see him fall. Well ... they should not have that pleasure. +He had never played the coward’s part.... Yet what did he want with +Sunderland? He had no desire to meddle in politics. James could go to +destruction in his own way. There was Monmouth.... By God, what could +he not make of Monmouth if he chose! Monmouth was weak; he could be +influenced. My lord fully believed that he could bring Monmouth to the +throne. To what avail? He had no interest in the Duke--no interest +anywhere. Why trouble to intrigue for that puny youth? It would mean +work, hard work. And his master had not wished Monmouth to come to the +throne. + +There was the Orange.... No, by heaven! William mistrusted him. And +William wanted no help. William was a man, even as he was. A man who +stood alone. Alone!... Well--why not? Why not use Sunderland to raise +himself to his former level? Return to Whitehall.... Why not? Was he to +turn sentimental now, after all these years? + +Whitehall ... packed with bitter-sweet memories. Whitehall.... The +King’s closet.... No. + +Suddenly he rose. God, why not submit to arrest? Why defend himself? It +were an easy way out, after all.... Too easy. And they would not arrest +him. They dared not. + +He picked up Lady Sunderland’s letter. Little less than a summons. +_Mordieu_, who were the Sunderlands to condescend to him? He flung +the letter into the fire. He would ignore it. + +’Twere amusing to hold Sunderland in fear. And if they chose to make +away with him, so much the better. For the present he would continue as +he had always done. They should not see his misery. + +What was there to-morrow? A supper-party at Buckhurst’s. He would go. +Buckhurst was not his enemy. And Sedley. And Digby. And Fortescue. +There were a score of men who liked him for his easy wit; a score of +men whom he had not harmed. + +He looked round the quiet room. Memories, naught but memories. Where +was Christopher? If only Christopher were there to-day, seated in his +old place.... He bit his lip. Christopher had chosen the better part. +The better part.... The better part...? + +His eyes grew less hard. Had Christopher chosen the better part? + +“No! _Mordieu_, no!” + + + + + CHAPTER IX + + THE SUNDERLANDS + + +MY Lord Sunderland spoke humbly. + +“Sire, I think it were best to leave Roxhythe.” + +James’ eyes flashed. + +“What now? Does he refuse to leave the country?” + +“He hinted, Sir, that it would serve him better to remain in London.” + +James pulled at his lip. + +“What means he?” + +“I think, Sir, that he counts himself safe.” + +“How? What do you know of him? I can convict him of his guilt in +dealing with Monmouth!” + +“Sire, he dealt with Monmouth that he might the better serve King +Charles.” + +“Who will believe that?” James was scowling. + +Sunderland looked at him significantly. + +“It may be, Sir, that he hath that which will prove it.” + +James’ brow grew yet more black. + +“Explain yourself!” + +“Sir, almost he told me that he had written authority from King +Charles.” + +There was a pause. + +“So I am to allow him to plot and work against me?” A peevish note +sounded in the King’s voice. + +Sunderland was deprecating. + +“I hardly like to advise Your Majesty....” + +“What is your advice?” + +“Your Majesty has doubtless considered that Roxhythe makes a powerful +ally.” + +“Do you dare to insinuate that I should placate the man?” cried James, +wrathfully. + +My lord was shocked. + +“Sir! Such a course were unworthy of you. Roxhythe may seek to placate +you.” + +“I want no dealings with him!” + +“Then of course Your Majesty must have none. Roxhythe is a clever man.” + +“An untrustworthy man!” + +“Your Majesty says very truly. Nevertheless Your Majesty might make use +of him.” + +“I dislike him!” + +“In that case....” Sunderland spread out his hands. “Why trouble to +notice his existence?” He watched the King’s face covertly, and noted +with satisfaction that this seed promised to take root. James said no +more. + +The weeks passed slowly by. It was one day in March that Lady +Sunderland met Roxhythe. + +She went to Lady Duncannon’s _soirée_. Lady Duncannon welcomed +Whigs and Tories alike, so Wharton met Halifax, and the Sunderlands, +true Tories, rubbed shoulders with every Whig who came. To wit, Lady +Sunderland, who sat in close conversation with Lord Macclesfield, +lately concerned in the Monmouth plot. + +A little stir was caused by the entrance of Lord Roxhythe. Lady +Sunderland gripped Macclesfield’s arm. + +“La! Roxhythe!” + +Macclesfield nodded. + +“He goes everywhere.” + +“What effrontery!” Her ladyship eyed Macclesfield over the top of her +fan. + +“He is brave,” admitted my lord grudgingly. “Hostesses still welcome +him.” + +“Well, well!” sighed the Countess. “Gracious! Do I see Trenchard?” + +“He is newly arrived in town. It is unwise, of course.” + +“Dogged man! I admire such courage. Trenchard!” + +Trenchard came up to her. + +“Do I see your ladyship, or do mine eyes deceive me?” + +“You see me. What do you in town?” + +“Perhaps I wanted to meet you.” + +“Perhaps you did. Yet it was foolhardy to come.” + +“The risk was worth the issue.” + +Lady Sunderland toyed with her fan. + +“What is the issue?” + +“How can I say, madam? It is for you to prompt me.” + +She laid a finger on her lips. + +“You’re over-bold, sir. I can give no promises.” + +“If I am over-bold, madam, you are over-cautious.” + +“Maybe. I am but the mouthpiece of my lord.” + +“Then your lord is over-cautious. Will he come to no decision?” + +She looked down at her white hands. + +“He waits. Who shall say which way the wind will blow?” + +“You mean?” + +“No more than I say. You ask us to risk all for--it may be nothing. We +wish to know what we are like to gain.” + +“He whom we will not name comes soon.” + +“Why, we will wait till then!” + +“And after?” + +“Who knows?” she smiled. “Must I promise?” + +“You will not. But do you hold out--hope?” + +“There is always hope,” she parried. “Have you seen who is here +to-night?” + +He frowned. + +“Ay. Once bit, twice shy.” + +“But the King is dead,” said my lady. + +“I’d have no dealings in that quarter. Unhappily I am otherwise +commanded.” + +She leaned towards him. + +“Mark my words, Trenchard. In Roxhythe you gain a powerful ally.” + +“I know it. But who shall trust him after what he did?” + +“Have I not said?--The King is dead.” + +He shrugged. + +Later in the evening Roxhythe passed Lady Sunderland’s couch. She +beckoned to him, and he had, perforce, to go to her. + +“Come and talk to me,” she invited. “I am very forgiving, am I not?” + +“Are you?” said Roxhythe. He sat down. “Why?” + +“You did not answer my note.” + +“Did I not?” + +“You’ll say you had forgot that I had written! I was minded to be +honest with you. Alack, the time has passed!” + +He regarded her languidly. + +“Honesty is a virtue which becomes not your sex, my dear.” + +“True!” She cast up her eyes. “’Tis our sweet deception that attracts. +Heigh-ho! Have you been to Whitehall, my lord?” + +Up went his brows. + +“Lady Sunderland feigns ignorance. Why?” + +She bit her lip. + +“You have not. Have you seen Mr. Trenchard?” + +“He obtrudes himself on one’s notice. A plain man.” + +“I had perceived it. But he has conversation. You should speak with +him; he would surprise you.” + +“Very little surprises me, madam.” + +“Except me?” She ogled him. + +He looked at her gravely. + +“In truth, madam, I am accustomed to woman’s vagaries.” + +“Aha! Yet in some ways I differ from the rest of my sex.” + +“In many. So few women have the brain for affairs.” + +She cast down her eyes. + +“Is it a compliment, my lord?” + +“I wonder,” said my lord. + +At that she raised her eyes, deep wells of innocence. + +“Let us be honest!” + +“I thought we had decided that it was not becoming, madam?” + +“But let us essay it. Do you dislike my poor Sunderland?” + +Roxhythe bowed. + +“I have a great admiration for Lord Sunderland’s cunning.” + +“Perhaps that feeling is reciprocated,” she answered. “You should have +speech with my lord.” + +“Why, then, there are two whose acquaintance you bid me cultivate. Your +lord, and Trenchard. A strange couple.” + +She laughed. + +“Are they not? But I do not think I bade you speak with both at once.” + +“To speak with them separately were too tedious, madam.” + +“Tedious?” + +“I weary of the same subject.” + +“Would both say the same things, think you?” + +“Since you advise me to speak with both it seems likely, madam.” + +“So you will eschew their company?” + +“I shall not seek them out.” + +“Ah! And if they seek you out?” + +“I shall count myself singularly honoured, no doubt.” + +“I wonder what you mean by that?” she said. + +“So do I,” smiled Roxhythe, and left her. + +My lady was thoughtful. She went home early to meet her lord. + +Sunderland entered her boudoir. + +“You are very opportune,” said my lady. “I want you.” + +“Good lack!” exclaimed Sunderland. “What ails you?” + +She curled her lip at him. + +“I am not grown maudlin of a sudden, Spencer, rest assured. I have +worked to-night.” + +He sat down. + +“Let’s hear it, my dear.” + +“I have had speech with Roxhythe. Also with Trenchard.” + +“Oddsbody! Is Trenchard in town?” + +“Ay, and wants an answer.” + +“What said you?” + +“I told him that we should wait until we might clearly see the result. +He asked for hope. I gave him that.” She smiled slowly. “Monmouth +desires to treat with Roxhythe.” + +“It was to be expected. What is Roxhythe’s attitude?” + +“I cannot tell. He is to be feared, Sunderland.” + +“Ay. I’d think seriously of Monmouth if Roxhythe were to take charge of +his affairs.” + +“So would a-many others. Roxhythe has the cool sagacity that Monmouth +lacks. He would change the whole complexion of the matter.” + +Sunderland tapped his teeth with one finger-nail. + +“H’m. I do not think he will join Monmouth.” + +“No, but have you thought what else he might do?” + +“Warn James? Ay.” + +My lady rose, drawing her wrapper about her. + +“I’ve given you something to rack your brains over,” she said, and +laughed. “You would not be the man you are if you had not me to wife.” + +“I don’t deny your intelligence,” he retorted. + + * * * * * + +When Mr. Trenchard waited on Lord Roxhythe he went straight to the +point. + +“My lord, once you betrayed us.” + +Roxhythe paused. He was in the act of pouring out a glass of wine. + +“I did not know you had come to indulge in reminiscences,” he remarked. + +“Nor have I. You betrayed us to your master. Perhaps I do not blame +you.” + +“How magnanimous!” Roxhythe handed him the glass. + +“Thank you. Well, now you have no master. Things have changed. Papist +James was never to your taste.” He paused. Roxhythe was sipping his +wine, and did not speak. “Things have changed. His Highness remembers +that you aided him to escape when our plot was exploded. Have you still +a fondness for him?” + +“Had I ever?” asked Roxhythe, mildly surprised. + +“It is for you to say. Have you ever considered that His Highness +might--plot again?” + +“I never consider the obvious,” said my lord. + +“Then have you considered that it might be to your advantage to--plot +with him?” + +“I have not,” said Roxhythe rather drily. + +“But then you do not consider the obvious, do you?” + +“No more than I consider the impossible.” + +“Is this impossible?” + +“Say, rather, ludicrous.” + +Trenchard flushed. + +“His Highness offers you--a place of command if you will join him.” + +“Delightfully vague,” commented my lord. + +“Prove yourself, sir, and I may safely promise a high place.” + +“It seems that His Grace is afraid of me,” murmured Roxhythe. + +“What is there to be afraid of?” sneered Trenchard. + +“Why does he want me so urgently?” + +“He wants all men.” + +“Oh? You take quite the wrong tone with me, you know. I do not like the +offer.” + +“You like the offer but not the way in which I make it?” + +“Perhaps even that.” + +“I thought so. Let me tell you that His Highness begs you will join him +in Holland.” + +“I think the climate would not agree with me.” + +“Does the English climate suit you so well?” + +“I think it will.” Roxhythe played with his rings. + +Trenchard curbed his impatience. + +“What is your objection to my offer?” + +“It is altogether too vague. What prospects has His Grace?” + +“Do you expect me to tell you that?” + +“Do you expect me to join you in the dark? If Sunderland would not, how +should I?” + +The chance shot found its mark. Trenchard sprang up. + +“What do you know of Sunderland?” + +My lord smiled. + +“What more do you know?” cried Trenchard. + +Again my lord smiled. If the weight within him were less he could enjoy +this game. He essayed another shot. + +“I might mention the name of a Scotsman,” he said. + +“If you know that Argyle is with us, what more do you want?” + +“Nothing,” yawned my lord. “So I’ll give you good-day.” + +“You will not join us?” + +“It is too much trouble,” apologized his lordship. “Convey my respects +to His Grace of Monmouth.” + +He bowed his guest out and returned to the library. + +He had flung away that last chance; his master had not wished Monmouth +to come to the throne. As to Sunderland--pah! He wanted no power under +any man; his day was done. He was only waiting now until he could join +his King. + +His glance fell on his gold comfit-box, given him by Charles. In +diamonds was written on the lid:-- + +“Roxhythe: C.R.” + +He picked it up, a smile that was more terrible than tears upon his +lips. Slowly his hand clenched on it; his face had grown very grey. +He sat down, resting his arms on the table, gazing dry-eyed at the +jewelled box in his hand, He was still smiling, looking back across the +years. + +“... So we are linked together, Davy, you and I.” + +“Always, Sir. I stand or fall with you.” + +“And always you had my love, David....” + + * * * * * + +There was a long, long silence. The proud head sank over my lord’s +hands; the comfit-box was pressed to his lips. + +“Ah, Sire ... Sire...!” whispered Roxhythe. + + + + + CHAPTER X + + THE SHOT + + +LADY Fanny turned the page. + +“... My Heart bleeds for my deare Master. Give him Love, and Tell him +howe Grately I do feel for him. The Newes of King Charles His Deathe +shocked me beyond Measure. I dare not think what must be my Lord His +Feelings. Howe I wish thatt I might be with Him nowe! Alas, it cannot +be, but I am looking forward eagerly to the Day when I may once againe +press His Hand. I do hope to come to England soone for a shortt Time. +I cannot tell you howe I am longing to see You once more. I thank +Heaven I came to Holland, for I have found Peace, and, in a Measure, +Happiness. But after these Many Yeares my whole being is crying out to +see You againe, and my deare Lord. I live for the Moment when I shall +once more hear His Beloved Voice....” + +“I wish he might come now,” sighed Frances. “Indeed, indeed, Roxhythe +needs him.” + + * * * * * + +Mr. Trenchard held counsel with Mr. Wildmay. + +“Roxhythe knows too much. He will not join us.” + +“And Sunderland?” + +“Wavers. I think he will always play for safety. He will hazard naught. +But Roxhythe....” He paused, pursing his lips. “He knows too much.” + +“What does he know?” + +“That Argyle is coming, and that Sunderland is irresolute.” + +“Gad, Trenchard! If he splits----!” + +“He will. Somehow he must worm himself back into favour at Court. What +surer way than to warn James ’gainst us? Since he refuses to join us +that must be his intention.” + +“Unless he is with Sunderland, and waits.” + +“He is not with Sunderland; I know that. And I misliked his bearing: +’twas a thought too sinister.” + +Wildmay was dismayed. + +“What then is to be done?” + +Trenchard drew his chair a little closer. + + * * * * * + +Across the ballroom Lady Frances espied her cousin. She beckoned him. + +“You, David?” + +“Why not?” he asked. + +“No reason. I am very glad to see you. I have a message for you.” + +“From Chris.... What does he say?” + +“Yes, from Chris. How did you know?” + +“I suppose I was thinking of him. How is he?” + +“Very well. He sends his dear love to you and wishes he might be at +your side during this--unhappy time.” + +Roxhythe shook his head. + +“Too late,” he said. + +“Yes. He hopes to come to England soon, though, and bids me tell you +that--well, I’ll give you his own words--that he is living for the +moment when he may once more hear your beloved voice.” + +Roxhythe’s eyes softened. + +“Does he say that? And is he coming soon?” + +“So he says. You--you will like to see him, David?” + +“Can you ask? After seven years.... And he still loves me. He is very +faithful.” + +“Dear Chris! Yes, he’s faithful. He left his whole heart with you.” + +“I had thought he would have recalled it long since--for little +Hook-nose.” + +“He writes admiringly of William, but I think he does not love him.” + +“Foolish. William would make a fine heroic figure.” + +Fanny drew him closer. + +“Do you think William--will strike at the King?” + +“You are growing treasonable, Fanny. It seems possible. But he will +only strike at the right moment. There is nothing foolhardy about the +Orange.” + +“No. I don’t like James. I think that there will be trouble.” + +“You are really most unwise, my dear. You will find yourself clapped +up in the Tower if you speak these shocking sentiments aloud,” said +Roxhythe. + +“Jasper is most annoyed. I think he hopes for William.” + +Roxhythe was amused. + +“I shall enjoy seeing Jasper turned intriguer. But tell him to leave +Monmouth alone.” + +Frances started. + +“Heavens! Is Monmouth to rise?” + +“I should not be surprised. He planned once--why not again?” + +“He could never be King!” + +“Of course he could not. He has not the head.” + +“And Jasper would never support him.” + +“Then all is well.” Roxhythe glanced round the room. “I counsel you, +Fanny, to remark Mrs. Challis. The fair woman with the roguish smile. +Yes, with Birchwood.” + +Lady Frances looked, obediently. + +“What of her?” + +“She is rather _piquante_, is she not?” + +“Am I to believe that you are once again in love?” + +“Oh, no! She serves to distract me for the time.” + +Frances tapped his arm with her fan. + +“David, I am sure you have some dark scheme in mind! What do you +purpose doing?” She found it quite impossible to read his face. + +“You are so inquisitive,” sighed Roxhythe. + +“Belike I am. Do you intend to win James his favour?” + +“If you were a man, my dear, I should offer you my comfit-box.” + +She stared. + +“What am I to understand by that?” + +“I forgot. You do not know. It was an old joke of Saint-Aignan’s. He +used to aver that when I wished to turn the subject I offered him a +sweetmeat.” He smiled a little, remembering. She pouted. + +“Then I am snubbed. How hateful of you! I don’t want you to go over to +James.” + +“Tut-tut! I suppose you would like me to join the Orange?” + +“Well!... Why not?” + +“_Cordieu_, I could name an hundred reasons! Have you ever spoken +with him?” + +“No. What is he like?” + +“He resembles nothing so much as an iceberg. And his Court is composed +of Puritanical gentlemen who give themselves the airs of small sultans. +I wish you had met him; it would have amused you.” + +Fanny laughed. + +“I think it would have depressed me! I was never Puritanical, David!” + +“No,” he said. “Certainly not that. Do you remember the little Vicomte, +I wonder?” + +Fanny was not yet too old to blush. + +“David, how dare you? I’ll not be reminded of my youthful +indiscretions! How frightened I was to be sure! Papa was so strict for +all his wickedness.” + +“You were perturbed. So was the Vicomte.” + +She chuckled behind her fan. + +“Luckily you were in Paris at the time. I was so thankful!” + +“So was not the Vicomte.” + +“No. Dear me, how long ago it is! I cried when I heard that you had +wounded him.” + +“Did you? But then, you were young and foolish.” + +“So I was. And now I am old and foolish. Very virtuous, however.” + +Roxhythe nodded. + +“Strange....” he pondered. “I never thought Jasper would have held any +fascination for you.” + +“Like to unlike,” she retorted. “We are prosaically blissful.” + +“You are. Quite depressing, in fact. Had you married me--pouf!” he +snapped his fingers. + +“Oh, I was never as foolish as that!” she said. + +“Say rather that we were neither of us as foolish as that.” + +“You are most objectionable,” she dimpled, and beckoned to Sedley who +was passing. + + * * * * * + +My lord descended the steps of Lady Mitcham’s house, drawing on his +gloves. As was always his custom, he was leaving the ball early. His +coach awaited him. + +It was a fine moonlight night, very still and beautiful. My lord stood +for a moment on the steps, looking round. The door closed behind him. +He walked to where his coach stood, and there he paused again, looking +into the shadows by the wall. A little smile that was almost triumphant +curved his lips. He turned his head. + +“Shoot, my friend.” + +The footman stared at him in amazement. My lord stood still. + +Something moved in the shadows. There was a flash, a roar, and then +smoke. + +The Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe fell back into the footman’s +arms. + +“_Touché!_” he gasped. “No! Let him--go!” + +The other footman stopped in his pursuit. + +“Let--him go, my lord?” he asked, stupidly. + +“What else, fool?” My lord’s hand was pressed to his side. “Take me +home!” + +“Sir, you are hurt! I’ll carry you into the house!” said William +distractedly. + +“No.” Roxhythe held fast to his consciousness. “I +command--you--take--me--home!” + + + + + CHAPTER XI + + THE GREAT ROXHYTHE + + +“MY lady, there is a lackey from Bevan House who desires speech with +you.” + +Lady Frances was surprised. + +“So? I’ll come.” She went downstairs. When she saw John she smiled. +“Well John? You’ve a mess--” She stopped short, staring at him. “John! +What is it?” + +The man’s face worked. + +“My lady--my master--” he choked. + +Lady Frances drew nearer. + +“Quickly, John! What--what is it?” + +“He is--dying!” John’s voice trembled. “He--desires to see you.” + +All the colour ebbed slowly from her face. + +“Good--God! No, no!” + +“He was--shot--last night.” John’s head was bowed. “I cannot tell you, +madam. He wishes you to come.” + +“Shot! Oh, heaven, ’twas that we heard, then! Yes, yes, I’ll come at +once! Only wait one moment!” She turned, and flew upstairs. + +In three minutes she was back again, seated in the coach. She had +commanded John to sit with her. Her eyes were wide. + +“It was last night? When he left the ball?” + +“Yes, my lady. They--brought him home--unconscious.” + +“Dolts! Fools! Why did they not take him back to the house?” + +John brushed his hand across his eyes. + +“It--was not--my lord’s will, madam,” he said simply. + +Lady Frances burst into tears. + +“Can’t they--save him? Surely, surely, it is not mortal?” + +“Dr. Burnest was with him through the night, madam. Nothing--can be +done.” + +Lady Frances wept. + +Outside the door of my lord’s room she met the surgeon. Eagerly she +caught at his arm. + +“Tell me he will live! Oh, he cannot die! He cannot!” + +Burnest took her hand. + +“I beg you will be calm, Lady Frances. The bullet entered a vital part. +Don’t grieve my lord!” + +She wiped her eyes. + +“I will be calm. Is he--is he conscious?” + +“Yes, madam, but very weak. He commanded that you should be sent for. +You’ll not excite him?” + +She drew herself up. + +“Of course I shall not.” + +Burnest opened the door for her. + +My lord lay in bed, raised slightly on pillows. He was wrapped in an +elegant bed-gown, and he wore his wig. His eyes were closed, but he +opened them as Frances entered. + +He smiled. + +“My dear Fanny--all my difficulties are solved.” + +She bent over him. + +“Dear, wicked Roxhythe!” In spite of herself, tears stole down her +cheeks. + +Up went his brows. + +“I thought you knew that I could not bear a weeping woman?” His voice +was full of mockery. + +“Since you cannot weep for yourself, David....” she whispered, and +flicked away the tear-drops. + +“Weep? I?” The faint voice was disdainful. “I am only too well +satisfied.” + +John put a chair for her ladyship. Frances sat down. + +Roxhythe allowed her to take his hand. He was staring before him. + +“The ... welcome end. Gad, but I was glad to see the fellow ... lurking +in the shadows!... He little knew ... little knew....” + +“Who was it, David?” Lady Frances was surprised at her own calm. + +“Trenchard. He thought ... I should betray him.... Sapient man.” +Suddenly Roxhythe chuckled. “I told him ... to shoot. He was ... so +surprised ... he--” He broke off, coughing. + +Burnest was at his side in a moment. The handkerchief that came away +from my lord’s lips was stained red. + +“Sir, I beg you will keep quiet.” + +“No doubt. You want ... to prolong ... life. Unfortunately ... I +want ... to end it.” + +“Sir--” + +“My ... dear Burnest ... we have dealt with ... one another ... before. +Don’t ... you realize ... the futility of ... argument?” + +“You were always very stubborn, sir.” Burnest put a spoon to his lips, +smiling. + +Roxhythe took the restorative. His eyes closed. + +For a long time there was absolute silence. My lord lay in a kind of +stupor. Presently a deep furrow appeared between his brows. He began to +speak, muttering. + +“... vain ... regrets!... Not I, sir. There was ... never a question ... of +it. If you ... think that ... Fanny ... you do not ... know me. +Always I am Roxhythe. Roxhythe ... C.R. ... linked together.... Sire, +all my ... life....” His voice died away. He moved uneasily; his hand +was very hot. + +“My dear ... Saint-Aignan! ... a maker of ... gloves. Blue ... +entwined. Did ... Colbert tell you, Madame?” His eyes opened. They were +shining with a strange, feverish light. “When ... you ... are gone ... +nothing matters. The ... better ... part. Fools! ... fools! ... Someone +said ... that. The better ... part!... Always your ... faithful ... +servant, Sir.” He struggled up on his elbow. “It is ... Cromwell’s +lucky day! How ... could we ... hope to win? Courage, Sir! This is ... +not the end!” + +Burnest put him back on his pillows. + +“Hush, sir! Be still.” + +He was shaken off. + +“Gentlemen ... the King ... is dead!... Who was it ... uttered the +accursed ... words? His hand ... is cold ... Sire ... Sire!” + +“Give me that bottle!” + +John put it into his hands, weeping. Burnest measured out a spoonful. +The mixture trickled between my lord’s parted lips. Frances watched in +silent agony. + +The brown eyes opened. + +“Fanny ... why weep? Do you ... think I ... mind?” + +“My lord, I beg you will not talk!” + +“You ... intrude ... Burnest.” The eyes were haughty. + +“I am sorry, sir. I am responsible for you, you see.” + +The fine lips curled. + +“No one is responsible ... for Roxhythe ... save himself. You would ... +oblige me ... by retiring.” + +Lady Frances laid her hand on the surgeon’s. + +“Mr. Burnest, let him have his way. You cannot help now.” + +“Madam, I cannot allow him to----” + +“_Mordieu!_ Am ... I to be set ... at naught?” + +“You only excite him. Please, please stand back!” + +Burnest shrugged and walked away. + +“Another ... of those ... who dislike me. I have ... inspired ... great +love, or great ... hatred ... never a ... luke-warm ... liking, I thank +God!” + +Frances stroked his hand. + +“In truth, you are Roxhythe,” she smiled. + +“Always. They ... would have liked ... to see me ... fall. Had I +lived ... I would have shown them that Roxhythe ... can stand ... alone! +But it is ... better so. I am ... going ... to my master.” Again his eyes +closed. After perhaps ten minutes they opened. They did not see Lady +Frances. + +“It is ... no laughing matter, Sir!... I am ... too old to be ... +ordered ... by petty princelings ... Thank God ... for Whitehall ... +and my ... own master. Curse ... the dolt! Why ... must he sit ... in +your place?... So you will leave ... me, Chris? After all these ... +years. Did you bring my mask?... You know me ... very well ... don’t +you? You will ... not stay with me? You make too much ... out of ... +too little. I regret ... nothing.... The better ... part ... the +better ... part.... _Cor_ ... _dieu!_ I would choose the +same ... the same....” The brown eyes were frowning. “Why ... must +you sit ... in his place? Memories ... only ... memories.... What if I +did ... lose all? The ... one friend ... the one friend.... Nothing +matters ... save your pleasure, Sir. I am ... busied with ... your +affairs.” Suddenly he laughed. “They ... remind me of ... cabbages!... a +fruitful topic!” He drew his hand away, passing it across his eyes. “You +remember ... the green hangings ... don’t you, Chris?” His hand fell +away. He looked at Lady Frances’ bowed head. “I ... have been ... dreaming. +I thought Chris was ... here. Fanny?” + +“Dear David?” Lady Frances tried to choke the sobs that rose to her +lips. + +Roxhythe was smiling now. + +“You ... remember how Chris ... laughed? It always ... pleased me. He +laughed ... because I objected ... to the green ... hangings. They are +gone ... now. I had them ... changed. It is ... eight years. A ... long +time, my ... dear.” + +“Yes, David. You still have--me.” + +“Of course. You ... could never ... quite ... disown me ... could you?” + +“I am always--your friend, David. We understand one another.” + +The smile grew. + +“But then you ... are not ... impenetrable, you know!” + +“Am I not? How--you love to--tease me, David!” + +“_Vraiment_ ... I am a trial. Don’t let Jasper meddle ... in +Monmouth’s cause!” + +“I will not.” + +“I ... ought to send ... some farewell ... messages. I always ... +disliked ... the heroic pose ... off the stage. Do you ... remember +Crewe?” + +“And the silly wife! That was unlucky, David.” + +“A ... mistake ... I admit. Give ... my love ... to Chris. I would +I ... had seen him ... just once ... again. You ... won’t believe me ... +but I cared ... for him.” + +“I know that you did, dear. I always knew it. If I said hard things I +am very sorry!” + +“My dear ... according ... to your lights ... you spoke ... rightly. +You ... could not ... understand.” + +She shook her head. + +“We won’t speak of it, David.” + +“We might ... quarrel ... an we did. I regret ... I cannot ... repent, +weeping. It ... is not in ... the part.” He paused, and his hand +tightened on hers. “I could have ... regained ... all my lost ... +power. It was ... within my grasp. But it ... was not ... worth it. +You ... understand?” + +“Perfectly, David.” + +“Your chief ... attraction. What ... is the ... time?” + +She glanced at the clock. + +“Just after three, dear.” + +“Ah!... _He_ died ... at noon. I shall not wait ... much longer. I +am ... very content.” The weary lids drooped. “I have to ... thank +you ... for your ... kindness. I knew ... that you would ... come.” + +“I would have come from the ends of the earth, David.” + +“Happily ... you were ... nearer. I should have been ... loth to put +you ... to such ... inconvenience. It is ... very dark. Draw the +curtains ... further apart! No ... matter....” The whisper ceased. + +Burnest tiptoed to the bed. + +“It is nearly the end,” he murmured in Lady Fanny’s ear. “Just sit +where you are.” + +She nodded. Her face was drawn. + +John crept up to the bed and knelt beside it, his head buried in the +coverlet. Lady Frances laid her hand on his shoulder. + +“Do not grieve, John,” she said pitifully. “You know he would not wish +it.” + +Only a strangled sob answered her. Roxhythe moved his hand. + +“Devil ... take you ... John! What now?” + +John carried the hand to his lips, smothering it with kisses. + +“My lord! My dear lord!” + +“Chut!” Roxhythe pressed his fingers feebly. “Have ... a care to +him ... Fanny.” + +“I promise.” + +There was a long, long silence. Nothing broke it save the laboured +breathing. John was quiet now, clasping my lord’s hand. Lady Fanny sat +very still. + +Over by the fire was the surgeon, staring into the red embers. He did +not move. + +Half an hour crept by; yet another. Somewhere outside a clock chimed +mournfully. + +My lord’s eyes opened. There was a far-away look in them not of this +world. + +“I must ... to Whitehall. To ... my little ... master.” Faintly, very +faintly came the whisper. His beautiful smile curved my lord’s lips. +“Sire ... Sire....” + +The eyelids fluttered, closed. My lord’s hand quivered. He gave a deep +sigh, full of peace. + +“Only ... your ... pleasure ... Sir....” + +His head fell sideways a little on the pillow. The smile was still on +his lips, but the light had gone out. + + + THE END + + + + + =TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES= + + +Simple typographical errors have been silently corrected; unbalanced +quotation marks were remedied when the change was obvious, and +otherwise left unbalanced. + +Punctuation, hyphenation, spelling and ligatures were made consistent +when a predominant preference was found in the original book; otherwise +they were not changed. + +A Table of Contents has been added. + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76816 *** diff --git a/76816-h/76816-h.htm b/76816-h/76816-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e7cbfb2 --- /dev/null +++ b/76816-h/76816-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,20573 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + The Great Roxhythe | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +/* General headers */ + +h1 { + text-align: center; + clear: both; +} + +/* General headers */ +h2 { + text-align: center; + font-weight: bold; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + +p { + margin-top: .51em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .49em; + text-indent: 1.5em; +} + +.nindc {text-align:center; text-indent:0;} + +.large {font-size: 125%;} + +.spa1 { + margin-top: 1em + } + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: 33.5%; + margin-right: 33.5%; + clear: both; +} + +.space-above2 { margin-top: 2em; } +.space-below2 { margin-bottom: 2em; } + +.tb { + text-align: center; + padding-top: .76em; + padding-bottom: .24em; + letter-spacing: 1.5em; + margin-right: -1.5em; +} + +hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} +hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} +@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } + + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} +h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} +table.autotable { border-collapse: collapse; } +table.autotable td { padding: 0.25em; } + +.tdl {text-align: left;} +.tdr {text-align: right;} +.tdc {text-align: center;} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: small; + text-align: right; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal; + text-indent: 0; +} /* page numbers */ + +.blockquot { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +.allsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; text-transform: lowercase;} + +/* Images */ + +img {max-width: 100%; width: 100%; height: auto;} +.width500 {max-width: 500px;} +.x-ebookmaker .width500 {width: 100%;} + + +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + max-width: 100%; +} + +/* Transcriber's notes */ +.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; + color: black; + font-size:small; + padding:0.5em; + margin-bottom:5em; + font-family:sans-serif, serif; +} + + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76816 ***</div> + + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="cover" style="width: 1672px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="1672" height="2560" alt="A romantic +historical novel about the loyal but reckless spy Roxhythe, whose +daring exploits and unwavering devotion to his king lead to intrigue, +betrayal, and tragedy in Restoration England."> +</figure> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="nindc"> +THE<br> +GREAT ROXHYTHE</p> +</div> + + + +<h1>THE<br> +GREAT ROXHYTHE</h1> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2"> +BY<br> +<span class="large">GEORGETTE HEYER</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2">Author of<br> +“The Black Moth: A Romance of the XVIIIth Century”</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2"> +“<i>Under which King, Bezonian?</i>”<br> +<span style="margin-left: 11em;">—<i>King Henry IV. Part II</i></span></p> + + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="logo" style="width: 150px;"> + <img src="images/logo.jpg" width="150" height="173" alt="decorative"> +</figure> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2"> +BOSTON<br> +SMALL, MAYNARD AND COMPANY<br> +PUBLISHERS</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2"> +<span class="allsmcap">COPYRIGHT, 1923<br> +BY</span> SMALL, MAYNARD & COMPANY<br> +(<span class="allsmcap">INCORPORATED</span>)</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2"> +Printed in the United States of America</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2"> +<span class="allsmcap">THE MURRAY PRINTING COMPANY<br> +CAMBRIDGE, MASS.<br> +<br> +BOUND BY THE BOSTON BOOKBINDING COMPANY<br> +CAMBRIDGE, MASS.</span><br> +</p> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2"> +TO<br> +MY MOTHER AND FATHER<br> +</p> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS</h2> +</div> + +<table class="autotable"> +<tbody><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">CHAPTER</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><span class="allsmcap">PAGE</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">I—THE KING AND HIS FAVOURITE</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">II—THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">III—CHRISTOPHER DART</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">IV—FLUSHING</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">V—MYNHEER DE STAAL</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VI—RODERICK DART</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VII—WILLIAM OF ORANGE</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VIII—THE AMIABLE MR. MILWARD PERPLEXED</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">IX—THE KING OF ENGLAND</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc" colspan="3">BOOK II—<span class="allsmcap">THE WAYS DIVERGE</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">I—JANUARY, 1669</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">II—THE OFFER</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">III—HER LADYSHIP</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">IV—HER LADYSHIP’S PERPLEXITY</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">V—LADY CREWE</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VI—THE PRICE</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VII—THE FIRST SEED OF DOUBT</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VIII—MADAME</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">IX—THE GROWTH OF THE SEED</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_153">153</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">X—MAY, 1670</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">XI—UNREST</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc" colspan="3">BOOK III—<span class="allsmcap">QUO VADIS?</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">I—WHITEHALL</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">II—THE HUSBAND</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">III—THE CHALLENGE</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_194">194</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">IV—PROGRESSION</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_202">202</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">V—THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VI—THE KING HIS WILL</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_224">224</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VII—THE HAND OF FATE</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VIII—THE AMIABLE MR. MILWARD AGAIN</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_242">242</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">IX—DISILLUSIONMENT</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_252">252</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">X—THE BITTER HOUR</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_264">264</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc" colspan="3">BOOK IV—<span class="allsmcap">THE ONE PART</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">I—THE NEW MASTER</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_275">275</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">II—THE COMING OF WILLIAM</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_285">285</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">III—LA KEROUALLE</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_296">296</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">IV—THE MEETING</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_304">304</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">V—DISCORD</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_310">310</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VI—THE DECISION</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_320">320</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VII—THE REVENGE</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_323">323</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VIII—THE HAVEN</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_326">326</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc" colspan="3">BOOK V—<span class="allsmcap">THE OTHER PART</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">I—THE TRIPLE GAME</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_339">339</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">II—THE SCHEMERS</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_347">347</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">III—AGITATIONS</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_353">353</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">IV—THE KING HIS TRIUMPH</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_360">360</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">V—PLOTS</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_365">365</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VI—MONMOUTH</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_375">375</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VII—FEBRUARY, 1685</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_383">383</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">VIII—THE LOSING GAME</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_392">392</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">IX—THE SUNDERLANDS</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_399">399</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">X—THE SHOT</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_407">407</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">XI—THE GREAT ROXHYTHE</span></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_412">412</a></td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</span></p> +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2"> +<span class="large">THE<br> +GREAT ROXHYTHE</span><br> +</p> +</div> + + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Ia">CHAPTER I<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE KING AND HIS FAVOURITE</span></h2> + + +<p>A LARGE gentleman was strolling from group to group in one of the great +galleries of Whitehall. He was very exquisite, this gentleman, adorned +with all the coloured silks, velvets and furbelows which that Year of +Grace, 1668, demanded. A great peruke was on his head, with flowing, +dark curls that reached over his breast and below his shoulders. He +carried his plumed hat in his hand, and at times he made great play +with it, as if to point some witty remark. At other times he opened his +jewelled comfit-box with a delicate flick of his wrist, and selected, +with some care, a tinted sweetmeat. Once or twice he swept a low bow to +some lady of his acquaintance, but for the most part he was occupied +with the courtiers who were present, always lazily smiling, and with +his brown eyes bored and expressionless. His height, and the breadth +of his shoulders made him easily distinguishable in the gay throng, so +that those who wished to speak to him soon found where he was standing, +and made their way towards him. He was the Most Noble the Marquis of +Roxhythe, the King’s favourite and the ladies’ darling, and his name +was on many lips.</p> + +<p>No longer in his first youth, my lord had nothing to learn in the way +of polish. He was the perfect courtier, combining grace and insolence +even more successfully than his Grace of Buckingham. His brow was +incomparable; his air French; his wit spicy; his tailoring beyond +words, remarkable. Even in those days of splendour and unlimited +extravagance he was said to be fabulously wealthy.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</span></p> + +<p>All this was enough to gain him popularity, but yet another asset was +his. This was the ear of the King.</p> + +<p>For no one did Charles cherish quite so warm a regard. He had never +been heard to speak harshly to the favourite, and the favourite had +never been heard to take a liberty with his good-natured master. He had +been with Charles on his travels; had fought at his side at Worcester, +had entered London in his train in 1660, and was now one of the most +influential men in town.</p> + +<p>He was something of an enigma. As indolent and as licentious as his +royal master, possessing strong personal magnetism, many engaging +qualities, and excellent abilities, he never interested himself in +the affairs of the moment nor exercised his influence either for his +own ends or for those of some “party.” He belonged to none of the +factions; he was no statesman; his lazy unconcern was widely known. +He never plotted, and never worried himself over the affairs of the +State. He had few friends, and some enemies. The King’s brother, the +Duke of York, openly disliked him for the influence he held over +Charles; influence that his Grace did not possess; influence that +might be turned against him. Many of the courtiers covertly hated him +for this same reason, but no one, for some inexplicable reason, ever +intentionally annoyed him.</p> + +<p>This afternoon, as he walked through the gallery, he found that the +conversation was more serious than was either seemly or usual. On all +sides was talk of the Triple Alliance with Holland and Spain which the +King had signed but a few weeks ago. No one could quite understand why +Charles had done this, but nearly everyone was pleased. Uneasy patriots +who feared the French King’s yoke saw in this new bond a safeguard +against France and a safeguard against the attacks of the Dutch; while +the fervent religious party who had murmured at the King’s marriage to +a Papist and at his good-humoured toleration of the Catholic religion +thought this Protestant alliance a proof of Charles’ good faith.</p> + +<p>The King occupied himself so little with affairs that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</span> many of +the men who surrounded him came to the conclusion that he had had +no mind of his own in the matter, but had blindly followed his +ministers’ instructions. Others who had more insight into the King’s +nimble, competent brain confessed themselves at a loss to explain +his concurrence with a bond which must surely be disadvantageous to +himself. These were his intimates; men who had some conception of +the King’s friendship with his cousin Louis, and a knowledge of the +condition of his private purse. They wondered, and surmised, and +exchanged glances, but they were few in number, and the majority of +men thought the King an indolent prince with no head for business and +certainly no taste for intricate intrigue.</p> + +<p>It seemed that the only man at Whitehall that afternoon who neither +wondered nor surmised but who was content to receive the news placidly +and without argument, was, as usual, Lord Roxhythe. He spent his time +turning aside solemn questions as to his opinion of the bond by a +series of flippant rejoiners. He grew weary at last of trying to turn +men’s thoughts into lighter and more congenial channels, and withdrew +to the side of Mrs. Chester, one of the Queen’s ladies. There he +remained, and was exchanging languid badinage with her when a page +broke in on the gathering about the lady’s couch and bowed low.</p> + +<p>His Majesty desired my lord to go to him at once.</p> + +<p>It was no unusual thing for Charles to summon his favourite to him +privately, and no one thought it a matter for suspicion; not even Sir +Thomas Killigrew who was unreasonably jealous of his rival.</p> + +<p>My Lord Roxhythe cast an appealing glance at Mrs. Chester, and rose.</p> + +<p>“Oh well, sir!” shrugged the lady with a little <i>moue</i> of +pretended anger. “I know you will never stay by my side when His +Majesty calls!”</p> + +<p>“Sweetheart,” retorted Roxhythe, audaciously, “I would stay by your +side as I could, but seeing that I may not, how can I?”</p> + +<p>Mrs. Chester laughed immoderately at this, flirting her fan.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</span></p> + +<p>“You confound me with your woulds and coulds, sir! I know not the +answer to your riddle, yet if I command your company...?”</p> + +<p>“Then on two sides my company is demanded, and on the both by Royalty.”</p> + +<p>“How?” she dimpled.</p> + +<p>“Why, Fairest, if His Majesty is King of England, you are the Queen of +Beauty, and I know not whose claim be the stronger.”</p> + +<p>As Mrs. Chester was no more than ordinarily good looking, this fulsome +compliment pleased her very much.</p> + +<p>“And so what would you do?”</p> + +<p>“I would compromise, sweet.”</p> + +<p>“Compromise! I do not think I like the word. But how?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe picked up his hat and gloves and bowed.</p> + +<p>“I would take you with me to His Majesty so you might both have my +company.”</p> + +<p>Her laughter followed him across the gallery as he walked in the wake +of the page to the King’s private closet.</p> + +<p>Charles sat at his desk, his chin in his hand, but at Roxhythe’s entry +he rose and came forward, hands outstretched.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe took them in his, carrying them to his lips.</p> + +<p>“Ye are recovered from your indisposition, Davy?” asked the King +affectionately. “Do you know that ’tis five days since I have seen you?”</p> + +<p>“Do I not, Sir!” smiled Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“And even now I have to send for you because you do not come! What ill +usage is this, David?”</p> + +<p>“None, Sir,” was the prompt reply. “I have been a suppliant at your +door, and turned away because that Your Majesty was greatly occupied +with State affairs.”</p> + +<p>“They had no orders to turn you away, David! Odds-life, but one would +think the business of more account than you!”</p> + +<p>“One might,” conceded Roxhythe, and laughed. “They would have announced +me, but hearing of Your Majesty’s occupation, I forbad them.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</span></p> + +<p>“You think so much of business!” sighed the King. “Well, I have been +with my nose to the grindstone all the morning and I am not finished +with it yet. Sit down, Davy!” He returned to the desk.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe chose a seat opposite him and laid down his hat.</p> + +<p>Charles’ heavy face was overcast. His melancholy eyes, resting on the +favourite’s face, were frowning. Roxhythe raised his brows, and leaned +back in his chair.</p> + +<p>“David,” said the King, at last, “I am in something of a quandary.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe said nothing.</p> + +<p>“If I do not obtain money soon I am like to be in a worse one. This +Dutch alliance is of no use to me.”</p> + +<p>“Well, we always knew that, Sir. You’ve commands for me?”</p> + +<p>“A request.”</p> + +<p>“Name it, Sire.”</p> + +<p>“Gently, Roxhythe! There is much ye must understand first.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe drew closer to the desk.</p> + +<p>“This is a secret matter, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“For the present, yes. David, the matter is this: very soon I must have +means, or I fall. The Commons will grant me nothing, nor will I ask +them. There is Louis....” He paused.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe made a little gesture of distaste.</p> + +<p>“You are adverse from dealing with the French King, ah? Well, so am I. +I’ve no mind to bear his yoke on my shoulders, for I believe it would +tax my ingenuity to its uttermost to out-wit him. That he would jump to +the movement of my finger I know. Yet ...” Again he paused.</p> + +<p>“You do not wish to put England under his thumb, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“I do not wish to put myself under his thumb, Roxhythe. His Christian +Majesty is very grasping. So I am forced to think of another +alternative.”</p> + +<p>“Well, Sir?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</span></p> + +<p>“My nephew.”</p> + +<p>For an instant Roxhythe was puzzled. Then his eyes narrowed.</p> + +<p>“William of Orange.”</p> + +<p>Charles nodded.</p> + +<p>“You see the possibilities of the idea?”</p> + +<p>“I see a great many impossibilities, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“You are not over encouraging, Roxhythe. You have not heard what is in +my mind as yet.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed.</p> + +<p>“I am waiting for Your Majesty to expound.”</p> + +<p>“It is this. De Witt rules Holland, and he holds my nephew prisoner. +Yet I have good reason to believe that his position is none too safe. +Already there are murmurings among the people. Nassau is always +Nassau—in Holland. If William were to rise up ’gainst Their High +Mightinesses the mob would flock to his standard. The mob’s memory +is never of the longest. In the face of his present unpopularity, it +would forget the good De Witt wrought in Holland, and stand again for +the Orange. With an English army to back him William might very easily +overthrow De Witt and take his rightful place as Stadtholder. He might +even be made King.”</p> + +<p>“And the price, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“Tribute paid to me, yearly.”</p> + +<p>“So you will hold the Provinces as a subsidiary state to England?”</p> + +<p>“Ostensibly. Enough to satisfy Ashley.”</p> + +<p>“Ashley. So he is in the plot?”</p> + +<p>Charles shrugged.</p> + +<p>“To some extent. He does not know my whole mind. He sees advancement +for himself in it. And the Country’s good. A patriot, this Ashley.”</p> + +<p>“And who else knows of the thing, Sir?”</p> + +<p>The King moved a little uneasily.</p> + +<p>“Buckingham,” he answered shortly.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty trusts that man too much.”</p> + +<p>The King’s eyes flashed.</p> + +<p>“My Majesty does not brook correction, Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</span></p> + +<p>“Your pardon, Sir.”</p> + +<p>One of the dogs barked in its sleep and growled.</p> + +<p>The King leant forward again.</p> + +<p>“In Holland to-day there is a strong Orangist party. Influential men, +some of them ...” he mentioned names.... “And a few of the richer +tradesmen. Not so many of that class. ’Tis the noblemen and the mob +who are for the Orange, but the burghers stand by De Witt. If Louis +presently invades the Low Countries, as I believe he will do, De +Witt’s position becomes the more insecure. The mob will blame him for +the invasion, and turn to rend him. Then were the time to produce the +Prince, with a small force at his back. England would approve it, and +in such a way I might become independent of Louis.”</p> + +<p>“It is a pretty scheme, Sir,” said Roxhythe slowly. “But one point Your +Majesty overlooks.”</p> + +<p>“What is it?”</p> + +<p>“The Prince himself, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles brushed the objection aside.</p> + +<p>“A mere boy. My bait should be tempting enough.”</p> + +<p>“Have you considered that others may have dangled that same bait?”</p> + +<p>“Louis. Assuredly. But on my side there is this: I am his uncle; +England is Protestant, as he is. Louis is Catholic, and the blood-tie +is not so close.”</p> + +<p>“You are sure, too, that the Prince is amenable to bribes, Sir?”</p> + +<p>The sombre look faded from the King’s face. He showed his teeth in a +smile of pure mischief.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, Roxhythe, have ye forgot he is a Stuart?”</p> + +<p>The favourite laughed.</p> + +<p>“No, Sir. Nor that he is also a Nassau.”</p> + +<p>“A proud race,” nodded the King. “Still, his youth stands me in good +stead.”</p> + +<p>“He may have older and wiser councillors, Sir, not easy to dazzle.”</p> + +<p>“I never yet met a statesman I could not bribe,” replied the King +cynically.</p> + +<p>A smile flickered across Roxhythe’s mouth.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</span></p> + +<p>“What will you bribe them with, Sir? I thought ’twas Your Majesty who +required money.”</p> + +<p>“I am prepared to spend some money that I may obtain more,” retorted +the King. “I believe the Commons would assist me for such a cause.”</p> + +<p>“All things are possible, Sir,” said Roxhythe pessimistically.</p> + +<p>“So I think. But first I must know my nephew his mind. From all I can +gather he is a youth of parts. I would lay my proposition before him, +for without his consent nothing is possible.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe twisted his rings.</p> + +<p>“And so we come to the part I have to play.”</p> + +<p>Charles glanced at him affectionately.</p> + +<p>“I would not press you, David. I but request.”</p> + +<p>My lord’s lips twitched.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty knows I can refuse you nothing,” he said.</p> + +<p>The King put out his hand quickly.</p> + +<p>“Ah, David! If I had more about me of your loyalty!”</p> + +<p>“Then, Sir, were I not so favoured,” smiled Roxhythe. “I am to go to +the Hague?”</p> + +<p>“Ay. You will bear a packet containing the—bribe—as writ by Ashley. +But you know my mind as he does not, and you will plead my cause with +the Prince yourself. Remember I am set on this thing if it may be +brought about.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stood up.</p> + +<p>“I will serve you to the best of my ability, Sir. My instructions, I +suppose, I receive from <i>Messieurs</i> Ashley and Villiers?”</p> + +<p>“They await you in the room opposite. Roxhythe, my displeasure will be +very great if you anger these men! Already they do not like it that I +have chosen you for messenger, and I will have no petty quarrelling! +Remember you are my friend!” He rose also, and extended his hand. He +was a very great Prince.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe kissed his fingers.</p> + +<p>“I will bear your words in mind, Sir. But I never quarrel.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span></p> + +<p>“No,” admitted the King, laughing. “But you have a damned annoying air +about you!”</p> + +<p>“That is possible,” agreed my lord placidly, and left the presence.</p> + +<p>Outside he paused, and glanced down the corridor. There was no one in +sight.</p> + +<p>“Ashley and Villiers,” he murmured. “What ails my little master?”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IIa">CHAPTER II<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from +time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair +man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an +enormous periwig. His dress and appointments were rich and heavily +perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé. He +wore salmon-pink with silver facings and silver ribands. His coat was +marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to +allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of +Mechlin. His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt +of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered +over it.</p> + +<p>In all a handsome, foppish gentleman, with just enough of dare-devilry +and charm in his manner to soften the slightly repellent insolence that +characterized him. His Grace of Buckingham.</p> + +<p>Standing by the window was Lord Ashley-Cooper. His lordship laid no +claim to either personal beauty or charm. Even at that time his face +was lined and pinched, and his manner lacked the courtier’s polish. +His dress was plain, judged by the standards of the day, and something +careless in appearance. He neither toyed with comfits, nor hummed to +pass the time, as did His Grace of Buckingham, but signs of impatience +he showed in the way his foot tapped the ground, and in the twitching +of his thin lips.</p> + +<p>Villiers studied him amusedly.</p> + +<p>Then Roxhythe came into the room.</p> + +<p>Both men turned, and Buckingham dragged himself from his chair, yawning +behind his scented handkerchief.</p> + +<p>Ashley bowed stiffly. It struck Roxhythe that he was not at ease. He +wondered what the man really knew of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span> King’s designs: whether he +was playing into the King’s hands deliberately. Roxhythe was slightly +acquainted with him, but he saw that Ashley’s bow was not cordial. He +returned it, making great play with his plumed hat. Then he bowed to +His Grace.</p> + +<p>And there they stood, Buckingham obviously amused; Roxhythe quite +impassive, sustaining his bow; and Ashley very uncomfortable. Yet it +was he who spoke the first word.</p> + +<p>“My Lord Roxhythe, we are greatly honoured. Pray will you not be +seated?” His voice was harsh but not unsympathetic.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe ended his bow with a flourish. He deposited his hat on a +chair, laid his gloves on the brim, and sat down at the table, making +a gesture with his hand to two other chairs. In that moment he became +master of the situation.</p> + +<p>Buckingham stretched himself in his original place and ate another +comfit. Roxhythe caught the exasperated glance that Ashley flung at him +and chuckled inwardly. Charles had chosen an ill-matched couple for the +business.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen, I await your convenience,” he said.</p> + +<p>Buckingham passed his comfit-box to Ashley, who sat nearest him.</p> + +<p>“May I not tempt you, my lord? I assure—”</p> + +<p>“I thank your Grace, no!” said Ashley, curtly.</p> + +<p>“Then my Lord Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe accepted a violet-tinted sweetmeat, and handed the box back to +his Grace.</p> + +<p>Villiers watched him anxiously.</p> + +<p>“A delicate flavour, you’ll agree, my lord? I have scoured London and +not found another maker to rival this one.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe lifted his hand.</p> + +<p>“I seem to catch the name in the flavour, sir ... Champlin—no.... Ah! +Tonier!”</p> + +<p>“You’re right,” nodded Buckingham. “Tonier. I set great store by my +comfits.”</p> + +<p>Ashley interrupted at this, seeing that Roxhythe seemed disposed to +continue the subject.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span></p> + +<p>“Gentlemen, we have met to discuss more important matters than your +sweetmeats!” he said quickly.</p> + +<p>Haughtily Buckingham raised his eyebrows. Then he let them fall again, +and yawned.</p> + +<p>“My Lord Roxhythe will forgive the abruptness,” he drawled. “I shall +hope to continue our little conversation another time, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Your Grace still gives me something to live for,” replied Roxhythe +sweetly.</p> + +<p>Ashley brought his clenched fist down on the table.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen, gentlemen!” he cried. “I must beseech your attention!” +Instantly Roxhythe turned to him.</p> + +<p>“Your pardon, my lord! I stand rebuked. Well, I have had speech with +His Majesty.” He sat back, waiting for Ashley to speak.</p> + +<p>“Oh, have you so?” asked Buckingham sleepily. “How doth His Majesty? I +have not seen him in these two days.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir—considering....”</p> + +<p>Ashley flashed angrily.</p> + +<p>“Well, sirs! And is this the time or the place to bandy questions +concerning His Majesty’s health? We are here on business of great +importance——”</p> + +<p>Buckingham was moved to sit up.</p> + +<p>“My lord! His Majesty’s health——”</p> + +<p>“Is of great moment, your Grace, as I am perfectly well aware! But +we have no time to waste now! We must come to our business at once! +Already we waste time with all this talk of sweetmeats and——”</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen, I beg you not to quarrel here, in His Majesty’s +apartments,” interposed Roxhythe very coldly. “My lord, if you will +give me your attention for one moment!”</p> + +<p>Before Ashley, indignant at the implied reproof, had time to do more +than open his mouth, Roxhythe had begun to speak, concisely, but with +the air of one bored beyond measure.</p> + +<p>“His Majesty did me the honour of requesting my presence this morning, +when he did propound to me a scheme which he hath in mind. This I +need not speak of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span> to you, gentlemen, for I know that you are party +to the intrigue.” Here he bowed. “His Majesty further honoured me +by commanding my services in the matter, desiring me to be his +messenger to his nephew, the Prince of Orange. This I did undertake, +and His Majesty at once commanded me to seek you out for the further +propounding of the matter. Allow me to say also, gentlemen, that I am +entirely at your disposal.”</p> + +<p>“Very prettily said,” commented his Grace, opening one eye. “I swear I +could not reel it off so pat.”</p> + +<p>“I gather, my lord, that His Majesty apprised you of our intentions?”</p> + +<p>“His Majesty told me that Prince William was to be cozened to our side, +and the Provinces to pay yearly tribute to England.”</p> + +<p>“That is so.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe felt Buckingham’s eyes upon him. He knew then that Charles had +made no secret of his intentions to the Duke. As yet he could not judge +of Ashley’s knowledge, but he thought it unlikely that this man should +be privy to the King’s aims.</p> + +<p>“I see you know it all,” continued Ashley. “It but remains to arrange +that you depart in such a way that the French Ambassador’s spies shall +not suspect you; and to read you your instruction.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed.</p> + +<p>“His Majesty desires you to travel by sea to Flushing, where it is +believed your lordship has friends.”</p> + +<p>Again Roxhythe bowed.</p> + +<p>“You are to journey to the Hague, but in such a way as to excite +no suspicion. So the first day you will ride no further than +Bergen-op-Zoom; the second to Gertruydenberg; the third to Rotterdam, +and so to the Hague itself. We leave to your discretion the time you +spend in each of these towns. It is possible you may have to allay +suspicion by remaining in each some days. It is almost certain that +you will be spied upon. If the Duke of York, or the French Ambassador, +M. de Rouvigny, were to hear of the affair, they would do all in their +power to stop you gaining<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span> access to the Prince. When you are come at +length to the Hague you will in some way——”</p> + +<p>“Which we leave to your discretion, knowing none ourselves,” put in +Buckingham.</p> + +<p>“——in some way gain entrance to the palace. You must deliver the King +his packet into the Prince his hands, and bring back an answer. That is +the whole plan in rough, my lord.”</p> + +<p>“Neat, eh, my lord?” said Buckingham lazily. “You must take care, +however, to allay the spies’ suspicion. In all probability they will be +with you on the boat, but no doubt you will contrive to shake them off +during the journey, even as they do arrive at the Hague to meet you.”</p> + +<p>Ashley broke in.</p> + +<p>“The other matter, which is of great importance, my lord, is the manner +of your departure.”</p> + +<p>“Surely an escort as far as Harwich...?” asked Villiers, surprised. “He +cannot then come to much harm this side of the water.”</p> + +<p>“Your Grace is pleased to make a mock of me,” retorted Ashley with +quiet dignity. “My Lord Roxhythe, you have no suggestion to put +forward?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe left off playing with the tassel of his glove and looked up.</p> + +<p>“Why no, sir. Unless it might be that I should fall under the +displeasure of His Majesty and be forced to leave the country for a +spell.”</p> + +<p>Ashley brought the knuckles of his right hand into the palm of his left.</p> + +<p>“You have hit on it, sir! Why, it is the very thing! A public rebuff; +coldness from His Majesty! It lends verisimilitude to the affair at +once!”</p> + +<p>Villiers looked curiously across at my lord.</p> + +<p>“So you’ll do that, eh?”</p> + +<p>“Why not, sir?” Roxhythe opened his eyes rather wide.</p> + +<p>“Damme if I would!” remarked his Grace. “Well, well! what next?”</p> + +<p>Ashley started to fidget with some papers lying on the table. His face +became more harassed than ever.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span></p> + +<p>“There is one other matter which I hardly like to mention to your +lordship. And that is—plainly speaking—the—ah—in spite of His +Majesty’s—I may say—very straitened circumstances—it is the—er——”</p> + +<p>Buckingham burst into a great laugh.</p> + +<p>“Odd’s blood, but the man stumbles like a cat on hot bricks! ’Tis the +payment that he tries to speak of, Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>“We—leave it to your lordship’s discretion, of course.”</p> + +<p>“You’ll need to have a vast amount of that discretion!” chuckled the +Duke.</p> + +<p>“Your Grace!—to your lordship’s discretion—how much money you should +require for the expenses of the journey.” He stopped, and glanced with +some anxiety into my lord’s ironic eyes.</p> + +<p>Buckingham drawled something about the King’s purse that made my lord’s +hand clench suddenly on the glove he held. Ashley’s discomfiture amused +him. He prolonged it for some moments. Then he began to speak, very +slowly.</p> + +<p>“Set your minds at rest, gentlemen. His Majesty knows I shall not ask +him for money.” He paused, frowning. A little sneering laugh from +Villiers affected him not a whit. Ashley watched him closely. “One +thing, however, I must have.”</p> + +<p>“Oho!” Buckingham flashed a look at Ashley.</p> + +<p>“May we know what that is, sir?” asked Ashley.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe toyed again with his glove.</p> + +<p>“I require a gentleman to go with me.”</p> + +<p>The relief on both men’s faces was ludicrous.</p> + +<p>“Well, sir!” said Ashley briskly. “That is no such great matter!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was pained.</p> + +<p>“Pardon me, sir. I mean a man who may be to some extent cognizant +of the intrigue; who will be loyal to me; who will transact all the +business of transport for me; who will take orders from no one but me; +who will act in implicit obedience to me. In short, gentlemen, one who +is trustworthy and discreet.”</p> + +<p>Buckingham stared at him gloomily.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span></p> + +<p>“In these days!” he said, patiently exasperated. “Really, my lord!”</p> + +<p>But Ashley had his finger to his teeth, biting the nail.</p> + +<p>“You hear, sir?” asked Buckingham.</p> + +<p>“Ay. I hear,” murmured Ashley, abstractedly. “Wait!”</p> + +<p>“He knows of such a man!” breathed Buckingham. “Well, well!” He crossed +his legs, and surveyed his gay rosettes.</p> + +<p>“You have no one in mind, Lord Roxhythe?” asked Ashley, suddenly.</p> + +<p>“I? No.”</p> + +<p>“How should he?” sneered the Duke.</p> + +<p>“Then I believe I know the man you seek.”</p> + +<p>“That is very good hearing, sir. Who is he?”</p> + +<p>“He is by name Dart. Christopher Dart. He is little more than a boy, +it’s true, but I knew his father well, and I know his brother. I could +vouch for his character. They come of a very old Suffolk family, and +they are intensely patriotic. Chris came to my house only last week, +asking me if I had work for him. I did promise to keep him in mind. He +is the very man you want, my lord, and more than ever so as his brother +is in the Prince his service at the Hague.”</p> + +<p>Even Buckingham was roused.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe his difficulties fade before this youth,” he remarked. +Roxhythe laid down his glove.</p> + +<p>“Proceed, sir, I beg of you!”</p> + +<p>“The boy will serve you faithfully enough; of that I am sure. As to his +brother, Roderick, he was placed with His Highness by De Witt himself, +so he is not suspected by the Prince his governors. Young Christopher +spoke of him when I saw him. He told me that Roderick has learnt to +worship the Prince, and would die for him, and much more heroic talk +beside. If you can use Christopher to gain his brother, half your +difficulty is gone!”</p> + +<p>“Why, so it seems!” bowed Roxhythe. “I am indebted to you, sir.”</p> + +<p>“I will send to Chris to come to see me to-morrow,” continued Ashley. +“Unless you yourself will see him, sir?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span></p> + +<p>“Where does the prodigal lodge?” inquired Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“In Milford Lane—Number seven.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll visit him myself, then, sir, and learn his mind. I may use your +name?”</p> + +<p>“Surely, my lord!”</p> + +<p>“Then he will run to you to hear your advice, and, acting on it, accept +the post of secretary which I offer.”</p> + +<p>Ashley saw the wisdom of this.</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir. And for the rest?”</p> + +<p>“I’ll wait on you,” said Roxhythe. He turned to Buckingham and bowed. +Then he bowed to Ashley. “There is nothing more you have to tell me?”</p> + +<p>Ashley shook his head.</p> + +<p>“At present, nothing, sir. If you will visit me later in the week I +will have everything clear.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe picked up his hat.</p> + +<p>“Then, with your permission, gentlemen, I’ll leave you.”</p> + +<p>“One moment, Roxhythe!” It was Buckingham who spoke. “We may leave to +you the task of informing His Majesty of your decision?”</p> + +<p>“My decision?” interrogated Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“That blind to the French spies you spoke of. The public rebuff.” The +sneer was thinly veiled.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Yes. You may leave that to me. I will speak to His Majesty.”</p> + +<p>“I am relieved,” smiled the Duke. He watched my lord go out, and the +smile faded. He flung himself back in his chair with a short laugh. +“The fool!” he exclaimed. “The fond fool!”</p> + +<p>“No, I do not think him that,” said Ashley. “But I wish it were any +other than he. I do not trust him; he is too secret. I would he were +more a fool; I should be more at ease.”</p> + +<p>“Of course he is a fool! What sane man undertakes the King’s most +expensive tasks and asks no payment? A fond fool, I tell you!”</p> + +<p>“I think he loves the King very dearly,” slowly remarked my lord. “Or +else he feigns well. Yet I do not trust him,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span> for I think him selfish, +and I do not think he cares over-much for the country.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, ye set too great store on the man, sir! A public rebuff! He who +has never endured a slight from the King! He is mad!”</p> + +<p>“No, he loves the King. But I wish it were other than he.” He sighed, +and gathered together his papers. “I do not conceal from your Grace +that I have grave misgivings concerning this business.”</p> + +<p>Buckingham chuckled.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IIIa">CHAPTER III<br> +<span class="allsmcap">CHRISTOPHER DART</span></h2> +</div> + +<p>ROXHYTHE made his way back to the gallery. He found it crowded, and +across the room caught sight of the King sitting with la belle Stewart, +and laughing boisterously at some witty shaft aimed by Killigrew, +standing near. Lady Castlemaine was by the door as he entered, in one +of her black moods. He addressed her lightly, bowing. She turned.</p> + +<p>“Ah, Roxhythe!” The frown cleared somewhat. “You have not been at Court +these last few days. What ailed you?”</p> + +<p>“A trifling indisposition, madame. I am flattered that you marked my +absence.”</p> + +<p>“We missed you at the ball,” she answered. “It was a pretty evening. +You heard?”</p> + +<p>“I heard that your ladyship was much admired. Sedley spoke of a yellow +gown, of blue ribands, of——”</p> + +<p>“Yes. And what said Sir Charles of Miss Stewart?” She spat the words at +him.</p> + +<p>“He did not speak of her,” said Roxhythe, calmly. “She was present?”</p> + +<p>“Ay, the hussy!” Lady Castelmaine struck her fan into the palm of her +hand. “The minx! Flaunting her airs and her graces before mine eyes! +The bread-and-butter miss!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shook with quiet laughter. Her ladyship flung him a wrathful +glance.</p> + +<p>“Oh, laugh, Roxhythe, by all means! I make no doubt you are stricken +with the same madness! La belle Stewart! Tchah!” She moved angrily away.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe felt the King’s eyes upon him. As soon as he could +conveniently do so, he made his way to where Charles was sitting, and +went to talk to Digby who stood behind the King’s chair with one or two +others.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span></p> + +<p>Presently Charles rose and walked with his fair companion to the door. +He nodded carelessly to Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Davy, be sure you visit me to-morrow.” It was affectionately said; the +Monarch conferring a favour on his courtier. Roxhythe bowed.</p> + +<p>“I thank your Majesty.”</p> + +<p>Charles passed on.</p> + +<p>The audience next morning was short. Charles was in a flippant mood, +and although he at first objected to publicly snubbing his favourite, +he soon consented. He was more interested in Roxhythe’s account of +yesterday’s interview, and he laughed heartily at the description of +the ill-assorted pair. For a fleeting few moments he was inclined to +cancel his commands, reproaching himself for thinking to send Roxhythe +into danger. Then that inclination faded, and he fell to discussing +various minor details with Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>In the evening Roxhythe went to visit Christopher Dart.</p> + +<p>Christopher lived in a house looking out on to the river; a jeweller’s +shop, over which he rented rooms. On this particular evening he was on +the point of going to bed when the little serving-maid knocked on the +door, and shrilled through the key-hole that a gentleman wanted to see +Mr. Dart. Christopher had already snuffed two candles, and he paused +now in the act of pinching the third. He went to the door and opened it.</p> + +<p>The maid did not know who the gentleman was.</p> + +<p>Christopher looked at her surprisedly. His friends in London were few, +and they did not call on him at eleven at night.</p> + +<p>The maid smoothed her dress with plump, red hands.</p> + +<p>“I told the gentleman ye were like to be abed, sir,” she said, with +a pert toss of her head. She glanced at Christopher from beneath her +lashes. He was a comely boy.</p> + +<p>“Well, I’m not abed, Lucy. But I was on the point of retiring when you +came.”</p> + +<p>“Be I to send him about his business, sir?” Her tone implied that she +would find the task congenial.</p> + +<p>“No,” said Christopher, slowly. “’Tis not so often that I have a +visitor that I can afford to deny myself.” His<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span> solemnity vanished in a +smile. “Will you show him upstairs, Lucy?”</p> + +<p>“A great mill-post of a creature all wrapped up in a coat!” she +sniffed. “And not a mite of his face to be seen for his hat all down on +his nose!”</p> + +<p>“A dangerous fellow,” agreed Christopher, twinkling. “But I have my +sword over in the corner there! Don’t keep him waiting, child.”</p> + +<p>He tried to think who would be likely to come disguised to see him. +His friends were of a peaceable nature, nor had he one amongst them +who could be considered taller than the average. While the maid was +clattering down the stairs, he re-lit the two snuffed candles, and +stirred the dying fire to a blaze. He was youthful enough to cast +a glance into the mirror over the mantlepiece, and to straighten +his hair. It was his own, and he wore it in natural curls about his +shoulders.</p> + +<p>The maid opened the door. She put her head into the room, announcing +resentfully: “The gentleman!” and vanished.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe came forward, removing his hat.</p> + +<p>Christopher gazed at him in perplexity. It must be remembered that he +was not long come from the country, and had seen very few notables of +the town. His visitor’s face was totally unfamiliar.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shed his heavy cloak. He was gorgeously dressed in rose velvet +and purple trimmings, for he had come straight from Whitehall. As he +dropped his cloak on to a chair he smiled at Christopher who stared the +harder.</p> + +<p>“I must really apologize,” said Roxhythe, in his inimitable way. “It is +quite disgraceful of me to wait on you at this hour, Mr. Dart. But I +have been much occupied, believe me. I am relieved to find you not yet +asleep; much relieved.”</p> + +<p>Christopher swallowed twice, and stammered something inane. The +deep brown eyes cast a spell over him which was strengthened by +his visitor’s strange manner. Feeling that his murmured remark was +inadequate, he bowed, and told Roxhythe that he was honoured. From +my lord’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span> attitude he supposed that he had met him somewhere and +forgotten him. He did not know the ways of Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>My lord drew off his fringed gloves. Rings winked from his fingers.</p> + +<p>“You are wondering what-a-plague I want with you,” he remarked.</p> + +<p>Christopher spoke rather coldly.</p> + +<p>“I confess, sir, I am at a loss.”</p> + +<p>“Naturally. I shall have to explain, and I was ever a bad hand at that. +May I sit down?”</p> + +<p>Christopher blushed. Roxhythe had made him feel a raw schoolboy. He put +forward a chair, not without resentment.</p> + +<p>“Pray do, sir. I regret I have not better entertainment to offer you, +but, as you know, I was not expecting this visit.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe took the chair and leant back in it, looking up at the stiff +young figure with some amusement.</p> + +<p>“My dear Mr. Dart, I can never explain my errand if you stand above me +so disapprovingly.”</p> + +<p>In spite of his slightly offended self, Christopher went over to +another chair.</p> + +<p>“I see, sir, that you know my name. May I not have the honour of yours?”</p> + +<p>His lordship’s brows rose.</p> + +<p>“I am Roxhythe,” he said, with faint surprise.</p> + +<p>The naïve egotism passed over Christopher’s head. He stood transfixed +in an amazement that plainly showed itself on his face. He recovered, +and bowed again.</p> + +<p>“I am indeed honoured,” he said.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s lip quivered.</p> + +<p>“On the contrary,” he replied. “The honour is mine. Yes, do sit +down. I cannot bear you on your feet any longer. And before +we proceed any further, permit me to say that that solemn +fellow—Cooper—Ashley-Cooper will hold himself responsible for me.”</p> + +<p>Christopher conceived that he was being laughed at.</p> + +<p>“Lord Ashley-Cooper is a great friend of mine, sir,” he said coldly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span></p> + +<p>“A most praiseworthy, energetic gentleman,” nodded Roxhythe. “He +recommended me to wait on you.”</p> + +<p>Light began to dawn on Christopher.</p> + +<p>“My lord has work for me?” he asked, forgetting his studied coldness.</p> + +<p>“That is it, Mr. Dart. Work for—ah King and Country if you’ve a mind +to it.” He watched the young man’s eyes grow eager. “Work of a very +private nature.”</p> + +<p>“I can be—discreet, sir!”</p> + +<p>“So Ashley assures me. I stand in need of a secretary.”</p> + +<p>For one moment Christopher looked blank. Then he flushed angrily.</p> + +<p>“Sir—!”</p> + +<p>“I am not making sport of you,” pleaded Roxhythe. “It is very serious, +urgent business.”</p> + +<p>“I—”</p> + +<p>“I could not trust my present secretary for the work I have to do.”</p> + +<p>“Oh! Then it is not for you that I should have to work?”</p> + +<p>“I am very sorry,” said Roxhythe. “I am afraid I should require you +to—”</p> + +<p>“I meant—it is for some State business?”</p> + +<p>“State business; yes, Mr. Dart, that is it. I work for my master, and +you work for me. That is the position.”</p> + +<p>“Is your master the King, sir?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was again surprised.</p> + +<p>“Naturally.”</p> + +<p>Christopher leaned forward.</p> + +<p>“Will you not—propound, sir?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe drew his gloves lazily through his fingers. He did not look at +Christopher. Briefly he outlined as much of the plot as was meet for +the other to hear, ending with the part Christopher was to play. He +had apologized for being unversed in the art of speaking, but it was a +very concise and unfaltering tale that he unfolded. He explained the +whole affair in a rather bored manner, and as if it were the most usual +thing in the world for a King and his minister to go behind the backs +of other ministers to form secret<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span> treaties with prisoner princes. But +so well did he tell it that this aspect of the situation never struck +young Dart at all. When Roxhythe had finished he drew a deep breath. +His eyes shone.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe ate a sweet meat.</p> + +<p>For a moment Christopher remained silent. Then he rose abruptly, and +walked to the window, opening it and looking out over the river to the +houses beyond. The night air blew in at the casement, stirring his fair +curls as it passed him, and spread coldly over the room. Somewhere +below a bargeman called to his fellow, but the sound of his voice came +muffled to the quiet room. Christopher spoke with suppressed excitement.</p> + +<p>“I—am very sensible—of the great honour—you do me in confiding in +me, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” agreed Roxhythe. “But will you take the post I offer?”</p> + +<p>Youthful impetuosity cried yes! Native caution hesitated. Native +caution won.</p> + +<p>“If I might—think on it,” ventured Christopher, half-ashamed at what +he felt to be sheer timorousness.</p> + +<p>“I will give you—” Roxhythe glanced at the clock, “—fourteen hours.”</p> + +<p>Christopher shut the window.</p> + +<p>“Thank you, sir. I shall know my mind by then.”</p> + +<p>“You know it now,” answered Roxhythe languidly. “But by all means ask +his advice.”</p> + +<p>“Sir!” Christopher was taken aback. For a moment he looked foolish, +then his boyish smile appeared. “Well, yes, sir; I could consult Lord +Ashley. He was an old friend of my father’s, and as my brother is +away—”</p> + +<p>“Don’t apologize. Of course consult him. Your brother is in the Prince +of Orange’s service, I believe?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. He writes very warmly of the Prince. Mayhap he might be of +use to you in the enterprise?”</p> + +<p>“It seems quite likely,” said Roxhythe. He rose. “You know my house?”</p> + +<p>“No, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Really? Bevan House in the Strand.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span></p> + +<p>“Oh, yes, sir! By Charing Cross.”</p> + +<p>“That is right. I may expect to hear from you no later than four +o’clock to-morrow?”</p> + +<p>“I will be there at that hour,” promised Christopher. He watched +Roxhythe pick up his hat, and became suddenly aware that he had offered +no refreshment.</p> + +<p>“My lord, you will stay to take a glass of wine with me? I have been +sadly lacking in manners to forget. Pray forgive—”</p> + +<p>The keen eyes rested kindly on his face.</p> + +<p>“I am sure you will excuse me, Mr. Dart. Already it is late and I would +not put you to any further inconvenience.”</p> + +<p>“It’s no such thing, sir! If you will be seat—”</p> + +<p>“Why, it is very kind of you, sir, but you must forgive me that I do +not stay another minute. To-morrow we will attend to the matter!” He +pulled his cloak about him. Then he smiled.</p> + +<p>In that moment Christopher was first conscious of his fascination. He +bowed.</p> + +<p>“I will not press you, sir, but I have been most remiss.”</p> + +<p>“My dear boy,” replied his lordship, “I have occupied all your thoughts +for the past hour. No, don’t come down with me; I shall find my way +very well.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed, sir, I shall!”</p> + +<p>Again Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>When Christopher re-entered the room, alone, he bethought himself +that Roxhythe had neither sworn him to secrecy, nor adjured him to +be discreet. He puzzled over this curious omission for some time. If +it was not carelessness, it must mean that Roxhythe deemed him above +suspicion. He lifted his chin a little.</p> + +<p>He lay awake long that night, recalling all that had passed. As he +turned from side to side in the great four-poster, he tried to argue +the matter reasonably. Roxhythe had been right when he remarked that +Christopher had already made up his mind, but the boy was young, +he felt himself to be inexperienced, and he wanted older and wiser +counsel.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span></p> + +<p>The romantic side of the affair appealed to him strongly. Roxhythe had +spoken of spies and possible danger: Christopher asked nothing better. +That was not what made him hesitate. He hardly admitted to himself what +it was that caused him to draw back. It was Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Without knowing why, Christopher felt that he disliked him. He +questioned whether such a nonchalant <i>flâneur</i> was the man for +this task. Had it been some creature of Ashley’s who had visited him, +or a sober-minded individual, he would not have hesitated. But this +foppish court-darling with his affectations and his langour treated the +whole affair as if it were of very little importance. At the same time +his personality held Christopher. The boy admitted that he had allowed +himself to become a little dazzled towards the end of the interview, +but now that he was alone he had thrown off the spell, and could take a +sane, unbiassed view of the situation.</p> + +<p>When he at length fell asleep the clocks were striking three, and the +grey light of dawn was already stealing through the window. He did not +wake until nine, and then only because Lucy was thumping on the door, +and demanding to know if he were ready for his breakfast, which, she +informed him, had been ready for him this hour and more.</p> + +<p>At eleven o’clock that morning, Christopher waited on Lord +Ashley-Cooper, and was lucky enough to find him at home. He was ushered +into a severely furnished apartment where Ashley was dictating to his +secretary, and motioned briefly to a chair.</p> + +<p>Ashley finished his dictation, and sent the secretary into an adjoining +room.</p> + +<p>“Well, Chris? You want my help?”</p> + +<p>Christopher took his outstretched hand.</p> + +<p>“I think you know on what errand I am come, sir,” he said. “Yesterday +evening my Lord Roxhythe honoured me.”</p> + +<p>Ashley nodded. He sat down again at his desk, watching Christopher draw +up a chair for himself.</p> + +<p>“And you want my advice?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span></p> + +<p>“I do, my lord.”</p> + +<p>“The thing is genuine enough.”</p> + +<p>“Why, I had not doubted that, sir!”</p> + +<p>“Oh? The venture is precarious, and the result most uncertain. Yet if +the Prince might be won over, it would be a great thing for England. +We do not stand to gain much by the Triple Alliance alone, and if King +Louis also has it in mind to coax the Prince, our cause is but the more +urgent. Well, well; what is your own opinion?”</p> + +<p>“I think the same as you, sir. ’Tis not for that that I hesitate. It +is—it is—I cannot think my Lord Roxhythe a very—fitting messenger.” +He looked up a little anxiously as he spoke, but Ashley straightened in +his chair and his face was in many worried creases.</p> + +<p>“If it were any other man!” he said. “But the King is blinded by his +love for Roxhythe. To send that man on State business! Why, it is +madness!” He broke off, remembering to whom he spoke. “This must go no +further, Chris!” he said sharply. “After all, the King himself knows +that I mistrust Roxhythe. But he was determined, and swore that there +was no other man he would send.”</p> + +<p>Christopher, who had come into the room with just these sentiments +in his mind, was now moved to expostulate on behalf of Roxhythe. He +realized that he was showing great inconsistency, and wondered at his +own perversity.</p> + +<p>Ashley grunted.</p> + +<p>“Oh, he has cast his net over you! I expected nothing better. Well, +what shall you do?”</p> + +<p>“I shall go with him, sir.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose so. Keep a clear head, Chris, and above all, do not allow +yourself to fall under Roxhythe’s influence. Damme, I’m not sure that +I did right to mention your name to him! Mayhap your poor father would +have—”</p> + +<p>“My father, sir, would have been anxious for me to serve the Country as +best I might.”</p> + +<p>“Maybe, maybe. Come and see me again before you go, Chris.”</p> + +<p>Christopher rose.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span></p> + +<p>“Of course, sir. I owe you a debt of thanks for remembering me in this +matter.”</p> + +<p>“We shall see,” was all that Ashley vouchsafed.</p> + +<p>On his way through the hall, Christopher met Mr. Hyde whom he had +seen once or twice before at Ashley’s house. He bowed and went on to +the front door. Hyde’s horse stood waiting in charge of his servant. +Christopher glanced at the man idly. Then he walked on down the street.</p> + +<p>That afternoon, punctual to the minute, he arrived at Bevan House, and +was ushered into the library. A spacious room, this, with oriel windows +to the south, and a wide fireplace with an oaken mantel-shelf, very +cunningly carved. A writing-table stood at one end of the room near +a door, other than the one at which he had entered. He sat down near +this, and waited.</p> + +<p>The minutes ticked by; he grew impatient. Roxhythe had bidden him to +come not later than four o’clock; he had obeyed, and behold! there +was no Roxhythe. His foot tapped the ground angrily. When Roxhythe at +length came into the room, he rose and bowed stiffly.</p> + +<p>“I came as you desired me, sir, at four o’clock,” he said. He glanced +at the timepiece a trifle pointedly.</p> + +<p>“Yes?” said Roxhythe. “I remember now; I did ask you to come then. Pray +be seated!”</p> + +<p>“Thank you,” answered Christopher. He remained standing. Roxhythe’s +manner was insufferable, he decided.</p> + +<p>My lord walked to the table where lay a sheaf of papers. One of these +he picked up, and folded into three.</p> + +<p>“Well, Mr. Dart?”</p> + +<p>“I have thought over the matter, sir, and I have spoken to Lord Ashley, +it but remains to inform you of my decision.” He spoke very coldly. In +that moment he knew that he was going to refuse the post offered to +him. Then Roxhythe looked up and across at him, smiling.</p> + +<p>“But will you not sit down, Mr. Dart?”</p> + +<p>Christopher sat down.</p> + +<p>“I had—thought to—accept your offer, Lord Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>The quizzical brown eyes held his.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span></p> + +<p>“But since you have seen me again you realize that it were impossible +to work with one so utterly distasteful to you as myself.”</p> + +<p>For a moment Christopher stared.</p> + +<p>“I confess, sir, that was in my mind. However, I trust I put my Country +before my personal feelings. I will accompany you to Holland.” He had +not intended to say that. Even as the words left his mouth he regretted +them.</p> + +<p>“Why, that is very well,” nodded his lordship. “But are you quite sure +that you mean it?”</p> + +<p>There was another silence.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir,” said Christopher meekly.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IVa">CHAPTER IV<br> +<span class="allsmcap">FLUSHING</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>THUS did Christopher enter the service of Roxhythe against his +will, against his inner promptings. When once the step was taken, +he resolutely choked the warning voice within him, and refused to +re-consider his decision.</p> + +<p>He took up his position as secretary within the week, and busied +himself most conscientiously with his master’s private affairs. For the +most part they were trivial enough, leaving him plenty of time in which +to amuse himself.</p> + +<p>He observed Roxhythe closely during those days, but he always found +that my lord baffled him. He was by turns charming and insufferable. +There were moments when Christopher’s dislike for him became acute; +moments when his lordship was curt, or distrait to the point of +rudeness; but just as Christopher’s anger could not longer be +controlled, Roxhythe would disperse it with some look, or remark that +Christopher could not withstand. Gradually dislike gave place to +amusement, and ripened then into liking.</p> + +<p>Beyond outlining the steps of the journey, Roxhythe had not mentioned +their mission to Holland since the evening when he first met Dart. He +appeared to give no further thought to the matter, and his indifference +added fuel to Christopher’s enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>In one short week the boy saw more of town and its ways than in all the +time that he had previously spent in London. He met men who had been +hitherto but names to him; he grew accustomed to receiving courtier, +politician and poet, whom a month ago he would have been elated to set +eyes on. His head was turned a little, but not unpleasantly so. There +was never anything of the coxcomb about Christopher.</p> + +<p>He learnt with amazement that Roxhythe was in disgrace at Court. He +heard the tale through various sources<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span> and hardly credited it at +first. Fashionable London hummed with the news. It appeared that +Roxhythe had taken some liberty with the King, for which he had +received not only a public rebuff but afterwards a cold shoulder. +Christopher laughed at the tale. Ignorant of Court life he might be, +but he was not so ignorant that he did not know of Roxhythe’s almost +life-long devotion to Charles. Never had my lord received a snub. Then +came the rumour that Roxhythe deemed it advisable to leave England for +a spell. This set Christopher’s brain to work. Perhaps the rebuff was a +blind for spies. He determined to ask Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Outwardly my lord remained impassive; Christopher tried to imagine what +must be his real feelings. He could conceive the galling degradation of +it, and he felt slightly nervous of speaking to Roxhythe on the subject.</p> + +<p>It was one morning as he sat writing in the library that he at last +ventured to broach the question. My lord had entered the room with +several papers which he laid on the desk beside Dart. He turned to go, +and as he did so, Christopher rose.</p> + +<p>“May I—ask you—something, sir?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe paused.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you will think me impertinent, sir,” went on Christopher, +stammering. “I hardly—like to—”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sat down.</p> + +<p>“Of course ask me what you will.”</p> + +<p>Christopher took heart.</p> + +<p>“It—concerns this—affair at Court, sir.”</p> + +<p>“My dear boy, I shall not be offended if you say exactly what you mean. +’Tis my disgrace, eh?”</p> + +<p>“Ay, sir. At first I was perplexed; then I thought a little. It is a +blind for spies?”</p> + +<p>“For everyone. I wondered if you would have the wit to perceive it.”</p> + +<p>Christopher flushed, and laughed.</p> + +<p>“’Tis not so very subtle after all!”</p> + +<p>“But neat, I flatter myself,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Christopher’s eyes widened.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span></p> + +<p>“The plan was yours, sir?” His voice was incredulous.</p> + +<p>“Whose else?”</p> + +<p>“I thought—His Majesty—”</p> + +<p>“Oh, lud, no! Now confess, Chris, you did not think I had it in me?”</p> + +<p>“’Tis not the wit I marvel at,” said Christopher. “I think it was a +brave thing to do.”</p> + +<p>“But then you are not acquainted with His Majesty,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>There the matter ended, but it left a great impression on Christopher’s +mind. It was from that moment that his everlasting love for Roxhythe +had birth.</p> + +<p>A week later they were aboard a sailing ship bound for Flushing. +Nothing could have been more devoid of interest than their passage.</p> + +<p>At Flushing they stayed at the Sceptre Inn, and Christopher, once +recovered from his sea-sickness, resumed his effervescent <i>joie de +vivre</i> and started to look about him. He had little or nothing to +do, as Roxhythe hardly ever desired his company, so when he met Mr. +Edward Milward he was pleased.</p> + +<p>He stepped on his toe as he passed him in the coffee-room and +apologized in excruciating Dutch. Whereupon Mr. Milward fell into his +arms, metaphorically speaking, and called him friend. It appeared that +Mr. Milward had not seen a fellow-countryman for months; naturally he +was delighted to meet Christopher. They partook of sack together.</p> + +<p>Mr. Milward was a great traveller. He was even now on his way to the +Hague, where he intended to stay for an indefinite period. He had +lately been in Italy. Altogether he had much to tell Christopher. In +fact he was a remarkably pleasant companion and Christopher liked him.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe returned next day from Middleburgh, where he had been visiting +friends, to find his secretary full of his new-found acquaintance.</p> + +<p>Christopher confided that Mr. Milward was a remarkably interesting man +who had seen much, and who had much to say.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span></p> + +<p>“Ask him to honour us at dinner,” suggested Roxhythe good-naturedly.</p> + +<p>So it came about that Mr. Milward supped in my Lord Roxhythe’s private +parlour and enjoyed himself exceedingly.</p> + +<p>It seemed to Christopher that Roxhythe was not himself. He was, if +possible, even more languid than usual, and once or twice he rested +his head in his hand as though it ached intolerably. Taxed with it, he +roused himself with an effort, denying that he was at all unwell.</p> + +<p>“I do trust you have not caught some low fever, sir!” exclaimed Dart +anxiously.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe laughed the idea to scorn, but he excused himself at an early +hour, leaving his secretary to entertain the guest.</p> + +<p>“Lord Roxhythe hath the air of a sick man,” remarked Milward, and +nodded wisely.</p> + +<p>Christopher strove to conceal his anxiety.</p> + +<p>“We had intended to ride to Bergen to-morrow,” he said. “But I fear my +lord will not be well enough to sit the saddle.”</p> + +<p>“To Bergen? Why, I was to have ridden there to-day but that my horse +cast a shoe! I had decided to remain here some few days, but if you go +to-morrow, why—!” He left the sentence unfinished.</p> + +<p>Christopher was polite, but not enthusiastic.</p> + +<p>Later he visited Roxhythe, and found him in bed. He stood looking at +him, full of concern, until my lord begged him to be seated. He could +never bear an unrestful companion.</p> + +<p>Christopher sat down on the edge of the bed.</p> + +<p>“I doubt you’ll not sit the saddle to-morrow, sir,” he said gravely.</p> + +<p>“Art a pessimist,” was the lazy response. “What of your friend Milward?”</p> + +<p>“’Tis of him that I wish to speak.” Christopher wrinkled his brow in +perplexity. “He—he wants to ride with us to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>The brown eyes opened.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span></p> + +<p>“Does he so? Well ... we shall not be lonely.”</p> + +<p>“I did not know—that is, I rather thought you would prefer to ride +alone, sir.”</p> + +<p>The eyes closed again.</p> + +<p>“By all means let the man come. What of it?”</p> + +<p>“Naught, sir. I only thought—”</p> + +<p>“Oh, ay, ay! God’s Body, but my head’s a-fire! Go you to bed, +Christopher!”</p> + +<p>Christopher rose reluctantly.</p> + +<p>“There’s nothing I can do for you, sir?”</p> + +<p>His fine white hand was across Roxhythe’s forehead, shading the upper +part of his face, but Christopher saw his lips curve.</p> + +<p>“Poor Chris! You shall not be called upon to play body-servant as well +as secretary!”</p> + +<p>“I would do aught I could for you, sir!”</p> + +<p>The hand moved away. Christopher looked straight into my lord’s eyes.</p> + +<p>“Then go to bed,” said that sleepy voice. “And Christopher!”</p> + +<p>Christopher paused. He was drawing the curtains about the bed.</p> + +<p>“Well?” he smiled.</p> + +<p>“Don’t worry your head over me!”</p> + +<p>Outside the room Dart met Roxhythe’s servant.</p> + +<p>“I fear his lordship is a sick man, John,” he said. “And he will not +own it.”</p> + +<p>The man looked at him curiously for a moment. Then he grunted.</p> + +<p>Rather to Christopher’s surprise he found Roxhythe already dressed next +morning when he went to his room. My lord was in the act of fastening a +diamond pin in his cravat when the tap fell on the door, and his glance +as he met Christopher’s eyes in the mirror was one of pure amusement.</p> + +<p>“You thought to find me abed, my friend,” he remarked.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” admitted Christopher. “But I rejoice to find you up. You are +better, sir?”</p> + +<p>“I am well enough,” shrugged his lordship. He gave<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span> a final touch to +his ribands, and turned. “Well, to breakfast—and the amiable Mr. +Milward.”</p> + +<p>“You had rather he did not ride with us?” asked Christopher quickly.</p> + +<p>“On the contrary,” smiled Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Thus it came to pass that Mr. Milward joined the little cavalcade +and did much to beguile the tedium of the journey with his sparkling +conversation. He had a fair knowledge of the country and he spoke Dutch +perfectly, so Roxhythe, whose Dutch was fluent enough but hopelessly +marred by his English accent, allowed him to parley with the landlords +of the inns at which they halted.</p> + +<p>Christopher, whose first visit abroad this was, greatly enjoyed the +ride. He drank in every fresh sight and sound with avidity; nothing +escaped his notice; his eyes were on everything. Roxhythe regarded him +thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>Now and again Christopher glanced at his lordship with a worried eye. +He saw how he flagged, how weary were his movements, but guessing that +Roxhythe did not wish him to call attention to his indisposition, he +held his peace.</p> + +<p>For some time Roxhythe talked inanities to Mr. Milward. Christopher +wished that he need not appear so foolish, and fretted. The lazy eyes +never looked his way.</p> + +<p>Presently Roxhythe spoke of his disgrace at Court. Mr. Milward’s tact +was most praiseworthy. Roxhythe explained that he must needs absent +himself from Whitehall till the storm should have blown over. He told +Mr. Milward that he was desirous of pressing on to the Hague where he +intended to visit all his old friends. Mr. Milward was all interest. +Friends made, no doubt, during the period of his exile with the King? +Roxhythe nodded pensively, and proceeded to expatiate on the subject.</p> + +<p>Christopher saw the half-veiled scorn on Milward’s face and fumed +inwardly. Roxhythe continued to talk.</p> + +<p>And so at length they arrived at Bergen-op-Zoom. Roxhythe was worn out +and he excused himself from appearing at the supper-table.</p> + +<p>Milward and Christopher dined alone. Christopher<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span> thought that he +detected a patronizing note in Mr. Milward’s voice when he spoke of +Roxhythe. He decided that he no longer liked Mr. Milward. As soon as he +could he left him and went upstairs to Roxhythe’s room.</p> + +<p>My lord was seated before the fire, wrapped in a gorgeous +dressing-gown. The remains of supper stood at his elbow.</p> + +<p>“Sir, you cannot ride to-morrow,” said Christopher firmly.</p> + +<p>The arched brows rose.</p> + +<p>“So!” said Roxhythe politely.</p> + +<p>“You may say what you will, sir, but I know you have the fever, and I +will not let you ride until you are well.”</p> + +<p>“Why, that is very entertaining—Mr. Dart.”</p> + +<p>Christopher reddened.</p> + +<p>“You think me impertinent, sir, but—”</p> + +<p>“No. Over-zealous, and—importunate.”</p> + +<p>“Nevertheless, sir, you do not travel to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>My lord fingered his peruke, his eyes grown hard as steel.</p> + +<p>“I see you will have it, Mr. Dart. You force me to remind you that you +are here to obey without question.”</p> + +<p>Christopher had much ado to choke back his anger.</p> + +<p>“But, sir, I cannot see that our hurry is so—”</p> + +<p>“I think there is no need to pursue the subject,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Christopher drew himself up.</p> + +<p>“You are right, Lord Roxhythe; there is no need. You will not find me +over-solicitous again.”</p> + +<p>“It is outside your part,” agreed Roxhythe. He leant back in his chair, +closing his eyes.</p> + +<p>Christopher seethed inwardly.</p> + +<p>“Then, if you have no commands for me, sir, I’ll retire.” Nothing could +have been colder than that hurt young voice. My lord said nothing.</p> + +<p>Christopher was very youthful; it was all he could do to refrain from +slamming the door as he went out. He was furious that Roxhythe should +treat him thus. He told himself that he had been right when he dubbed +his lordship<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span> insufferable; not easily would he be won over again.</p> + +<p>Relations were strained between them next morning. Christopher +treated Roxhythe with punctilious politeness, and addressed all his +conversation to Milward. Surreptitiously he watched my lord, and more +than once he wondered whether he would last the journey. Roxhythe rode +in silence, looking straight between his horse’s ears. They halted very +few times upon the way, and dismounted not at all, so Christopher was +not surprised when, at Gertruydenberg, which was their destination, +Roxhythe, having dismounted, reeled, and would have fallen but for his +prompt assistance. He helped him into the inn and gave him into John’s +care. When he had arranged for the stabling of the horses, and changed +his boots, he visited my lord in bed and spoke with ill-concealed +triumph.</p> + +<p>“Do you wish me to fetch an apothecary, sir, or shall you ride +to-morrow?”</p> + +<p>“Neither,” said Roxhythe, his handkerchief to his mouth. “You’ll—make +my—apologies to the—amiable Mr. Milward—and say that I shall—hope +to meet him—at the Poisson d’Or Inn at the Hague. Odd rot! my head is +like to split!”</p> + +<p>“I am grieved, sir,” said Christopher primly.</p> + +<p>Milward awaited him downstairs.</p> + +<p>“My lord is worse?”</p> + +<p>Christopher shook his head.</p> + +<p>“He’ll not ride to-morrow, nor yet the next day. He is a sick man.”</p> + +<p>“Oh!” said Milward uncertainly. His eyes searched Christopher’s face.</p> + +<p>“He bids me tell you that he is sorry to break up our party, but he +hopes to see you at the Poisson d’Or at the Hague.”</p> + +<p>“Oh!” said Milward again. “I hope so too.”</p> + +<p>So Mr. Milward departed next day in solitary state, very loth to leave +his travelling companions, but looking forward to seeing them at the +Hague.</p> + +<p>Watching him ride away, Christopher felt suddenly very<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span> lonely. He +wished that he had not fallen out with Roxhythe. He walked slowly back +into the house.</p> + +<p>As he passed through the crowded coffee-room, he paused to survey the +occupants. For the most part they were dull-looking burghers, and did +not interest him, but in one corner, by the window, sat two men who +attracted his attention. They were playing dominoes, and at first, +Christopher watched out of idle curiosity. Then he studied the men’s +faces. It struck him that the one nearest the window was vaguely +familiar. He racked his brains in the effort to remember where he had +seen him before, but with no success. He concluded that he must be +mistaken when the man called an order to the landlord in excellent +Dutch.</p> + +<p>He went upstairs, feeling very depressed.</p> + +<p>Instead of finding Roxhythe in bed as he had expected, he found him in +his dressing-gown, writing. He stared in amazement, for Roxhythe had no +longer the air of a sick man. His person had lost its languor, his eyes +their sleepiness. Roxhythe raised them as he entered, and the boy was +startled by their unaccustomed keenness.</p> + +<p>“John!” Roxhythe addressed his servant curtly.</p> + +<p>The man came forward, holding one of his master’s perukes in his hand. +Roxhythe’s head was bent over his work.</p> + +<p>“I wish to be private with Mr. Dart.”</p> + +<p>Christopher watched John go out, marvelling at this change in Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>As the door closed, my lord glanced up quickly.</p> + +<p>“Sit down, Christopher.”</p> + +<p>So he was restored to favour? Christopher drew up a chair, reflecting +that if anyone had the right to be magnanimous over the late +<i>contretemps</i> it was himself. However, he was growing accustomed +to the ways of Roxhythe, and he was not so indignant as he would once +have been.</p> + +<p>For a few moments Roxhythe’s hand continued to travel to and fro across +the parchment, but he was only a short while finishing. He pushed the +paper away, and leaned back in his seat.</p> + +<p>“Poor Chris! I owe you an explanation, eh?” The tone<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span> was so winning +that the remaining shreds of Christopher’s rancour fled.</p> + +<p>“I do confess, sir—I am at a loss.”</p> + +<p>“Of course you are. Has Milward departed?”</p> + +<p>“Ay, sir. I sped him on his way just before I came to you.”</p> + +<p>“And you gave him my message?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“And you showed him your concern for my health?”</p> + +<p>“I thought it best to counterfeit unconcern, sir.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s eyelids drooped suddenly. His mouth twitched.</p> + +<p>“Very good, Chris. What of the other guests?”</p> + +<p>Christopher looked up, bewildered.</p> + +<p>“What of them, sir?”</p> + +<p>“Describe them.”</p> + +<p>Understanding dawned on the boy. He described the people he had seen in +the coffee-room very readily. Then he remembered the man by the window, +playing dominoes. He paused, cudgelling his brains anew. Roxhythe sat +still watching him.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Christopher started up.</p> + +<p>“Odd’s body! Of course I know!”</p> + +<p>“Well?” Roxhythe had fallen back into his old drawl.</p> + +<p>“At Ashley’s that day! Outside with the horse!”</p> + +<p>“My dear Chris!” expostulated Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Christopher sat down again, laughing a little.</p> + +<p>“I had forgotten you did not know! It was the day I—you engaged me. I +had been to see Lord Ashley, and as I came out I met Mr. Hyde in the +hall. I thought nothing of it at the time but I remarked his servant, +outside. He was holding Mr. Hyde’s horse and ’tis he downstairs!”</p> + +<p>“You infer—”</p> + +<p>“Why, sir, Mr. Hyde is the Duke of York’s brother-in-law! The man is a +spy!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe nodded casually.</p> + +<p>“Is he of medium height with a bulbous nose and light eyebrows?”</p> + +<p>“Well, yes!” admitted Christopher, smiling.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span></p> + +<p>“Ah! I wondered.”</p> + +<p>“When have you seen him, sir?”</p> + +<p>“At Flushing the other day.”</p> + +<p>Christopher stared at him, open-mouthed.</p> + +<p>“Yet I did not!”</p> + +<p>“No? But you were not on the look-out.”</p> + +<p>“I—I hardly thought that you were!” Christopher blurted out.</p> + +<p>“I am old in intrigue, my child,” said Roxhythe. “So he is a creature +of Hyde’s? Well. Milward, then, is probably in French pay.”</p> + +<p>“Milward!” Up started Christopher again. “I—never—thought—of—that! +Why—why what a dolt I am! Of course Milward is a spy! Why did you not +tell me, sir? Warn me?”</p> + +<p>“You would have been less useful,” explained Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“But I might have let fall anything! Had you told me I had been on my +guard.”</p> + +<p>“Precisely,” nodded his lordship. “And you are young in intrigue.”</p> + +<p>“Oh!” said Christopher rather blankly. He thought for a moment. “Did +you but feign sickness, sir?”</p> + +<p>“To shake him off; ay.”</p> + +<p>“Then why did you not remain at Bergen yesterday? Why come here? He +would not have suspected, for indeed you had the look of a sick man.”</p> + +<p>“Because I had laid my plans otherwise—which plans you, my young +hothead, did your utmost to o’erset.”</p> + +<p>The ready colour rose to Christopher’s cheeks.</p> + +<p>“I am sorry, sir. But I did not know. Is it possible that you foresaw +all this?”</p> + +<p>“It was so obvious,” sighed his lordship.</p> + +<p>“Was it, sir?” asked Christopher admiringly. “And what now? Or—or am I +to be kept in the dark?” He spoke deferentially.</p> + +<p>“No, I am going to expound.” My lord lifted up a quill, and surveyed +it idly. “To-morrow I keep my room; on Wednesday we travel by coach +to Rotterdam. I am afraid I shall be ill again, Chris. You will be +suitably perturbed,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span> and you will fetch a certain Mynheer de Staal, +an apothecary, and a friend of mine. He will give it out that I am +suffering from a low fever and must not be disturbed. I shall make my +escape by way of the window at night and proceed to de Staal’s house +where I shall wait till morning. Then I shall ride to the Hague, +leaving you and John to trick the spy into thinking me abed. De Staal +will come every day; I can trust him. At the Hague, I shall stay at +the Three Fishers, and, with the aid of your brother, gain access to +the Prince, when I shall lay His Majesty’s proposition before him. +That done, and the Prince his answer given, I return to Rotterdam, and +recover from the fever. For the rest it is easy. We proceed to the +Hague; we meet our friend Milward. Presently, behold! His Majesty has +forgiven me! We return to London. I think the amiable Mr. Milward will +be perplexed.”</p> + +<p>Christopher’s eyes glowed.</p> + +<p>“It is a marvellously well thought-out scheme, sir. But I am afraid.”</p> + +<p>“On what score?”</p> + +<p>“You may be discovered. The French spies may have orders to prevent +your gaining access to the Prince at any cost.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s lips curved haughtily.</p> + +<p>“They dare not.”</p> + +<p>“Dare not?”</p> + +<p>“I am Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“Then you think they would not murder you?”</p> + +<p>“I know it. They dare not touch me. They are not certain on any point +concerning this expedition. They suspect, but they cannot molest me on +their suspicions. Had it been a lesser man, they might have dared. But +I—I am Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“I see,” said Christopher, abashed.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Va">CHAPTER V<br> +<span class="allsmcap">MYNHEER DE STAAL</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>DURING the coach journey to Rotterdam, Christopher suffered from +suppressed excitement, much to Roxhythe’s amusement.</p> + +<p>As soon as they arrived at the inn Roxhythe retired to his room, +leaving Christopher to explain to mine host that his lordship was most +unwell and must be kept very quiet. At first the landlord was not +desirous of having a sick man in his house, but when it was clearly +borne in upon him that Roxhythe was an English milor’ and would pay +lavishly, his objections faded.</p> + +<p>Christopher repaired to Roxhythe’s room, and found him in the act of +writing to de Staal.</p> + +<p>My lord refused his proffered services, and finished the letter with a +flourish.</p> + +<p>“Tell the landlord to have it conveyed to 19, Prinsen Straat, Chris.”</p> + +<p>“I will take it, sir.”</p> + +<p>“My dear boy, do as I bid you.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir,” said Christopher, chastened, and bore it off.</p> + +<p>“Has M. the Spy arrived?” asked Roxhythe on his return.</p> + +<p>“Not yet, sir.” Christopher shook his head. “I can see him nowhere.”</p> + +<p>“I should be sorry if de Staal arrived before him,” remarked my lord.</p> + +<p>Presently Christopher went downstairs again, on some pretext or other, +and took a casual survey of the coffee-room. The spy was not there, but +as Christopher turned to go, horses’ hoofs sounded on the cobble-stones +without. Feeling that he was very deep in intrigue, Christopher +affected to take no notice and strolled towards the stairs.</p> + +<p>“Party o’ three,” rumbled the landlord, coming out of an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span> inner room. +“Plague take them, we’re nearly full already.”</p> + +<p>He waddled away to the door and set it wide. Through it Christopher +caught a glimpse of the new arrivals. Two of them had their backs to +him, the third came forward to speak with mine host. He was plainly +dressed and eminently respectable. Christopher did not know him at all. +Then one of the other men turned, and he saw that it was the spy. He +went upstairs with forced calmness, but his heart was bounding within +him, and his eyes, when he burst in upon Roxhythe, sparkled and glowed +with excitement.</p> + +<p>“Fiend seize you, Christopher! What now?” protested Roxhythe, opening +one heavy eyelid.</p> + +<p>“He hath arrived!”</p> + +<p>The other eye opened with an effort.</p> + +<p>“Hath he indeed?” mocked Roxhythe. “What shall we do?”</p> + +<p>“Nay!” blushed Christopher. “But you must admit that ’tis monstrous +exciting, sir!”</p> + +<p>My lord yawned and prepared to go asleep again.</p> + +<p>“’Tis all a damned plaguey nuisance,” he murmured. “And I would I were +at home.”</p> + +<p>“So do not I,” retorted Christopher. “I swear I am enjoying myself as +I have never done before. I marvel that you can go to sleep in this +fashion!”</p> + +<p>“I cannot with so much chatter in my ear,” complained his lordship. He +opened his eyes to watch Christopher laugh. He always averred that to +see Chris laugh afforded him much pleasure.</p> + +<p>“Well, may I go out, sir?” asked Dart impatiently.</p> + +<p>“By all means. You’ll find Rotterdam dull and unprofitable, but don’t +let that dissuade you.”</p> + +<p>“I’m not so blind that I cannot see from the window what a quaint place +it is,” answered Christopher. He walked to the door. “I wish you might +come with me, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Go away!” begged Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Christopher found Rotterdam a prosperous town. He walked about its +streets for some time, and in the course of his peregrinations, met +a fat tradesman with whom he had<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span> speech. He wanted to hear the +tradesman’s views on State Affairs, and what his feelings were towards +the Prince of Orange. It seemed that the man was a butcher. He gave +Christopher a long account of the price of meat. He deplored the +fact that three of his bullocks, all very fine and in their prime, +had lately sickened and died of a mysterious disease. He had dark +suspicions that this was the work of a certain enemy of his who lived +at the other end of the town and boasted that his custom was far +greater than Mynheer Dagvelt’s. Christopher, only half comprehending, +tried in broken Dutch to bring the conversation round to the Prince. +Mynheer Dagvelt told him that his neighbour had had a spite against him +from the day that two of his customers left him to deal with the far +superior Dagvelt. Disgruntled, Christopher passed on his way.</p> + +<p>He returned to the Flaming Sun shortly after sundown. Roxhythe had +shaken off some of his sleepiness and was studying a map of Holland. He +had changed his clothes and his nails had been carefully polished. He +looked up as Christopher entered, and smiled.</p> + +<p>“Well, what of the town?”</p> + +<p>Christopher did not tell him of his encounter with Mynheer Dagvelt.</p> + +<p>John put his head in at the door with the news that Mynheer de Staal +was below. Roxhythe nodded.</p> + +<p>“At once, John.”</p> + +<p>Christopher rose to depart.</p> + +<p>“Don’t go, Chris,” said my lord languidly. “You’ll like de Staal.”</p> + +<p>The door opened again in a minute, and a small, white-haired gentleman +came hesitatingly into the room, hat in hand.</p> + +<p>Christopher was between him and Roxhythe, obscuring the latter. A pair +of gentle blue eyes looked up into his face, and the finely cut lips +smiled doubtfully.</p> + +<p>“Milor’—Roxhyt’e?” said de Staal.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe had pulled himself out of his chair, and now he came forward, +hands outstretched.</p> + +<p>“De Staal!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</span></p> + +<p>“Milor’!” The sweet voice trembled. Before Roxhythe could prevent him, +de Staal had carried both hands to his lips. “Milor’! Ah, milor’...! To +see you again after all these years!” He spoke in Dutch.</p> + +<p>“And you, de Staal! You are well?” Roxhythe’s English accent had +disappeared.</p> + +<p>“I grow old,” answered the other. “Yes, I am well. The sight of you +would refresh a dying man, milor’.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe led him to a chair.</p> + +<p>“You missed us, de Staal? Well, we’ve missed you, and all the old +friends. Sometimes we pine for the sight of the old haunts—my little +master and I.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, the Prince! He is well? He is happy in his England?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, he’s happy, de Staal.”</p> + +<p>“And you?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I! But of course!”</p> + +<p>De Staal regarded him wistfully.</p> + +<p>“We heard how great you are in England, milor’; how powerful; what a +courtier. Eh, eh! And it likes you, that life?”</p> + +<p>“It likes me very well, de Staal. I am as my master—I’ve no mind to +set out on my travels again.”</p> + +<p>De Staal nodded slowly. His eyes never left Roxhythe’s face.</p> + +<p>“You find me changed?” asked my lord.</p> + +<p>“A little,” admitted de Staal. “There are lines where there were not, +and your eyes have grown not so bright.”</p> + +<p>“That is age,” smiled Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“It is the soft living,” replied de Staal. “I do not see the soldier, +milor’.”</p> + +<p>My lord gave a strange little sigh.</p> + +<p>“He hath gone long since, my friend.” He sighed again.</p> + +<p>“You almost make me wish I was a wanderer once more.” His smile was +rather crooked. “You were surprised to get my letter?”</p> + +<p>“I could not believe mine eyes! The sight of ‘Roxhyt’e’ across the page +stunned me. I came as soon as I could leave the house. You want my +help?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</span></p> + +<p>“You guessed that?”</p> + +<p>“You would not else have sent for me, milor’.”</p> + +<p>Christopher cleared his throat. De Staal was a pathetic figure, and +these calm words, spoken entirely without bitterness, made his eyelids +smart suddenly.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe did not expostulate.</p> + +<p>“I am here on the King’s business, de Staal; business of a very private +nature, and I am spied upon.”</p> + +<p>“You have been spied upon before,” smiled de Staal. They both laughed.</p> + +<p>“Ay, but this is more serious.”</p> + +<p>“Your life is in danger?”</p> + +<p>“Not a whit. But I must shake off the importunate gentleman. He is +downstairs now, thinking me in bed with a low fever. I must ride to the +Hague no later than to-morrow night and I do not desire the company of +my friend.”</p> + +<p>“Ah! You kill him?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bit his lip.</p> + +<p>“There are three of them or I might be tempted. No, I leave him here. +De Staal, I want you to give it out downstairs that I am indeed +ill—remember you have never seen me before—and that I must not be +disturbed. Only Chris here, and my servant are to be allowed into my +room, and you will come every day until I return from the Hague. That I +hope to do in three or four days’ time. Will you do it?”</p> + +<p>“Milor’!” De Staal looked his reproach. “You ask me <i>will</i> I do +it?”</p> + +<p>“You will. Another thing. I want you to procure me a horse, and to +stall it for me until I come to fetch it. You’ll do that too?”</p> + +<p>“Assuredly. So you escape by night, <i>hein</i>?”</p> + +<p>“By way of the window. With your permission I’ll spend the rest of the +night with you.”</p> + +<p>De Staal nodded.</p> + +<p>“I wish I were coming!” said Christopher suddenly.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shook his head.</p> + +<p>“You would greatly complicate matters, my dear Chris.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span></p> + +<p>De Staal looked enquiringly from one to the other. Roxhythe translated.</p> + +<p>“Aha! De adventure appeal to you, <i>hein</i>?”</p> + +<p>“I should like to be there, to help Lord Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>De Staal smiled approvingly.</p> + +<p>“You should take heem, milor’.”</p> + +<p>“<i>Sacré nom!</i> I think not.”</p> + +<p>“If only you would, sir!” Christopher looked appealingly across at him.</p> + +<p>“De Staal, why must you put such ideas into the child’s head? No, +Chris, it’s impossible.”</p> + +<p>“I am not a child.”</p> + +<p>“I crave your pardon. An I thought you one, I should not leave you to +dupe Mynheer Spy during my absence.”</p> + +<p>Christopher was not appeased.</p> + +<p>“It is so little to do, sir!”</p> + +<p>“Chris, this is your first intrigue, and you expect to play the leading +part! I have given you an all too difficult task as it is. Be assured +that it is of great importance.”</p> + +<p>Christopher was silent. He escorted de Staal part of the way home, and +again he broached the subject.</p> + +<p>“I would I might prevail upon my lord to take me with him, mynheer.”</p> + +<p>“He tell me you are of grit use to heem here,” replied the Dutchman.</p> + +<p>“Did he? I was afraid—I mean I do so little—I did not think I was of +any use.”</p> + +<p>“But yes. He t’ink a grit deal of you, Mynheer Dart.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, is that true?”</p> + +<p>De Staal cast him a shrewd glance.</p> + +<p>“I should not say it eef eet were not. He tell me you are a ver’ prince +of secretaries. Eet ees not often t’at milor’ t’ink a grit deal of a +man.... You like heem, yes?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Christopher. “But I do not understand him.”</p> + +<p>“No one understands heem,” answered de Staal placidly. “He ees what you +English call—enigma. He ees a ver’ grit man. He throw a spell over +you, hein? He make you do what he say?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span></p> + +<p>“He has great fascination,” admitted Christopher.</p> + +<p>“He make all men love heem eef he like. Only he not like ver’ often.”</p> + +<p>“No. He is sometimes very—very—”</p> + +<p>“He make you angry, <i>hein</i>?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, very.”</p> + +<p>“I know. Eet ees hees way. You must always do what he say, nevair—what +you call eet?—dispute with heem.”</p> + +<p>“I am learning that!” grimaced Christopher.</p> + +<p>“T’at ees well. You will love heem ver’ mooch one day, only, I warn +you, do not love heem too mooch, for he ees Roxhyt’e, and he not care +for any one save heemself and hees Prince.”</p> + +<p>“Oh,” protested Christopher.</p> + +<p>“You not belief me. You t’ink heem onselfish, and ver’ good. Well, I +warn you, eet ees not so. You remember t’at always and you not get +hurt.”</p> + +<p>“But, mynheer, why should I get hurt?”</p> + +<p>“Eef you love a man ver’ deeply, t’at man he have de power to hurt +you ver’ mooch. Me, I love heem ver’ gritly, but I know t’at he +ees—Roxhyt’e. One day perhaps he hurt you ver’ mooch eef you not take +care. So I warn you.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you very much, mynheer. But—oh, I feel sure that he is not like +that!”</p> + +<p>“You will see. You not belief me now, but one day you will remember +what I say to-night, <i>hein</i>?”</p> + +<p>“I hope not,” said Christopher gravely.</p> + +<p>On his way back to the Flaming Sun, he decided that de Staal was very +charming, but very morbid. He gave not another thought to the evening’s +conversation.</p> + +<p>De Staal visited my lord just before noon next day and Christopher saw +him off the premises. For the benefit of all who might chance to be +within earshot, de Staal gave him minute instructions concerning his +“patient’s” treatment. Christopher hoped that the spy was near at hand.</p> + +<p>He could hardly possess his soul in patience during the rest of the +day, and Roxhythe’s placidity was a source of wonderment to him.</p> + +<p>“One would think you were trying to get out of the way,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span> my lord +twitted him. “I only hope you will not run your head into a noose while +I am gone, in your lust for adventure. Sit down and write to your +brother.”</p> + +<p>“Why?” asked Christopher.</p> + +<p>“How argumentative you are! Tell him that you are coming to the Hague, +with a certain Mr. Curtis, and have rooms at the Three Fishers. Tell +him to visit you at six in the evening to-morrow. And tell him to ask +for Curtis. Say naught that spies might not read with impunity.”</p> + +<p>Christopher looked up.</p> + +<p>“Oh, Roderick is not suspect, sir! He was engaged by De Witt himself.”</p> + +<p>“Yet he is the Prince, his man?”</p> + +<p>“He is now.”</p> + +<p>“Ah!” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Christopher scratched away at the parchment.</p> + +<p>“Seal and address it,” ordered Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Christopher obeyed, and handed it over to him.</p> + +<p>“There’s naught else, sir?”</p> + +<p>“I think not. You know all that you have to do. Keep Mynheer Spy +content, and listen every night for the hoot of an owl, twice repeated.”</p> + +<p>“I do trust you will come to no harm, sir,” said Christopher anxiously.</p> + +<p>“You had best wish success to my mission,” was the gloomy response. +“God knows, it needs it,” he added beneath his breath.</p> + +<p>At half-past ten he was ready to start. A voluminous cloak concealed +his rich riding dress, and heavy top boots were on his feet. He thrust +his gloves into his belt and donned his beaver.</p> + +<p>“So it is fare ye well, Chris! You took that package to de Staal?”</p> + +<p>“For your journey? Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe opened the window softly, and looked out. It was very dark.</p> + +<p>“None too vigilant a spy,” he remarked. “Did you say he was playing at +picquet?”</p> + +<p>“Five minutes ago he was. But you had best hasten.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span></p> + +<p>“Oh, I am going, I am going! Lud, how anxious you are to be rid of me!” +He held out his hand. “Good-bye, Chris; have a care to yourself, and +remember that John may be trusted implicitly.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. And, oh! pray, be careful.”</p> + +<p>“There’s naught to fear on my account.” He looked at Christopher for a +moment. “I could not have accomplished this without you, child.”</p> + +<p>The two hands gripped. Then Roxhythe swung one leg over the sill.</p> + +<p>“Quickly, Chris! The rope.”</p> + +<p>Two minutes later he was on the ground outside, and blackness had +enveloped him.</p> + +<p>Christopher shut the window. He felt strangely forlorn and alone.</p> + +<p>Downstairs the spy continued to play picquet.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIa">CHAPTER VI<br> +<span class="allsmcap">RODERICK DART</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>ROXHYTHE clattered through the streets of Delft until he came to a +likely inn. There he drew rein, and there he lunched. In spite of his +air of leisure he was well on his way again within the hour. By three +in the afternoon he was at the Hague.</p> + +<p>The Three Fishers was an insignificant little inn on the outskirts of +the town, not frequented by the quality, so Roxhythe’s lack of baggage +excited no suspicion. A slight sensation was caused by my lord’s +request for a private parlour, but when he explained that he was to +have a friend to dine with him whom he had not seen for years, it died +down. The landlord was impressed when he learnt that the friend was of +the Prince’s household and he readily undertook to have Christopher’s +note delivered to Mr. Dart.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was prepared to be very much on his guard with Roderick. +Christopher had told him that he had been specially engaged by De +Witt, but had since become a devoted adherent to William. Roxhythe was +a cynic; he had lifted his eyebrows at that. Christopher had assured +him that his brother might be trusted with Ashley’s packet; Roxhythe +preferred to take no risks. He fully expected to find Mr. Dart an +informer, feigning love for the young Prince as a means whereby to worm +himself into whatever Orangist plot might be afoot. Roxhythe knew that +William was very closely guarded; he also knew that De Witt chose his +attendants carefully, and paid them well. He mistrusted Mr. Dart.</p> + +<p>Without Roderick’s aid he could not hope to gain entrance to the +palace, yet with his aid he might easily walk into some trap. He cast a +loving glance at his pistols.</p> + +<p>Punctually at seven Mr. Dart was announced. My lord<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span> rose at his entry, +scanning him closely from beneath drooping lids.</p> + +<p>The door closed behind Roderick. He took a quick step into the room, +looking all round. Then he stared at Roxhythe and his lips tightened.</p> + +<p>He was not very like his brother, except for his eyes which were grey, +and as honest as Christopher’s. His mouth was thin and straight; +his expression cold and watchful. He was dressed in a plain dark +suit, wearing none of the furbelows that were in fashion. His whole +appearance was severe.</p> + +<p>“Have I the honour of addressing—Mr. Curtis?” His voice was crisp.</p> + +<p>“The name will serve,” answered his lordship. “You are Mr. Dart, I +think?”</p> + +<p>Roderick bowed.</p> + +<p>“I am come at my brother’s request, sir, but I do not see him.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe ignored the hostility of his tone.</p> + +<p>“Christopher is at Rotterdam, Mr. Dart. ’Tis I who requested your +company.”</p> + +<p>Roderick’s hand went to his belt.</p> + +<p>“Oh, no!” drawled my lord. “It is no shooting matter. Pray, will you +not be seated? Dinner will be served in a moment.”</p> + +<p>Roderick swung his cloak from his shoulders and laid down his hat.</p> + +<p>“I thank you. I take it you have not desired my company for the mere +pleasure of seeing me. You are come on business, my Lord Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>My lord opened his eyes admiringly.</p> + +<p>“I felicitate you,” he said.</p> + +<p>Roderick’s lip curled scornfully.</p> + +<p>“On my perspicacity, sir?”</p> + +<p>“On your power of recognition, Mr. Dart.”</p> + +<p>Roderick brushed that aside.</p> + +<p>“I have seen you many times, my lord.” The words bit.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>“... One would almost have inferred that I did not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span> find favour in his +august eyes,” afterwards remarked Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“I am delighted,” sighed his lordship. “It greatly facilitates matters. +Did you know that Christopher is my secretary?”</p> + +<p>“I did not. Since when is this, sir?”</p> + +<p>“Nigh on a month ago, I suppose. He is not very like you.”</p> + +<p>“Christopher is easily led—easily influenced!” said Roderick.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe conceived that the news of his brother’s latest venture did +not meet with Roderick’s approval.</p> + +<p>“Just so,” he agreed. “A most useful boy.”</p> + +<p>At this moment the one maid that the inn boasted entered the room with +a tray. When she had gone:</p> + +<p>“I must apologise for such poor hospitality,” said Roxhythe. “It is the +best the inn can afford.”</p> + +<p>Roderick seated himself at the table. He unbent slightly.</p> + +<p>Until the maid had finally withdrawn, leaving the men to their wine, +they spoke of Christopher, the atrocious condition of the roads, or +London gossip. It was then that Roxhythe inwardly dubbed Roderick a +strait-laced Puritan. His disapproval of his host was very apparent, +as was his disapproval of King Charles and his Court. Roxhythe was +consumed with amusement.</p> + +<p>“I suppose you have moderately good entertainment at the Palace, Mr. +Dart?” he asked indolently. “But no doubt you miss the London life.”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roderick. “Whitehall and its customs do not appeal to me. We +of the Prince’s household live very quietly. We observe Whitehall and +the Louvre from afar, and we do not desire to emulate them.”</p> + +<p>“Dear me!” said Roxhythe. “The Prince, then, has no taste for Court +life?”</p> + +<p>“None whatsoever.”</p> + +<p>“Heaven forfend I find not a psalm-singing Quaker for Prince!” thought +Roxhythe. Aloud he said: “Why, you surprise me, sir! I had thought so +young a boy—and a Stuart—had had some taste for gaiety. Well, well!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span></p> + +<p>“His Highness, sir, looks with disgust on the ways of his uncle’s +Court,” said Roderick deliberately.</p> + +<p>“Good luck to my mission!” thought Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“He cannot see that King Charles has any man about him—with one or two +exceptions—” he bowed, “—whom he can trust.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stared at him over the rim of his wine-glass.</p> + +<p>“Is His Highness then surrounded by men whom he can trust?”</p> + +<p>“The Prince his servants are faithful unto death,” was the proud answer.</p> + +<p>“His Highness is singularly fortunate,” said Roxhythe drily.</p> + +<p>Roderick pushed his chair back from the table.</p> + +<p>“Have we dilly-dallied long enough, sir? You have business with my +master?”</p> + +<p>For a moment Roxhythe did not answer. Then he spoke slowly, his eyes on +Dart’s.</p> + +<p>“Why, I do not know, sir. It depends.”</p> + +<p>“On what?”</p> + +<p>“On who your master is,” said my lord.</p> + +<p>Roderick looked puzzled. He flushed angrily as Roxhythe’s meaning +dawned on him, and half rose in his chair.</p> + +<p>“Do you insult me, my lord?”</p> + +<p>“By no means,” replied that imperturbable voice. “I was told that De +Witt chose you to be one of the Prince his gentlemen. You speak of +yourself as the Prince his faithful servant. What am I to understand?”</p> + +<p>“I am the Prince his servant.”</p> + +<p>“Yet you are not suspect by De Witt?”</p> + +<p>“No.”</p> + +<p>“You are lucky,” smiled his lordship.</p> + +<p>“There is no reason why I should give you an explanation, sir, but you +may know that I was engaged not as an informer, but as one not likely +to be won over by His Highness. So Mynheer De Witt said.”</p> + +<p>“I take it Mynheer De Witt was wrong?”</p> + +<p>“Ay. You do not know His Highness or you might understand.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span></p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed.</p> + +<p>“I am looking forward to making the acquaintance of this Prince.”</p> + +<p>“You are a messenger?” Roderick surveyed him critically. “An envoy from +King Charles?”</p> + +<p>“I have that honour.”</p> + +<p>“You want me to bear a packet to His Highness?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roxhythe. “I want you to help me to gain access to the +Prince.”</p> + +<p>Roderick gasped at his audacity.</p> + +<p>“Impossible!”</p> + +<p>“A word I do not know,” drawled his lordship.</p> + +<p>“The Prince will not receive you!”</p> + +<p>“I think he will.”</p> + +<p>“He will require proof of your identity!”</p> + +<p>“He shall have it,” Roxhythe drew a heavy signet ring from his finger, +and laid it before his guest.</p> + +<p>Roderick stared down at the magic initials: C.R. There was no mistaking +the ring. For a minute he sat thinking. Roxhythe polished his +thumb-nail.</p> + +<p>“I may take this to His Highness?” asked Roderick, at last.</p> + +<p>“You may.”</p> + +<p>“And there is no packet to be conveyed?”</p> + +<p>“None that I cannot convey myself.”</p> + +<p>“I think His Highness will require you to send it!” flashed Roderick.</p> + +<p>“Alas! My orders are to deliver it into his hands myself.”</p> + +<p>“In that case there is no more to be said. You seem to think it is an +easy matter to gain access to the Prince. Pray have you thought how you +will do it?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roxhythe. “I never worry myself unnecessarily.”</p> + +<p>“Unnecessarily!”</p> + +<p>“You see, I leave it to you,” said my lord sweetly.</p> + +<p>“Indeed! Remember, I hold out no hope.”</p> + +<p>“I am dismayed,” said Roxhythe placidly.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIIa">CHAPTER VII<br> +<span class="allsmcap">WILLIAM OF ORANGE</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>ROXHYTHE had scarcely finished his breakfast next morning when once +again Mr. Dart was announced.</p> + +<p>Roderick was colder than ever. He returned King Charles’ ring to my +lord.</p> + +<p>“His Highness commands me to say that he will receive you this evening, +sir.”</p> + +<p>“Yes?” said Roxhythe. He drew forward a chair. “Can I offer you +breakfast?”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, I breakfasted two hours since,” said Roderick.</p> + +<p>“Then you must be very hungry,” sympathised my lord. “Allow me to cut +you some of this quite excellent bacon!”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, no.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sighed.</p> + +<p>“You must know, sir, that His Highness has been suffering from a slight +indisposition these last few days which has compelled him to keep his +room.”</p> + +<p>“I did not know.” Roxhythe was gravely concerned. “I am grieved to hear +it.”</p> + +<p>“You misunderstand me, sir. The Prince had intended to leave his room +to-day, but since you are to have audience with him he deems it more +prudent to allow De Witt’s spies to think him still unwell. If you +will come to the Palace to-night at eight and ask for me, you will be +taken to my rooms which are at some distance from the Prince’s. You +understand that I am not suspect, so my guests may come unchallenged. +I have already spoken of you to the Governor, Mynheer Van Ghent, and +he is satisfied. You may trust me to smuggle you to the Prince his +apartments.”</p> + +<p>“Very neat,” approved Roxhythe. “Be assured that I shall be punctual.”</p> + +<p>“If you please,” bowed Roderick, and took his leave.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span></p> + +<p>“If the Prince his manners are like those of his servants, I am like to +enjoy myself,” reflected Roxhythe. “Odd’s blood, but the young cockerel +might be equerry to His Most Christian Majesty from the airs that he +affects.... A damned Puritan lot,” he added gloomily.</p> + +<p>In spite of this nonchalance, Roxhythe was curious to see Prince +William. He had always heard that he was a youth of parts, and he +thought now that he must be a youth of very forceful parts if all he +had gathered from Roderick’s conversation were true.</p> + +<p>At eight o’clock he presented himself at the Palace. He was conducted +through the great hall, up the stairs, and along a corridor to a small, +sparsely-furnished room.</p> + +<p>Roderick rose and came forward, hands outstretched.</p> + +<p>“Ah, Curtis! So you have come!” In Dutch he addressed the servant. +“Bring glasses, Hans.”</p> + +<p>The man withdrew.</p> + +<p>“I must ask you to await his return,” said Roderick stiffly.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was shaken with silent laughter. Mr. Dart’s cordiality had +dropped from him so suddenly.</p> + +<p>Roderick eyed him with cold hostility.</p> + +<p>“I think, too, that you had best retain your hat, sir, or stand with +your back to the door.”</p> + +<p>My lord bent over the fire, warming his hands.</p> + +<p>“I trust your face has not been too closely observed,” continued +Roderick.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe always complained that Mr. Dart thought him a fool.</p> + +<p>The servant re-appeared. He set glasses on the table, drew corks, and +retired.</p> + +<p>“I do not wish to be disturbed, Hans,” warned Roderick.</p> + +<p>“No, Mynheer.” The door closed softly.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe picked up his hat and gloves. Roderick nodded.</p> + +<p>“If you will follow me, please.”</p> + +<p>The mocking light had gone out of my lord’s eyes. Roderick looked into +the barrel of a small, gold-mounted pistol.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span></p> + +<p>“I deplore the seeming churlishness of my behaviour,” said Roxhythe, +“but if there should be foul play, Mr. Dart, you will suffer for it.”</p> + +<p>Roderick was scornful.</p> + +<p>“You may put that plaything away, my lord. There will be no treachery.”</p> + +<p>“You relieve me,” said his lordship, still holding the pistol. “Lead +on!”</p> + +<p>Roderick shrugged. He went to a door at the opposite end of the room. +“This way, sir.”</p> + +<p>They passed into a narrow corridor, faintly lighted by an oil-lamp at +one end. Roderick led the way along it, and up the flight of winding +stairs that branched off from it. They came out on to a broad landing +which was dark except for the light streaming from an open door. +Someone came out of that door, and turned to look at them.</p> + +<p>Roderick seemed not to see. He spoke crossly to Roxhythe in Dutch.</p> + +<p>“You should not have left it until this late hour, Franz. If His +Highness is asleep I cannot get the gloves for you, and I think it +probable that he is asleep. He will be most displeased when he finds +them still unmended.... Good-evening, Van Druyslet!”</p> + +<p>A good-natured voice laughed:</p> + +<p>“Those gloves again, Dart!”</p> + +<p>“There has been enough bother about them already,” said Dart, walking +on.</p> + +<p>“Ay. Good-night.”</p> + +<p>They went on down another passage, better-lighted, and not so narrow. A +man was standing by a low couch outside one of the doors that flanked +the corridor. Roxhythe took a firm hold on his pistol.</p> + +<p>The man came forward, eyeing Roxhythe curiously. He addressed himself +to Dart.</p> + +<p>“In the Prince his study, Roderick.” He spoke in English.</p> + +<p>“Thank you, Heenvliet. The Governor has visited His Highness?”</p> + +<p>“Half an hour ago. His Highness feigned the migraine. It is quite safe, +but in case of accidents I will cough outside<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span> the door, and you, my +lord,” he turned to Roxhythe, “will secrete yourself in the cupboard by +the fireplace.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed. Roderick opened the door, and they entered a large, +well-lighted room. It was empty, and, like the rest of the Palace, +richly, but severely furnished.</p> + +<p>Roderick held out his hand.</p> + +<p>“That pistol, if you please, my lord.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe handed it over, smiling.</p> + +<p>“Did you think I meant to assassinate the Prince?”</p> + +<p>“I take no risks, sir,” said Roderick quietly. He went to where a heavy +curtain hung, and pulled it back. “His Highness will be with you almost +at once.” He disappeared.</p> + +<p>My lord was again shaken with laughter.</p> + +<p>“Oddsfish! ’tis as good as Etheridge his best!” he told himself. “The +little princeling!... But he would appear to have good servants,” he +added, thinking of the man on the passage.</p> + +<p>The Palace was very silent. A cinder falling on to the hearth caused +his lordship to start as at an explosion. The candles were burning +steadily; not even the wind moaned.</p> + +<p>“A damned gloomy place,” said Roxhythe. He drew a bulky package from +his breast, and laid it on the carven table.</p> + +<p>There was not a sound anywhere; no movement, no sign of life; +everything was eerily silent. Roxhythe shivered.</p> + +<p>“William of Orange has my sympathy,” he murmured.</p> + +<p>The heavy curtains swung noiselessly back. A slight youth, with great +eyes burning in an unnaturally pale face, came quickly into the room. +Dart followed him, and the curtain fell back into place.</p> + +<p>The boy was dressed as plainly as Dart. Light curls fell to his +shoulders and framed his hawk-face. His eyes were hazel, cold and keen, +the nose aquiline; the mouth thin. He gave Roxhythe the impression of +one much repressed, and old beyond his eighteen years.</p> + +<p>My lord swept a low, court bow.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span></p> + +<p>William spoke haltingly. His voice, even then, had a harsh timbre.</p> + +<p>“Mi—lor’—Roxhyt’e?”</p> + +<p>My lord bowed again.</p> + +<p>“I have to thank Your Highness for receiving me at this hour. I am very +sensible of the honour you do me.”</p> + +<p>William inclined his head gravely. He spoke over his shoulder to Dart.</p> + +<p>“Rodrigue, you may leave me.”</p> + +<p>Roderick frowned quickly.</p> + +<p>“Will Your Highness not permit me to remain?”</p> + +<p>“It is not necessary. Heenvliet will show Milor’ Roxhyt’e back to your +room. I wish you to go.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, Sir.” Roderick went out.</p> + +<p>William brought his eyes back to Roxhythe. He continued to speak Dutch.</p> + +<p>“Well, milor’? You bring me a message from my uncle?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Highness. I have a proposition to lay before you on behalf of His +Majesty,” said Roxhythe, also in Dutch.</p> + +<p>“It is here?” William stepped to the table where lay Ashley’s packet. +His hand closed over it.</p> + +<p>“That contains the proposition, Sir, as writ by Lord Ashley.”</p> + +<p>The Prince looked up quickly.</p> + +<p>“So? Ashley.” He sat down at the table, and broke open the seals. “Be +seated, milor’.” He spread the close-written sheets out before him, and +resting his head in his hand, started to read.</p> + +<p>Nothing broke the stillness save the crackling of the parchment, and +occasionally a cough from the Prince.</p> + +<p>While he read, Roxhythe studied the boy’s face, waiting for him to +betray his feelings by some change of expression.</p> + +<p>William read on steadily. Not an eyelid flickered.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe marvelled more and more at this extraordinary youth. He +realised that here was a personality as strong as, or even stronger +than his own master’s, and at the same time, totally dissimilar. +William’s manner was almost<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span> repellent; he employed no wiles to +attract; he rarely smiled. To Roxhythe he had been brusque to the +point of rudeness, yet his lordship was conscious of an overwhelming +magnetism. He could understand now how it was that William was so +well served. Instinctively he felt that William had the strength of +character that his uncle lacked. He felt, too, that William could +inspire unlimited confidence, and he knew, without knowing why, that +even he, cynic that he was, would trust him implicitly.</p> + +<p>William put the sheets together, and rested his hand lightly on them. +For some time he did not speak, but sat looking straight before him, +eyebrows drawn close across his forehead. His tapering fingers drummed +on the folded parchment; a ruby ring caught the light of the candles, +and winked sagely. It was the only ornament he wore.</p> + +<p>“So this is Ashley’s proposition....” he said slowly. “What has my +uncle to say?”</p> + +<p>“His Majesty but endorses what you have read, Highness,” answered +Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>William looked at him thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“I do not see what King Charles stands to gain by this,” he flicked the +parchment.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was taken aback. He was not prepared for such ruthless +perspicacity.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness has a knowledge of men,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Is it likely that King Charles would offer this——” again he flicked +the parchment—“and demand naught in exchange?”</p> + +<p>“No, Highness, it is not likely. Yet King Charles stands to get the +worst of the bargain.”</p> + +<p>For the first time William smiled.</p> + +<p>“I cannot credit it, milor’.”</p> + +<p>“Nevertheless, it is so, Sir. Have I your leave to speak?”</p> + +<p>William nodded. His eyes never left my lord’s face.</p> + +<p>“The matter is this, Highness: King Charles is desirous of seeing his +nephew in his rightful place, and not a State prisoner. He hath no love +for De Witt, and he thinks that the people of Holland have none either. +He will aid you to overthrow their High Mightinesses, and he will make<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</span> +you Stadtholder—even King, if the thing were possible. It should +not be difficult. You know, Sir, that the people grow tired of the +Pensionary, and murmur your name again. At Rotterdam, at Middleburgh, +at Amsterdam, and a score of other towns I could mention, feeling is +very strong in your favour. King Louis is an all too powerful enemy and +the Provinces require a leader. It is thought that you, Sir, inherit +your great-grandfather’s genius. Were you to break free from De Witt +and raise your banner at the right moment, crowds would flock to it. +The nobles are on your side and the middle-classes will follow when +they realize that in you lies salvation. King Charles will help you to +drive out the French, and the combination will surely prove too strong +for Louis.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” interrupted the Prince. “And the price?”</p> + +<p>“You have read it, Sir.”</p> + +<p>William moved impatiently.</p> + +<p>“I have read many meaningless words and vague terms, milor’.”</p> + +<p>“Briefly, Highness, it is this: In return for setting you in your +rightful place, His Majesty requires the State to pay him a certain sum +yearly, to be afterwards decided on. There would be some compact, of +course.”</p> + +<p>“I think that is not all,” said William. “What of that compact of which +you spoke?”</p> + +<p>“An alliance between the two countries, similar to the existing bond.” +Roxhythe looked up. “That should benefit you, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“It should also benefit King Charles,” said William drily. “And your +English Parliament? They would like this?”</p> + +<p>“Your Highness has read Lord Ashley’s letter.”</p> + +<p>“Lord Ashley stands by the King.... Strange! Or does Lord Ashley +work in the dark? He says nothing of this tribute to be paid to King +Charles.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s brain worked swiftly. It was very evident that William +was no fool. He saw through the offer and he would see through all +subterfuges, however glib. The only course was to be frank.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</span></p> + +<p>“Highness, King Charles is in need of money. You know enough of the +relations between King and Commons in England to see that he must look +abroad for it. Two ways he may look: to France, or to you. France will +ask too much in return; she would want to hold England ’neath her +thumb——”</p> + +<p>“Much as King Charles wants to hold me,” nodded the Prince.</p> + +<p>“By no means, Sir. His Majesty wants to help you to the +Stadtholdership. He will benefit by the compact; you will benefit still +more, and the Commons will think they benefit.”</p> + +<p>“His Majesty’s scruples are very nice,” said William. “He will not make +England a catspaw of France, but he would like to make the Provinces a +catspaw of England. A subtle distinction, milor’.”</p> + +<p>“Your Highness hardly states the case,” said Roxhythe gently. “There is +no question of catspaw.”</p> + +<p>“No? Then I have greatly misunderstood you, sir!”</p> + +<p>“Your Highness has said so.”</p> + +<p>William looked down at the paper beneath his tightly-clenched hand. All +at once he grew rigid and his eyes flashed. He began to speak, quickly, +and with suppressed feeling.</p> + +<p>“King Charles his offer is no less than an insult! He seeks to bribe me +to sell my country to him—to barter mine honour! He has made a great +mistake, sir! He thinks to frighten me, Nassau! with his evasive talk +of Louis. Oh, ay! I have seen very clearly what he means! He is very +sure that I may be bribed, and bought, and tricked! He thinks to dupe +me with these vague promises”—he struck the parchment—“But I know +him! These armies he will put at my disposal—this King Louis whom he +will drive from my country! Does he think me such a fool that I do not +know he will never offend the French King? Bah! ’Tis I who am to fight! +I who must provide the money wherewith to equip mine army! I who must +lead them! I who must do all, while he stands by, encouraging me, and +tricking me with his subtleties, and his empty<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</span> promises! The compact? +I can imagine it very easily, milor’! A string of evasions with but +one clear clause amongst them! And that that I should pay him tribute +yearly! He thinks me a child not to be reckoned with. He does not know +Nassau! You spoke of my great-grandfather’s spirit which my good uncle +thinks I inherit. Tell him that he spoke sooth, and that William of +Nassau treats his offer thus, and thus!” William tore the parchment +sheets across and across.</p> + +<p>“Highness, you misjudge His Majesty very grievously——”</p> + +<p>“Do I so? Bah! He is afraid! He fears that Louis may be making me this +same offer, and he cannot afford to have France and the Provinces +united. His good intentions!” He laughed shortly, furiously. “He does +not like to see me a prisoner! Yet he has seen me thus all these years, +and raised but the feeblest finger in protest. He is slow to decide, +your King! Well, there is mine answer!” He pointed to the scattered +pieces of paper on the floor. “And further tell him that William of +Orange will not stoop to intrigue behind the back of the State, nor +will he sell his people for his own advancement!” He paused and pressed +his handkerchief to his mouth. A violent fit of coughing tore and +racked his slender body.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe waited for him to cease. When the Prince leaned back in his +chair, quiet now, and with exhaustion written about his eyes, he +answered him.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness would do well to consider. Have you bethought yourself +that it is not wise to offend the King of England?”</p> + +<p>The pale lips parted.</p> + +<p>“While I remain a prisoner King Charles cannot harm me. When I am +Stadtholder he will not dare. There is Louis.”</p> + +<p>“Your Highness is very sanguine. If you will not sell your country, as +you call it, by whose help do you hope to overthrow the Oligarchy?”</p> + +<p>“Have I said that I hoped to overthrow them? I desire to hold my +rightful office, but I will raise no hand against<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</span> a Government that I +fully acknowledge. It will be by the people’s will alone that I become +Stadtholder.”</p> + +<p>“And if the people will it not?”</p> + +<p>William’s eyes flashed again.</p> + +<p>“Did you not assure me that they were ripe for my standard?”</p> + +<p>“For your standard, Sir, yes. But if you raise it not they cannot stand +by it. They will not rise for Prince William alone. Prince William with +a force to back him, yes. It is a very different matter.”</p> + +<p>“I do not fear.” The Prince spoke calmly now.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness is young. You do not know the temper of a mob.”</p> + +<p>“Then I shall learn, milor’.”</p> + +<p>“By bitter experience.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps even that.”</p> + +<p>There fell a long silence. It was useless to attempt further argument. +The Prince meant what he said, and he knew what he was saying. Yet my +lord tried to reason with him once more.</p> + +<p>“Highness, I counsel you most sincerely not to reject my master’s offer +thus lightly. You must realize what an impossible task it is that you +set yourself. You will have your country divided against itself, some +standing for you, others for the Pensionary. Also you will have a +French army marching upon you; perhaps, too, an English army. You would +do well to consider.”</p> + +<p>“I have considered. What King Charles asks is impossible. I am not a +Stuart—I cannot so unconcernedly sell my country. Milor’ Roxhythe, I +beg you will not waste your breath seeking to persuade me. Do you think +I have not had just such an offer before? I have considered well, and +there lies my answer.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe rose.</p> + +<p>“Then there is no more to be said, Highness. I trust you will not +regret this day’s work. Again I implore you to consider well. I shall +return to the Hague in a few days’ time, staying at the Poisson +d’Or. A message will bring me very swiftly. Think it over carefully, +Highness,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</span> and remember that together England and the Provinces would +be very powerful.” He picked up his hat. “I have to thank you for this +audience, Sir. I fear it has tired you.”</p> + +<p>“No, milor’.” William pressed his handkerchief to his lips again. “I am +sorry that you should have been put to this unnecessary trouble. Your +King has sent you on a fool’s errand. My answer is final.”</p> + +<p>“Nevertheless, Highness, I shall be at the Poisson d’Or for ten days.”</p> + +<p>William shook his head. He struck the hand-bell at his side.</p> + +<p>Heenvliet appeared.</p> + +<p>“Conduct milor’ to Mynheer Dart,” ordered William. “Milor’”—he moved +his head wearily—“I will not detain you longer. I thank you for your +patience.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed as he would have bowed to the King, his master.</p> + +<p>“I do not despair, Highness. Permit me to compliment you on your +integrity.”</p> + +<p>So he left William, Prince of Orange, seated in the high-backed chair, +with the scattered scraps of parchment at his feet, a solitary figure, +bodily frail, but with the light of indomitable courage shining in his +dark eyes, and a steadfast purpose before him.</p> + +<p>He knew that he had failed; he knew that the little princeling whom he +had pitied—whom he still pitied—was one of the world’s great men; a +prince who, one day, would have to be reckoned with; a prince who was +not to be bought; a prince who was also an honest man.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIIIa">CHAPTER VIII<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE AMIABLE MR. MILWARD PERPLEXED</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>TO Christopher, waiting by the window, came the hoot of an owl, twice +repeated. In an instant he was on his feet, and had leant out of the +casement. Roxhythe’s voice reached him.</p> + +<p>“That rope, Chris! ’Tis plaguily damp out here.”</p> + +<p>Christopher vanished. When he re-appeared it was with the rope, one end +of which he secured to the stout hook in the wall. The other end he +cautiously let down.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe swung gracefully up. He climbed over the sill into the room, +and threw off his hat and cloak. Christopher drew in the rope, and +watched my lord go to the fire. He saw how grim were the lines about +his mouth.</p> + +<p>“You’d no trouble, sir? No mishaps?”</p> + +<p>“None,” said Roxhythe curtly. “And you?”</p> + +<p>“Everything has gone very well, though I fear the spies grow anxious. +They removed to the inn across the road the day after you left me.” He +poured out a glass of wine and handed it to my lord.</p> + +<p>“You saw the Prince, sir?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sank into the nearest chair. He gave vent to a prodigious yawn.</p> + +<p>“Yes, I saw him.” He volunteered no further information, and +Christopher did not like to question him. Instead he told him all that +had passed during the last few days.</p> + +<p>“... So Mynheer de Staal gave it out to-day that you were better, and +he thought it possible that you might be up to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>“Very good,” said Roxhythe. “Your suggestion?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” admitted Christopher. “I thought you could not well be later +than to-morrow, and it seemed a pity to waste time.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</span></p> + +<p>“You are invaluable,” sighed my lord.</p> + +<p>Presently Christopher felt that he could no longer curb his curiosity.</p> + +<p>“Was your mission successful, sir?” he ventured.</p> + +<p>“It failed,” answered Roxhythe. “A novel experience. I shall go to bed.”</p> + +<p>He appeared downstairs next morning for a short space and spent the +rest of the day, sleeping in his chair. He complained that he was bored.</p> + +<p>After three days he announced that he was tired of Rotterdam and should +go to the Hague.</p> + +<p>Christopher was surprised.</p> + +<p>“I had imagined that we were to return to London,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Had you? But then you are so impetuous. You forget our amiable friend.”</p> + +<p>“Milward? Does he matter?”</p> + +<p>“He would think so,” said my lord, and would vouchsafe no more.</p> + +<p>They said farewell to de Staal that afternoon. The old man was +distressed. Christopher left him alone with Roxhythe.</p> + +<p><i>En route</i> for the Hague he spoke of him to my lord.</p> + +<p>“Mynheer de Staal hath a great regard for you, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied Roxhythe, unmoved.</p> + +<p>They found Mr. Milward at the Poisson d’Or. He seemed relieved to see +them. Roxhythe invited him to dinner and Christopher went forth to meet +his brother.</p> + +<p>He and Roderick dined at a little inn not far from the Palace. They had +not met for two years, and there was much to be said on both sides. +Not until dinner was over did Roderick speak of Roxhythe. Then he went +straight to the point.</p> + +<p>“Christopher, what induced you to enter the service of that man?”</p> + +<p>“That man?” interrogated Christopher with uplifted brows.</p> + +<p>“Lord Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“He was in need of a secretary; I, of work.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</span></p> + +<p>“There are a score of better men in need of secretaries!”</p> + +<p>“Indeed?”</p> + +<p>“Don’t speak like that, child! You should have consulted me. I might +have known you would act foolishly when my father died.”</p> + +<p>“I am perfectly well able to care for myself! And I resent—your tone!”</p> + +<p>Roderick ignored this.</p> + +<p>“Were my father alive he would be more than displeased to see you in +such company.”</p> + +<p>“Roderick, what do you mean? What have you against my lord?”</p> + +<p>“What every sane man has against him. He is a libertine—a rake-helly +fellow, with no morals, and less honour.”</p> + +<p>“How dare you say that? He is no more rake-hell than the others at +Whitehall! And as to honour!—You speak of what you do not know!”</p> + +<p>“Do I so? Even an what you say is true, which it is not—that he is no +more rake-hell than the rest of that licentious circle, it is no excuse +for entering his service. I would not have my brother in the company of +one of them.”</p> + +<p>Christopher essayed a sneer.</p> + +<p>“Why, are you turned Puritan?”</p> + +<p>“I am no more Puritan than ever I was, as you very well know. Had I +been in England a month ago I would have prevented you taking this +disastrous step.”</p> + +<p>“And I tell you that you would not! My Lord Roxhythe is a very +honourable, brave gentleman, and I am proud to be in his service!”</p> + +<p>“A patriotic gentleman also, I suppose?”</p> + +<p>“Yes!”</p> + +<p>“You are infatuated.”</p> + +<p>“Then so are you! What induced you to enter the Prince of Orange his +service? I would not work for a foreigner!”</p> + +<p>Roderick gripped his wrist, shaking him.</p> + +<p>“You young fool, be silent!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</span></p> + +<p>“Why?” Christopher stared.</p> + +<p>“Do you think no Dutchman understands English that you shout what might +be mine undoing in an inn parlour?”</p> + +<p>“Your pardon!” ... Christopher rolled the words out caressingly. “I had +forgot you played a double part. Odds-life, Roderick! I would not serve +two men as you do. To my mind it is no gentlemanly thing to do.”</p> + +<p>Roderick coloured angrily.</p> + +<p>“You do not understand. I serve the Prince and no other!”</p> + +<p>“Who is imprudent now?” jeered Christopher. “I thought you served +De Witt once? Your devotion to the Orange smacks somewhat of +double-dealing.”</p> + +<p>“I am not going to quarrel with you, Christopher.”</p> + +<p>“Then do not seek to malign my master to me! I know him as you do not, +and I tell you he is the soul of honour!”</p> + +<p>“You fool,” said Dart quietly. “Do you believe that? I warn you that +one day you will be disillusioned. Roxhythe works for himself alone. +He would dupe you did the need arise, or crush you beneath his heel. +You think him a man of scruples, but I tell you—and I know—that he is +without heart and without honour. Chris, you are very young, be advised +by me and quit his service. He only wants you for a tool.”</p> + +<p>“’Tis you who are the fool! My Lord wants me for a secretary! There is +no question of duping, or tools.”</p> + +<p>“Do you deny then that you are with him solely for the purpose of +bringing King Charles his message to the Prince?”</p> + +<p>Christopher was silent.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe hath it in mind to use you in his machinations for his +master. And if you are over-nice in your scruples, he’ll trick you. Be +warned, Chris, I implore you!”</p> + +<p>“You are undoubtedly mad,” said Christopher with conviction. “If I were +required to work for His Majesty there would be no need of trickery. I +would die for His Majesty and the Country.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</span></p> + +<p>“You cannot die twice!” snapped Roderick.</p> + +<p>“The King and his Country are one, as you should know.”</p> + +<p>“Are they?” said Roderick heavily. “Not your King and his Country.”</p> + +<p>“You are disloyal! My King? He is also yours!”</p> + +<p>“Alas, yes!”</p> + +<p>Christopher betrayed anxiety.</p> + +<p>“Roderick, consorting with these stiff-necked Dutchmen has affected +your brain. I do not pretend to understand this strange talk of yours. +You had best quit Holland and come home!”</p> + +<p>“My dear brother, living as I do, I have had opportunities of studying +politics, and of viewing politicians and Princes that you have not. I +have seen the intrigues within intrigues that are always afoot—the +treachery, the lying! More I cannot say, but rest assured that I +speak the truth. I have seen what manner of men live in England and +in France, and I know that amongst them all there is not one who is +honest. There is only one man to be trusted. Him, I serve.”</p> + +<p>“You have become bigoted, Dick, and hard. What you say is utterly +false. Is it possible that you think your master the one honest man? +Why, even I, whom you so freely call fool, am not so mad!”</p> + +<p>Roderick sighed.</p> + +<p>“I see you will go your own wilful way, Chris. You have fallen a victim +to Roxhythe’s notorious charm, and I suppose you will follow him +headlong to destruction.”</p> + +<p>Christopher leaned his head in his hands and gave way to helpless +laughter. When he had recovered, Roderick started to talk on some other +topic. They spoke no more of Roxhythe that evening.</p> + +<p>My lord was in his dressing-gown when Christopher came back to the inn. +He gave his secretary one shrewd, calculating glance.</p> + +<p>“You look heated, Chris. You have been quarrelling with your brother.”</p> + +<p>“Nearly,” said Christopher. “I fear for his sanity. He speaks so +wildly, and so foolishly.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</span></p> + +<p>“In fact he disapproves of my Lord Roxhythe most sincerely,” nodded his +lordship. “Does he seek to remove you from my evil influence?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, yes, sir! I think he seeks to put me in a glass case, for he avows +that there is but one honest man alive to-day, and he will not have me +serve under any other!”</p> + +<p>“Lud! Does he expect you to enroll yourself under the Prince’s banner? +Don’t do it, Chris! ’Tis a gloomy youth.”</p> + +<p>“Not I, sir!” said Christopher flippantly. “I had sooner tread the path +to destruction in your company.”</p> + +<p>“So ho!” said Roxhythe to his reflection in the mirror. He was seated +before his dressing-table. “Is that the way the wind blows? Be warned, +Chris! I am an unscrupulous fellow.”</p> + +<p>“I know,” said Christopher, smiling. “He told me so.”</p> + +<p>“Well, it’s true enough.”</p> + +<p>“Is it, sir?” Christopher’s voice vibrated with indignation. “Do you +seek to warn me ’gainst yourself?”</p> + +<p>“It would appear so,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Three days later my lord entered their private parlour, and sat down at +the table. He dipped a quill in the ink, and drew a sheet of parchment +towards him.</p> + +<p>“Milward sticks like a leech. I feel it behooves me to write to my +little master.” He bent over the parchment.</p> + +<p>Christopher assented vaguely.</p> + +<p>The quill scratched tranquilly along. Presently Roxhythe sat back, and +dusted the sheet. He folded, addressed, and sealed it.</p> + +<p>“That will go by special courier. It should interest Mynheer Spy.”</p> + +<p>“If it goes by courier, how should Milward see it,” asked Christopher.</p> + +<p>“There are ways,” placidly replied his lordship.</p> + +<p>“But he would scarce dare to steal a letter from you to His Majesty, +sir!”</p> + +<p>“No,” agreed Roxhythe. “He would very easily dare to borrow it for some +few minutes, however.”</p> + +<p>“To read the contents? He hopes to learn the result<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</span> of your +mission—or—or whether you have been on a mission at all—so that +Louis might make an outcry?”</p> + +<p>“Something like that, no doubt.”</p> + +<p>“I see,” said Christopher profoundly. “Yet how dare he break the seal?”</p> + +<p>“You do not realize that I have been so considerate as to place the +seal on the wafer,” said Roxhythe, pained. “He will not break it.”</p> + +<p>“Were you born in intrigue, sir?” asked Christopher.</p> + +<p>“I believe I must have been,” said his lordship.</p> + +<p>Thus it came to pass that when the not incorruptible courier slept off +his doctored potations at Delft, his late host, accredited agent to his +Most Christian Majesty, removed a certain document from his wallet, and +in the deserted coffee-room, carefully slit open the wafer that sealed +it. He was well versed in cyphers but he found a cypher unnecessary. +The letter was short, and was written in English.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“<span class="allsmcap">YR. MAJESTY</span>,—Has Yr. Majesty punished His Servant enough, +or must Roxhythe Remain a Wanderer? If he might Crave Yr. Pardon +againe, he Does so, Still more Humbly and Contritely than Before. Yet +more earnestly Does he Implore Yr. Majesty to Allow him to Return, +when he will Endeavoure To Showe Yr. Majesty How Great is his Remorse +for that Unpardonable Offence which he Committed.</p> + +<p>“He is Yr. Majesty’s most Devoted, Humble Servant, <span class="allsmcap">ROXHYTHE</span>.”</p> +</div> + +<p>His Most Christian Majesty’s accredited agent was annoyed and +perplexed. Deftly he re-stuck the wafer, and restored the packet to the +courier’s wallet. Then he rode back to the Hague.</p> + +<p>The amiable Mr. Milward when apprised of the contents of the letter +wrinkled his brow uncertainly.</p> + +<p>“It seems we are come on a fruitless errand, Dupont. Roxhythe has not +the wit to write such a plausible blind. King Charles is not a fool, +and only a fool sends a fool to work his intrigues.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</span></p> + +<p>“You are assured that milor’ is a fool, then?”</p> + +<p>“He is a brainless court-darling. Yet.... It was strange that he +should fall into such sudden disgrace. I had thought him too perfect a +courtier to offend as he did. I confess I am at a loss. He has not had +word with the Prince, nor any of his servants, unless it be Mr. Dart +who is De Witt’s man. I have dogged his steps, and he suspects naught!” +He laughed contemptuously. “I believe we are on a fool’s errand!”</p> + +<p>“Maybe, <i>m’sieu’</i>. But I do not think that milor’ is quite the +brainless nincompoop he pretends to be. I would I had been at Rotterdam +in place of Grant. I am uneasy.”</p> + +<p>“He is either a fool or a marvellously astute man. In any case, what +more can be done?”</p> + +<p>“Naught,” said Dupont sadly. “But I mistrust him.”</p> + +<p>In due time came a letter for Roxhythe. It was brought to him as he sat +at dinner with Christopher and Mr. Milward.</p> + +<p>“From my master,” he said. “You will excuse me?” He tore open the seals +and read. Then he gave a relieved laugh, and laid the sheet down in +such a way that Mr. Milward might easily read what was written there.</p> + +<p>“His Majesty is pleased to forgive me! So it’s boot and saddle for us, +Chris, as soon as may be.”</p> + +<p>King Charles’ letter ran:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">MY LITTLE DAVY</span>,—My Majesty must needs Forgive you, for I +cannot Live Without You. I am Surrounded by Dolts and Sycophants; I +must have My Roxhythe. Return at once.—<span class="allsmcap">CHARLES R.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>Mr. Milward tried to drown his fears.</p> + +<p>Before they left the Hague, Roderick had speech with Roxhythe again.</p> + +<p>“His Highness desires me to say, sir, that his answer is final.”</p> + +<p>“That is his last word?”</p> + +<p>Roderick bowed.</p> + +<p>“I am sorry,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</span></p> + +<p>The brothers parted on quite cordial terms. Roderick, seeing that it +was useless, did not again press Christopher to leave my lord’s service.</p> + +<p>Mr. Milward bade the travellers a touching farewell. Roxhythe addressed +him mournfully.</p> + +<p>“I shall miss your pleasant companionship, Mr. Milward. We have seen +much of each other of late.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Milward watched the little cavalcade depart. He became aware of +Dupont at his elbow.</p> + +<p>“He laughs at us,” said the Frenchman gloomily. “He slips through +our fingers like water. Me, I have had dealings with him before. I +suspected, but evidence? Pouf!”</p> + +<p>“Nonsense!” said Milward uneasily. “I have scarce left his side since +he has been at the Hague!”</p> + +<p>“It would not worry him. I tell you, he is a devil. You might be bound +to him with chains, and he would give you the slip. He is not a man. He +is a devil.” He walked away, depressed.</p> + +<p>Four days later, on board ship, Roxhythe broached a subject that had +been weighing heavily on Christopher’s mind. He laid his hand on the +young man’s shoulder, and spoke with some affection.</p> + +<p>“Well, Chris, so the journey is at an end. In a few hours’ time we +shall be in London. What then?”</p> + +<p>Christopher looked at him.</p> + +<p>“You will be no longer in need of a secretary, sir?”</p> + +<p>“I? Oh, I must have a secretary, of course.”</p> + +<p>Christopher became still more crestfallen.</p> + +<p>“I—you—that is, you wish me to leave you now, sir?”</p> + +<p>“No. But I think you would be wise to be counselled by that excellent +brother of yours.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, sir, never give him a thought!” cried Christopher. “If I might +stay with you, I will serve you—unquestioningly.”</p> + +<p>“Very well,” said Roxhythe. “You shall stay.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IXa">CHAPTER IX<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE KING OF ENGLAND</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>GORGEOUS in a pale-blue velvet suit with crimson facings and ribands, +and much rich lace, the Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe entered the +doors of Whitehall. He carried his gloves and his cane in one hand +and in the other he held his comfit box. The page at the door cast +one glance at the handsome face beneath the wide brimmed hat with its +drooping feather, and straightened in every line of his body.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s slumbrous eyes travelled over him.</p> + +<p>“His Majesty?” he said.</p> + +<p>The page bowed.</p> + +<p>“I think His Majesty is in his closet, sir. Shall I send Master +Hutchins to announce you?”</p> + +<p>“Do,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>An elegant gentleman crossed the hall towards him.</p> + +<p>“I protest ’tis a joy to see you again, Roxhythe,” he simpered. “You +had a fair crossing?”</p> + +<p>“I believe I did,” assented my lord. “How doth her ladyship?”</p> + +<p>“Very well, very well,” said the elegant gentleman. “His Majesty is all +a-fret to see you. He will be delighted. He had not expected you so +soon.”</p> + +<p>On his way up the Grand Staircase, Roxhythe met some half a dozen +gentlemen, who were all duly enthusiastic over his return. He reflected +that his was something of a triumphal entry.</p> + +<p>As he neared the King’s closet he spoke to the page beside him.</p> + +<p>“Is His Majesty disengaged?”</p> + +<p>“I think Lord Lauderdale is with him, my lord.”</p> + +<p>“In that case you may announce me,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</span></p> + +<p>“Yes, my lord. His Majesty gave orders that you were to be taken to him +at once.” He knocked on the door of the closet.</p> + +<p>Charles’ voice bade him enter. It held a peevish note.</p> + +<p>The page opened wide the door.</p> + +<p>“The Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>Hat in hand Roxhythe walked into the room.</p> + +<p>Charles was seated at the table, opposite Lord Lauderdale, but at the +favourite’s entrance, he pushed back his chair and rose quickly to his +feet.</p> + +<p>“David! Already!” He embraced Roxhythe before my lord had time to make +his bow. He held him by the shoulders, scanning his face.</p> + +<p>“Zoons, Davy! how I have waited for this moment!”</p> + +<p>“Not so impatiently as have I, Sir.” Roxhythe smiled back into his eyes.</p> + +<p>My Lord Lauderdale rose, a red spot on either cheek.</p> + +<p>“I take it Your Majesty has no further use for me,” he grated.</p> + +<p>“None whatsoever, my lord,” answered Charles gaily. “Some other +time....”</p> + +<p>Lauderdale jerked a bow to him, and another to Roxhythe. He went +angrily out of the room.</p> + +<p>“A good riddance to his dourness,” said Charles. “Davy, Davy, I have +missed you so sorely I swear I’ll never send you from me again!”</p> + +<p>“I am glad you have missed me, Sir,” said Roxhythe. “So you may have +some conception of my poor feelings. These weeks have seemed months!”</p> + +<p>Charles drew him to a couch.</p> + +<p>“I vow you have had the best of it, David. I have been harassed and +over-run with petitions, and what not, and empty-headed dolts beside. +You would not believe the number that have tried to take your place! +But there is only one Roxhythe. How have you fared?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe grew solemn.</p> + +<p>“Very badly, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“What’s that? You have been in trouble?—danger?”</p> + +<p>“Not I, Sir. ’Twas my errand that I spoke of.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</span></p> + +<p>Charles showed surprise.</p> + +<p>“Did you fail, David?”</p> + +<p>“Ay, Sir. There was no hope for success.”</p> + +<p>The King laughed a little ruefully.</p> + +<p>“Well, well! And so you failed! Has such a thing ever before come to +pass?”</p> + +<p>“Seldom,” said his lordship. “But this time I was very grievously +beaten.”</p> + +<p>The King settled himself against the cushions.</p> + +<p>“If ’twere not so damned annoying, ’twould be most diverting,” he said. +“Tell me, David.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe proceeded to relate his adventures up to the point of +Roderick’s appearance on the scene.</p> + +<p>“I would Your Majesty could have seen that man!” he sighed. “He gave +himself the airs of a duke, and he paraded his Puritan views for my +edification. I do assure you, Sir; that I have never been so set at +naught in my life. He spoke of the Prince as though he were Master of +the Universe, and his whole manner was as formal as your father his +courtiers never were. He came the second day with the news that the +Prince would grant me an audience, as though ’twere some giant favour +he were bestowing. I went to the Palace at eight in the evening—I +should tell you, Sir, that I was requested to be punctual—and taken +to Dart’s room. He led me out by another door, along countless gloomy +vaults, each darker than the last, until we came to a hall. Then we met +one of the Prince’s not so faithful gentlemen and I became a lackey, +and was severely reprimanded. We shook off the man, and proceeded to +the Prince’s apartments. Outside one of the doors was yet another man. +He, though, was one of the Prince’s faithful ones. He sped us on our +way. Dart ushered me into the room with all solemnity. Then he took my +pistol from me. I suppose he thought I might assassinate His Highness +in a fit of depression. At all events he took it, and left me to kick +my heels, awaiting the Prince. And all as though I were in very sooth a +lackey! I, Roxhythe, the King’s envoy!</p> + +<p>“Then came William of Orange ...” he paused.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</span></p> + +<p>Charles, who had been shaken with suppressed laughter, sat up.</p> + +<p>“I’ faith, Davy, I’d give much to have been with you! So you were +pushed from pillar to post, my poor Marquis? Oh, lud!” Again he shook. +“But what of my nephew?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe spoke gravely.</p> + +<p>“Sir, he is a remarkable youth. In appearance he is slight, with a hook +nose, and eyes that see everything at a glance. His manner is cold, +brusque, repressed. His personality is overwhelming.”</p> + +<p>“So?” said Charles, interested. “As great as mine?”</p> + +<p>“In its way, Sir, greater. He has none of Your Majesty’s charm, but he +forces himself into one’s memory. He attracts, and he repels. In spite +of his youth, and his lack of polish, he holds the stage.”</p> + +<p>“Why, Roxhythe, this is marvellous! Proceed!”</p> + +<p>“He received me with as much ceremony as I had by that time learnt +to expect. He had the air of an Emperor giving audience to one poor +subject. He read Ashley’s packet. Then he asked me what Your Majesty +hoped to gain by the bargain.”</p> + +<p>Charles burst out laughing again.</p> + +<p>“That I should have missed all this!”</p> + +<p>“I do confess, Sir, I was taken aback. In a very short time he showed +me that if he was young in years, he was old in wisdom. He perceived +that Ashley was little more than a catspaw; he sneered at the idea of +your helping him to his rightful place. In fact, Sir, he desires to +know why you have not come to his aid before now.”</p> + +<p>“The impudent young cockerel!”</p> + +<p>“You would not think so did you but see and hear him, Sir. He asked +me what was to be the price of all you offered. I told him—glibly +enough, and evasively. He caught me up, and told me all too rightly +what I meant. He saw through and through that proposition, Sir, and at +last I was frank with him. I explained Your Majesty’s attitude—with +reservations. Then the storm burst. Odds body, Sir, but when the Prince +loses his temper, one shivers in one’s shoes. He hailed words about me. +He<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</span> cried that Your Majesty was asking him to barter his Country and +his honour for his own advancement. He bade me tell you that he was not +a Stuart. He said he saw very clearly how you were seeking to trick him +into an alliance by which only you would profit. Finally he tore the +packet into shreds and bade me tell you that that was his answer. Then +he fell to coughing, and I tried to collect my wits. Sir, I argued with +that boy until my throat was parched, and always he had a ready answer +wherewith to dumbfound me. He gave away naught without meaning to, +and I could not gather what were his intentions. But he has evidently +received advances from King Louis, and I think he hopes to frighten +you by holding that over your head. That he will ally himself with any +foreign power to gain the Stadtholdership, I do not think for a moment. +He is as honest as the day, and as astute as old Nick himself. He +thinks to rise without foreign aid, but he told me he would not seek to +overthrow a Government that he fully acknowledged. He is to be feared, +Sir.”</p> + +<p>“My dear David, I must make his further acquaintance. Did he send any +more insulting messages to me?”</p> + +<p>“A score. He does not trust you or anyone else, Sir, and he told me so +in good round terms. He bade me tell you you that Nassau does not stoop +to intrigue behind the backs of his ministers. I think already he has +quite a little Court.”</p> + +<p>Charles was deeply interested.</p> + +<p>“And you think him one to be reckoned with?”</p> + +<p>“More than that, Sir. I think him a great man; one to be propitiated at +all costs. I foresee that he will rise suddenly, and at no very distant +date.”</p> + +<p>“We must invite him to England,” said the King. “I am agog to see him.”</p> + +<p>“I doubt he would not come. He holds England and the English in +contempt. Also King Louis. All this he told me. I spent a pleasant +evening, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles rocked with laughter.</p> + +<p>“And I thought I could twist him round my finger! Zounds, why was I not +there to see?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</span></p> + +<p>“It is no laughing matter, Sir. I am too old to be ordered about by +petty princelings and their servants.”</p> + +<p>Charles sobered suddenly.</p> + +<p>“But, Roxhythe, it is a plaguey nuisance. This means I must turn to +France.” He bit his finger-nail, frowning. Then he smiled again. “So +you came away with a flea in your ear, my poor Roxhythe? God’s Body, +how I have ill-used you! But tell me more of William. You say he has +personality; he attracts. But does he inspire his followers with +confidence?”</p> + +<p>“Judging from Dart’s airs, yes, Sir. He is very well served. It seems +his servants would undergo any torture ever invented sooner than betray +him.”</p> + +<p>Charles made a rueful grimace.</p> + +<p>“And,” continued Roxhythe, “he says himself that he will not have any +man about him whom he could not trust implicitly.”</p> + +<p>“If I said that, I had only you left,” remarked Charles.</p> + +<p>“Precisely. And he seems to allow no familiarity—no license. He lives +in an atmosphere of gloom and depression.” Roxhythe looked round the +luxurious room. “Thank God for Whitehall, and mine own Prince!” he said +devoutly.</p> + +<p>Charles smiled.</p> + +<p>“He is more kingly than I am, eh?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roxhythe instantly. “He is too young to unbend. But in +intrigue, Sir, you have met your match in William of Nassau.”</p> + +<p>“I must have a care,” laughed the King.</p> + +<p>“Indeed yes, Sir. Remember, the Orange is a man, and one who must not +be forgotten. I foresee trouble. Guard against him.”</p> + +<p>“I will,” promised the King. “And now, David, we must look to France.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="Book_II"><span class="allsmcap">BOOK II</span><br> +THE WAYS DIVERGE</h2> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Ib">CHAPTER I<br> +<span class="allsmcap">JANUARY, 1669</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>CHRISTOPHER settled down very quickly on his return from Holland +and took up his abode at Bevan House, Charing Cross. His duties +as secretary were not arduous, and consisted for the most part of +attending to the affairs of Roxhythe’s country estate, and answering +the many invitations that flocked in.</p> + +<p>He was supremely happy. In spite of all Roderick’s gloomy +prognostications his love for Roxhythe grew steadily. True, he had to +some extent re-adjusted his ideas. He no longer held my lord up as a +model of good behaviour; he knew that Roxhythe was careless, frivolous, +sometimes ruthless. A year ago these facts would have been enough to +damn my lord in his eyes, but now he flattered himself that he was +broader-minded. He no longer condemned the immoral lives that were led +by Roxhythe and his associates. Their frivolity and their rakishness +were at times to be deplored, but Christopher could not see that they +were without honour. Roderick had insinuated that those who frequented +Whitehall were entirely lacking in morals. He had said that each one +would barter away his honour for position or money. He had even hinted +that there were few who would scruple to betray their country.</p> + +<p>As far as Christopher could see there was no question of such a +contingency. It might be true of some, but of others it was manifestly +untrue. With regard to Roxhythe it was ridiculous. He had no interest +in politics; he laughed at intrigue. His whole life was spent in +waiting on the King, and amusing himself either at Whitehall or at the +Louvre. He was above the petty machinations of the day; he belonged to +no party; he never schemed for his own ends.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</span></p> + +<p>Christopher did not pretend to understand him. It almost seemed as +though his was a dual personality, yet the second side of him had +appeared for so short a space that Christopher half doubted whether he +had not been suffering from an illusion.</p> + +<p>In Holland Roxhythe had shown himself to be cool-headed, energetic, +astute. Above all he had proved an expert plotter. He had dropped much +of his lazy cynicism; his languor had mysteriously vanished. But when +the intrigue was at an end back had come the old Roxhythe, just as +languid, just as indifferent. No word of politics ever passed his lips; +no suspicion of plotting was evident.</p> + +<p>Christopher was nonplussed. Eventually he came to the conclusion that +Roxhythe was not an intriguer from choice. It was only when commanded +by His Majesty that he roused himself.</p> + +<p>Roderick had inferred that Roxhythe worked not for England but for his +own ends. The idea was beneath contempt. Roxhythe had shown clearly +that he worked for the King alone. The King, of course, worked for the +Country. It was all one.</p> + +<p>Christopher understood that Roxhythe did not wish his powers as an +intriguer to be known. That was natural. Once discovered, he could +not act with the same freedom. At first Christopher had thought his +habitual indifference a mask, but as time went on he decided that it +was as real as the other half of him. He realized that he could never +hope to fathom the depths of my lord’s nature; perhaps he did not wish +to try. He was content to love an enigma. He knew that Roxhythe could +be astute; he knew that he was mostly obtuse; he could be ruthless, or +he could be kindness personified. To Christopher he had been kind. He +seemed to take an amused pleasure in fathering him; he introduced him +at Jeremy’s, one of the great coffee-houses; he took him to routs and +to balls. In all matters of dress and fashion he advised him; his house +and servants were at Christopher’s disposal.</p> + +<p>It was a curious friendship. On the one side was boundless affection +and unlimited confidence; on the other a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</span> casual liking and absolute +reticence. Partly it was accounted for by the difference in age. +Roxhythe was more than twenty years Christopher’s senior and it was not +to be expected that he should confide in the younger man to any great +extent. But Christopher knew nothing of Roxhythe’s life. The surface +was free for inspection. There were countless <i>amours</i>, countless +trivialities, but of what lay beneath the boy had been allowed only +a glimpse. Never again had he seen it; all that met his eyes was a +cynical <i>roué</i>, fascinating and repellent by turns. He loved this +<i>roué</i> as he had never loved before. There had been no woman in +his short life, there still was not. Roxhythe possessed his whole +heart. Whatever Roderick might say to the contrary, Christopher knew +that Roxhythe would always possess it. It was to no avail to analyse +the why and wherefore of his love; there was no reason for it but that +subtle attraction which my lord held for him. He was content to love, +secure in the belief that his love would never be betrayed. He wanted +nothing in return; he asked no confidences and was not disappointed +that he received none. He gave the very best that was in him, happy +that this should be so.</p> + +<p>Before he had entered Roxhythe’s service his life had been singularly +devoid of colour. His mother died when he was a child, and his father +had had Roderick’s cold nature. They came of old Puritan stock; they +were very godly, and also very repressed. Madam Dart, who was not of +her husband’s persuasions, had bequeathed her sunny personality to +Christopher. She had nothing else to give him. On account of this +bequest there had been no understanding between Christopher and his +father, and very little between Christopher and his brother. Both Mr. +Dart and Roderick felt that he was not akin to them; they feared that +he was weak and easily led astray. They deplored his early craving for +excitement, and they did their uttermost to quench the craving. Then, +shortly after Roderick’s departure for Holland, Mr. Dart died. At first +Christopher felt lost and vaguely frightened, but the feeling had faded +and given place to a glorious sensation of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</span> freedom. Then Roxhythe had +blazed into his life, shocking him. Disapproval had, in its turn, given +way to love. His mind had broadened; he lost the shreds of intolerance +that had been instilled into him. One thing he retained: love for +Country counted above all else. His father’s creed as Christopher’s +also. Nothing mattered as much as England. Her honour and welfare must +stand first.</p> + +<p>Roderick had conceived that they did not stand first with either +Roxhythe or the King. He was undoubtedly crazed. The King was naturally +above reproach. Equally above reproach was Roxhythe. Christopher cast +his brother’s warnings to the four winds.</p> + +<p>He was interested in politics and listened closely to all the arguments +that took place at Jeremy’s. There was usually some conversation +concerning Home Affairs and the King’s intentions. It was well known +that Charles squandered away more money than he possessed, and men +wondered how he would contrive to pay off his load of debts.</p> + +<p>Foreign Affairs were also discussed, especially the menace of France to +Holland. Everyone knew that Louis would never rest until he had annexed +those Provinces which he claimed, and everyone hoped that England would +throw herself seriously into the conflict. Such a contingency would +surely turn the scale against Louis. King Louis was universally feared; +he was growing too powerful, and too belligerent. It was known, too, +that he coveted the throne of Spain for one of his own children. If the +ailing young Spanish King died, matters would become serious. On no +account must Louis be allowed to seize Spain.</p> + +<p>Christopher was deeply interested. He had the hatred of the average +Englishman of the time for France. He wished that Roxhythe would +discuss these matters with him, but Roxhythe only laughed and protested +that such conversation was too deep for him.</p> + +<p>At the present moment my lord was in Paris. He had been away a week, +and on Christopher’s shoulders had fallen the strenuous task of making +his excuses to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</span> various people whose invitations to routs and +dinners he had ignored.</p> + +<p>These visits to France were always unexpected. Suddenly my lord would +remark that he could bear London no longer. He would depart with +perhaps a day’s warning. More suddenly would he return, with no warning +at all. Christopher supposed that he went because of some Frenchwoman. +Gossip said so, and he, knowing Roxhythe, believed Gossip.</p> + +<p>He was seated in the library one morning, sorting out my lord’s +correspondence, when he heard a leisurely footfall without. He lifted +his head, listening, for the step was familiar.</p> + +<p>The curtains over the doorway parted. Roxhythe came into the room.</p> + +<p>Accustomed as he was to my lord’s ways, Christopher was still +surprised. He sprang up.</p> + +<p>“Sir! I had no idea you were in town!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled at him.</p> + +<p>“Nor was I until an hour ago.” He went to the table and turned over his +letters. “You are well, Chris?”</p> + +<p>“Very well. And you? You had a pleasant visit?”</p> + +<p>“Quite amusing,” nodded Roxhythe. “Need I look at all these?” He +flipped a pile of letters with his finger.</p> + +<p>Christopher glanced through them.</p> + +<p>“There are one or two letters from Lady Flora, sir,” he said.</p> + +<p>“They will keep. She is becoming wearisome.” He sat down. “Have you any +news, Chris?”</p> + +<p>Christopher put the letters in the drawer.</p> + +<p>“Nothing of great import, sir. Lord Buckhurst requests the pleasure of +your company at a supper-party he is giving on Wednesday. I accepted +for you. Sir Malcom Digby begs you will honour him on Friday at Shawn +House. Mr. Carver gives a dance for Miss Rosiland next month. I have +not answered that.”</p> + +<p>“Carver? I do not think I have the honour....”</p> + +<p>“You have forgotten, sir. He is the man who gave us shelter the night +we rode to Bevan in the storm.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</span></p> + +<p>“That wealthy tradesman?” asked his lordship. “What impudence!”</p> + +<p>“I am to refuse?”</p> + +<p>“Naturally. Stay—this Rosiland—have you seen her?”</p> + +<p>“She’s young and shy, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, refuse, refuse!” said Roxhythe impatiently. “Odds-life, what is +the world coming to that that upstart should invite me to his house? +Naught else?”</p> + +<p>“Naught else, sir, unless it be my Lord Arlington’s invitation to +supper and cards. I accepted.”</p> + +<p>“Well I need not go,” remarked my lord.</p> + +<p>“Then I think you will greatly offend Lord Arlington, sir.”</p> + +<p>One haughty eyebrow rose the fraction of an inch.</p> + +<p>“Oh? What maggot has Bennett in his head now?”</p> + +<p>“He seemed anxious that you should go. And—and he has influence. He +was not pleased that you refused his last invitation.”</p> + +<p>“Oho! You think I should do well not to offend his lordship?”</p> + +<p>“Well, sir, he would make a powerful enemy.”</p> + +<p>“But not, I think, so powerful an enemy as Roxhythe.” My lord rose and +stretched himself. “I suppose I must to Whitehall.” He lounged out.</p> + +<p>An hour later, his dress changed, his person powdered and perfumed, he +walked into the King’s presence.</p> + +<p>Charles was in the midst of his Court, talking to Lady Castlemaine. +Way was made for my lord to pass up to his couch. He went forward +gracefully, bowing to right and left in answer to the many nods and +smiles.</p> + +<p>“Why, here is our good Roxhythe!” cried her ladyship, welcoming him. +“See, Sir!”</p> + +<p>“I see a base deserter,” said Charles. He held out his hand. “I believe +you love his French Majesty more than me, David.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bent over it.</p> + +<p>“No,” he said, inimitably. “His French Majesty was an interlude, no +more.”</p> + +<p>Charles joined in the general laugh.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</span></p> + +<p>“How doth His Majesty?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“Very well,” said Roxhythe. “Very expensively.”</p> + +<p>“Surely that’s Roxhythe?” came a voice from behind. “I thought so! +Well, my lord? So you’ve returned to us?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed to the slim, graceful youth who came up to the group +about the King.</p> + +<p>“As your Grace sees,” he said.</p> + +<p>Monmouth leant on the back of the couch, above Charles, smiling, +debonair.</p> + +<p>“I thought I could not be mistaken. I would swear to your presence in a +room of a thousand people!”</p> + +<p>“You are a flatterer,” Roxhythe shook his head. “You had best visit +Versailles.”</p> + +<p>Monmouth sighed. He put back his curls with one delicate, white hand.</p> + +<p>“I have a mind to. I have a great desire to visit the French Court.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, no!” said Charles, quickly, raising his hand. He laid it +affectionately on his son’s arm. “I cannot spare you, James.”</p> + +<p>“You spared Roxhythe,” shrugged Monmouth. There was a suspicion of +triumph in the glance he shot at my lord.</p> + +<p>“Needs must,” quoth Charles, ruefully. “Roxhythe stays for no man.”</p> + +<p>“Not even for Your Majesty?” asked Lady Castlemaine.</p> + +<p>Charles smiled.</p> + +<p>“I wonder?” he said. “Can one catch a star?”</p> + +<p>“I take it ’tis a question of holding a star,” remarked Killigrew, +coming up to them. “’Twould be interesting to test Lord Roxhythe his +devotion.” He spoke lightly, jestingly, but there was too much of the +sneer in his voice for Charles’ liking. The look he gave him was cold.</p> + +<p>“See the wretch now!” exclaimed Lady Castlemaine. She was in great good +humour to-day. “I’ll swear he is searching for his lady-love! Are you +not, Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned his head.</p> + +<p>“Which one, Lady Castlemaine?”</p> + +<p>She spread out her hands in mock protest.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</span></p> + +<p>“The latest; the dearest!” smiled Monmouth.</p> + +<p>“Alas! There is no dearest.”</p> + +<p>“What! Dead, my lord?”</p> + +<p>“No.” Roxhythe sat down. “Faded, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Already? I thought the little Crosby woman—”</p> + +<p>“But I tire so easily,” complained his lordship.</p> + +<p>“You are a scoundrel, Roxhythe.” It was the King who spoke. “I vow I do +not know why I keep you near me!”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I can give Your Majesty the answer to that!” replied Roxhythe, +placidly.</p> + +<p>“Give it then!” Charles turned, ready to be amused.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s eyes travelled slowly round the room.</p> + +<p>“Amongst so much virtue....” he began, and got no further. Protesting, +laughing voices chided him.</p> + +<p>Charles rose.</p> + +<p>“Ye all appear horrified at the idea of any virtue being found amongst +you,” he sighed, his eyes alight with laughter. “Well, I’ll set your +minds at rest. Without doubt ye are the most outrageous subjects in +Christendom. David, I want you! I have it in mind to give a ball which +shall excel all others ever held between these walls. I must have +your sage counsel.” He linked his arm through Roxhythe’s, and shook a +reproving finger at his small court. “I’ll leave you to your various +wickednesses,” he said. “God wot, ye are not fit company for me!”</p> + +<p>A slight stir by the door announced the entrance of the Queen. She +came slowly across the room on her way to her apartments, a short, +insignificant figure, primly garbed in riding-dress.</p> + +<p>Charles withdrew his arm and went to meet her.</p> + +<p>Her dark eyes with their vague unhappiness scanned him a thought +anxiously as he bent over her hand.</p> + +<p>“Well, madam? You have been riding?” The King spoke kindly, as one +speaks to a child.</p> + +<p>Katherine inclined her head.</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir.” Some of the apathy went out of her voice. “The daffodils +are already blooming in the Park.”</p> + +<p>“Are they so? It was a pleasant ride, sweet?”</p> + +<p>“Not very, Sir. I wished you had been with me.” She<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</span> looked up at him +sadly. “The people would have cheered.”</p> + +<p>“Why, madam, they cheer for you!” said Charles, patting her hand.</p> + +<p>“No,” said the Queen. “No.” She looked round the room. Lady Castlemaine +curtseyed as the lack-lustre eyes passed her. Katherine made no sign. +Then she saw Roxhythe, and smiled. The smile changed her whole face. It +held appeal, shy coquetry; it dispersed some of her stiffness.</p> + +<p>“I did not know you were in London, my lord,” she said.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe came forward at once, and kissed her hand.</p> + +<p>“I hope Your Majesty is better than when I left you?” His tone held +something near warmth.</p> + +<p>“I am very well,” answered Katherine. “We have missed you, my lord.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty is too kind,” he said gravely.</p> + +<p>“You should have been with us to-day,” she continued. “The spring has +come so early this year! The flowers are all opening in the Park. It +was very pretty.” Her eyes went back to the King, wistfully. Charles +had no interest in flowers; he was not attending. Roxhythe it was who +answered.</p> + +<p>“I shall beg you to let me come in your train again one day, madam,” he +said. “You have not asked me of late.”</p> + +<p>“Because I thought you would not care to,” she replied. “I do wish, +though, that you might accompany me.”</p> + +<p>“I should be very greatly honoured, madam,” he bowed. “I shall await +your commands.”</p> + +<p>“One would almost imagine that he wanted to ride with her!” murmured +Killigrew in Buckingham’s ear. “Is it possible that the fastidious +Roxhythe is <i>épris</i> in that direction?”</p> + +<p>Buckingham shook his head.</p> + +<p>“No. He has always been the same with her. I suppose he seeks to curry +favour!” He sneered.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe followed Charles to his closet. There the King flung himself +down on the luxuriously cushioned window-seat.</p> + +<p>“I doubt the Queen is not happy,” he remarked, frowning.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</span> “She takes no +interest in our pleasures and she hath always the air of one moped to +death.”</p> + +<p>“The Queen hath a great regard for Your Majesty,” said Roxhythe +deliberately.</p> + +<p>Charles jerked an impatient shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Oh, ay! Ye think I do not notice her enough. She should be more +cheerful. She wearies me—poor woman,” he added. “Ye heard to-day; the +people do not like her nor cheer when she passes. Well, ’tis not my +fault.”</p> + +<p>“If Your Majesty went with the Queen, the people would cheer,” answered +my lord.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, I will not be taken to task like this!” said Charles +pettishly. “You had best accompany her! The people do always cheer when +you ride out. Mayhap she will think ’tis for her.”</p> + +<p>“You make a mistake, Sir, when you dub Her Majesty a fool.”</p> + +<p>Charles stared at him.</p> + +<p>“Are you an admirer?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“I admire, and have always admired Her Majesty’s brave spirit,” said +Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Charles was silent. Presently he changed the subject, speaking coldly.</p> + +<p>“Well, did you ascertain Louis his attitude?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shrugged.</p> + +<p>“He realizes that he must come to the movement of your finger, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles’ brow cleared as if by magic.</p> + +<p>“I always thought he would! He may rest assured that I shall move that +finger to some purpose. I tell you, Roxhythe, I must have money, or I +fall. What is Louis his figure?”</p> + +<p>“I do not know, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Arundell said two million.”</p> + +<p>“I am sorry to have to disagree with my Lord Arundell, but it is too +much.”</p> + +<p>“Are you sure, David?”</p> + +<p>“As sure as I am over anything, Sir.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</span></p> + +<p>“A pity.” Charles rested his chin in his hand. “Ye think Arundell a +fool?”</p> + +<p>“No. I do not think he understands the French mind.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I. ’Tis for that reason that I want you to help me. Colbert has +proposals to put before me.”</p> + +<p>M. Colbert de Croissy was the French ambassador, brother to the great +Colbert, Minister of Finance in France.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was amused.</p> + +<p>“It should be interesting to hear what he says,” he remarked.</p> + +<p>“So I think. Roxhythe, I have seen that Clifford may be won over.”</p> + +<p>“Our incorruptible Chancellor!” said Roxhythe. “Well, well!”</p> + +<p>“Not at all. He hath great faith in mine integrity. From what he said I +gather that Colbert means to put the matter very plausibly. Arlington +is, of course, my man; Arundell also. I propose to summon Clifford to +my chamber next week when I shall also receive M. Colbert. Then we +shall see how the matter strikes Clifford.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe nodded.</p> + +<p>“And what of His Grace of York, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“James is mad for the promotion of the Catholic faith in the country. +All else will fade before that.”</p> + +<p>“It seems very well,” said Roxhythe. He sighed.</p> + +<p>Charles heard the sigh.</p> + +<p>“You do not like it, Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>There was a pause.</p> + +<p>“No, Sir, I do not.”</p> + +<p>“You do not like that I should make an alliance with France?”</p> + +<p>“I would it might have been otherwise.”</p> + +<p>“But it cannot be otherwise,” fretted the King.</p> + +<p>“No, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“You know it cannot! I tried to avoid it by an alliance with Nassau, +but he’d have none of it. What else can I do? I must have means or I +shall be entirely dependent on Parliament. I am sore beset! And now if +you turn against me—”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</span></p> + +<p>“I shall never do that, Sir.” The answer came quietly, but very +emphatically. “If you want a compact with France you must have it. It +matters nothing to me. Only one thing do I consider and that is your +pleasure.”</p> + +<p>Charles put out his hand.</p> + +<p>“Ah, David! And yet you dislike it?”</p> + +<p>“I dislike it—yes.”</p> + +<p>“Because you think I am planning to sell England to Louis?”</p> + +<p>His smile crept into Roxhythe’s eyes.</p> + +<p>“Now you are ridiculous, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles’ hand gripped his.</p> + +<p>“You believe in me?”</p> + +<p>“I believe that you will contrive to out-wit Louis.”</p> + +<p>“That is evasive. You think I am not acting for England?”</p> + +<p>“I know you are not.”</p> + +<p>Charles laughed.</p> + +<p>“I suppose you are right. But I do not think I shall harm her.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I, Sir. And I do not think you will do her any good.”</p> + +<p>Charles looked at him curiously.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe—you care for England?”</p> + +<p>“I used to, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“And now?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing counts save your pleasure. I stand or fall with you.”</p> + +<p>Brown eyes met brown.</p> + +<p>“And naught else counts ... not even the Country?” said Charles slowly.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe carried the hand that lay in his to his lips.</p> + +<p>“Since your ways diverge, Sir, no.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IIb">CHAPTER II<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE OFFER</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>JAMES, Duke of York, sat at the table drumming on it with restless +fingers. Charles, the King, lolled as usual on the window-seat, playing +with one of his spaniels. Sir Thomas Clifford, Chancellor, sat stiffly +by the fire and looked ill-at-ease, which indeed he was. There was +silence save for the yapping of the spaniel.</p> + +<p>Presently the Duke pushed back his chair.</p> + +<p>“Will the man never come?” he said.</p> + +<p>Charles did not raise his eyes. Sir Thomas glanced at the clock.</p> + +<p>“It—it wants ten minutes to the hour, sir,” he said propitiatingly.</p> + +<p>James shrugged impatiently. He looked over at his brother. The +spaniel’s yapping jarred on him.</p> + +<p>“Is Lord Roxhythe not expected until three, Sir?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“No,” answered the King.</p> + +<p>“Would it not have been better to have seen him before M. Colbert?” +James did not conceal his impatience well.</p> + +<p>“Wherefore?”</p> + +<p>Charles yawned.</p> + +<p>Quick footsteps came along the passage.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps this is he?” hazarded Clifford.</p> + +<p>“My Lord Roxhythe never hurries,” sneered James. “This is M. Colbert.”</p> + +<p>The French ambassador entered, and cast a swift glance round the room. +He swept a bow to the King.</p> + +<p>“Sire!” He turned. “Altesse!” He turned again. “Sir Thomas!”</p> + +<p>Charles nodded easily.</p> + +<p>“Pray sit down, monsieur. We are delighted to see you.”</p> + +<p>James rose jerkily and went forward.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</span></p> + +<p>“You are very punctual, M. Colbert. Will you take this chair? We still +lack Lord Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“It still wants three minutes to the hour, sir,” remarked Clifford.</p> + +<p>“No doubt ye have heard from His French Majesty?” asked James, ignoring +the interruption.</p> + +<p>Colbert bowed.</p> + +<p>“A plaguey damp day, eh, monsieur?” drawled the King.</p> + +<p>The Frenchman’s dark eyes twinkled.</p> + +<p>“As Your Majesty says,” he agreed.</p> + +<p>“You don’t have such weather in your country,” went on Charles. “’Tis a +fortunate land.”</p> + +<p>The Duke shut his eyes, exasperated. Charles glanced at the clock.</p> + +<p>“The hour,” he said. “And—I think—Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>The three other men turned to look at the door.</p> + +<p>It opened. Mr. Chiffinch, the King’s confidential page, announced my +Lord Roxhythe and my lord came in unhurriedly.</p> + +<p>His chestnut wig was nicely curled, and hung down over his shoulders; +his dress was carefully chosen. In one hand he carried his hat; in the +other, his comfit-box and cane. His calm, rather ironic eyes travelled +slowly round the room, and came to rest on the King. He made a very low +bow. Then he made another which included all the room.</p> + +<p>The Duke of York’s brows drew closer together.</p> + +<p>“Davy,” sighed the King. “You are punctuality personified! How a-God’s +name, do you manage it?”</p> + +<p>“I really don’t know, Sir,” said Roxhythe. “I believe it must be a +habit.”</p> + +<p>“A vice,” answered Charles, mournfully. “One which I do not possess. I +think you know M. Colbert?”</p> + +<p>“I have that honour,” bowed Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Then I need present nobody,” said the King. “How very fortunate! Oh, +sit down, Davy! sit down!” He waved him to a chair.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sat down and crossed one leg over the other. He looked +expectant.</p> + +<p>Charles sighed.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</span></p> + +<p>“Proceed, gentlemen,” he counselled them, stroking his dog’s head.</p> + +<p>“Do you wish me to—conduct the conversation, Sir?” asked James bluntly.</p> + +<p>“Pray do!” begged the King.</p> + +<p>James turned to the Frenchman.</p> + +<p>“M. Colbert, you advised His Majesty some time since that you had +certain propositions to lay before him, coming from King Louis. For the +sake of these other gentlemen, will you be good enough to repeat them?” +He sat back in his chair, his eyes keen and alert.</p> + +<p>M. Colbert twisted one of his rings round.</p> + +<p>“But certainly, m’sieu’. It comes to my master’s ears that King Charles +was not quite at one with his Cabinet over the Dutch Alliance. He is +relieved, <i>naturellement</i>, for he has always been King Charles’ +very good friend and cousin. He feared once that the alliance might +lead to war between England and France—oh, ridiculous, of course! but +there was a chance of such a thing—and he would be loth to fight one +whom he wishes so well. Of course. He knows that there are in England, +many Catholic gentlemen ...” he bowed to Clifford. “... of whom Sir +Thomas is one. The interests of the Church are his, as they are of +every good Catholic ...” he bowed to James. “... he is desirous of +seeing England return to the old Faith. He believes, too, that King +Charles would give much to see this.”</p> + +<p>King Charles twisted the spaniel’s ears above its head, and eyed the +effect pensively.</p> + +<p>“He realizes, however, that it is not an easy matter for King Charles +to drive the true Faith into his country—without assistance. But for +such a cause—a cause that is ever nearest his heart—His Majesty would +readily lend assistance.</p> + +<p>“There is also another side, messieurs. For many years England and +France have been enemies. His Majesty desires that this shall be so no +longer. He would make a compact with England that should seal forever +the friendship of two countries that lie at each other’s doors—two<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</span> +countries that are the most powerful in the world. He thinks it more +than a pity that such countries should be at enmity, as must be the +case if England allies herself with the Provinces.</p> + +<p>“His Majesty knows that, together, England and France are all-powerful. +Together they might do aught they pleased. It might be thought, +messieurs, that His Majesty would be desirous of annexing England +for his own. Such could never be the case. His Majesty would never +interfere with England save at England’s wish. It might be thought +that he would desire England to pay him tribute. He does not. If it +should be that France makes war, he would want England to join her, +should he call for help. He would share with King Charles, not the +expenses, which he would pay himself, but the profits of war. He would +hold himself bound to come to England’s aid if ever she should call, +exacting naught in payment, messieurs, save a share in the profits. +More than that even would he be prepared to do: he would bear all the +expenses of any war of his making, and a large share of the expenses of +a war on England’s side. You must agree, messieurs, that His Majesty is +generous.”</p> + +<p>Clifford moved, turning his head.</p> + +<p>“To what ends, monsieur?”</p> + +<p>“To the end, Sir Thomas, that he may prove himself England’s friend, +and the Church’s friend.”</p> + +<p>Clifford pursed his lips.</p> + +<p>“If this be so, His Majesty is indeed generous,” he said.</p> + +<p>The Frenchman inclined his head.</p> + +<p>“There is another private matter,” he pursued, more slowly. “His +Majesty apprehends that King Charles finds it difficult to live as +should live a Monarch of his degree.” He turned to Charles. “Your +Majesty will forgive me if I speak too plainly.”</p> + +<p>Charles nodded casually.</p> + +<p>“I thank Your Majesty. King Louis, I say, knows this. During the years +of his exile, King Charles his purse was very surely drained, as was +natural, in his efforts to come back to an ungrateful people. The +many grievous losses<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</span> that he sustained could not be re-paid to him +in full. His Majesty, my master, hath a great regard for his cousin; +it grieves him to see King Charles in any way pressed for money. He, +King Louis, has not had to bear such drains on his private purse, and +he is, as you, messieurs, no doubt know, moderately wealthy. Because +of this love which he bears King Charles, he is anxious to supply him +with means wherewith to live as he should. He knows that King Charles +is too noble, too kindly a man to tax his people as did—forgive me, +Sire—his father. He thinks it little less than shameful that by reason +of this true nobility of mind King Charles should be in want. Quite +privately he would desire to make King Charles an allowance. This he +could not do, as you must realize, messieurs, if England were at enmity +with France. But this private matter has naught to do with the other +matter of which I have already spoken. It is a gift from one cousin to +another, if King Charles will have it so, and not deem himself insulted +by King Louis his offer.”</p> + +<p>There was a long pause.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe played idly with the tassels of his glove, his face +inscrutable. James was looking at Clifford, who sat staring into the +fire.</p> + +<p>“It is for you, Sir Thomas, to speak,” said the Duke at last.</p> + +<p>Clifford raised his head. He spoke bluntly.</p> + +<p>“M. Colbert, King Louis his offer would appear to be generous to an +extreme. Yet this offer of money to His Majesty savours too much of +bribery for my liking.”</p> + +<p>The Duke of York stiffened. Over M. Colbert’s face came a look of +pained surprise. Roxhythe stopped playing with his gloves. Only Charles +paid no heed.</p> + +<p>“Sir Thomas, I am sure you cannot realize that such a suggestion is +little less than an insult to His Majesty!” said James harshly.</p> + +<p>“And to my master,” came haughtily from Colbert.</p> + +<p>“I crave His Majesty’s pardon if I offended,” answered Clifford, red to +the ears. “But I still say that the offer has that appearance.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</span></p> + +<p>James was about to reply, but with a deprecating smile Colbert +forestalled him.</p> + +<p>“You are perfectly right, Sir Thomas. To an evil-thinking world that +to no man accords the desire to do good for goodness’ sake alone, King +Louis’ entirely disinterested offer smacks of bribery. It is for this +reason that he would wish the matter kept secret. He expects to gain +nothing by this offer. It is made out of his love for King Charles, not +from any desire of gain for himself. He could not, of course, voice +such a proposal were England and France at disagreement. I have given +you his reasons for wishing their friendship; this private offer to +King Charles is no part of it. It has naught to do with the State; it +is between man and man. Yet His Majesty foresaw that the public, who, +being low-minded, credit all others with their same motives, would cry +shame to King Charles for accepting a bribe. The muck and run of men, +Sir Thomas, will not believe that a man can be generous, hoping to gain +nothing by his generosity. I had not judged you to be of this class; +I still do not. I know that you spoke in the heat of the moment, not +giving yourself time to reflect. Had you done so, you would have seen +how wrong—pardon me—how base were your suspicions.”</p> + +<p>Clifford met his reproachful look, and stammered hopelessly.</p> + +<p>“His Majesty knows—that I—that you—that I meant no offence—by what +I said. Perhaps—that is, of course, I spoke heatedly. I would not +accuse King Louis—of—of descending to—bribery. I could not think +that His Majesty—” he cast a flurried glance at Charles, “—would +countenance a—a bribe. I—I but said it savoured of that, as—as I +think it does, sir!”</p> + +<p>“It is for that reason that the matter should be kept secret, Sir +Thomas. I confess, if I had thought you would take this tone I had not +mentioned the matter to you. Knowing you to be an upright man, I had +hardly expected you to impute dishonourable motives to others.”</p> + +<p>Sir Thomas collapsed.</p> + +<p>“Sir, you misunderstand me! I—I meant no rudeness to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</span> His Majesty! +I—” he floundered hopelessly and stopped.</p> + +<p>M. Colbert wiped his lips with a delicately laced handkerchief.</p> + +<p>“I am much relieved to hear you say so, Sir Thomas. May I now go on to +my next point?”</p> + +<p>The Duke nodded shortly.</p> + +<p>“It is this: His Majesty is fully alive to the fact that there are in +your English Cabinet many honest gentlemen who are yet very stubborn +and narrow. They, like many other ignorant people, are averse from +dealing with France. They are Protestants, messieurs. They may be +drawn to the right way of looking at a French alliance, but at present +they will not listen to reason. Once it was proved to them that +France desired nothing but friendship from England, their objections +would fade. They would see that an alliance with France was for their +country’s good. In holding away from it they, all unwittingly, work +great harm on England. They cannot be brought round at present, but is +it to be permitted that they should do England this great wrong? They +have proved stubborn; they have showed that they will not listen to +argument. Shall they not then be ignored? They would raise an outcry; +they would prevail upon the ignorance of the people; they would prevent +an alliance. Then they must know naught until the thing is done, when +they will soon see that it is not a great evil, but a great good.”</p> + +<p>“You mean a secret treaty?” asked Clifford blankly.</p> + +<p>“Secret only for the moment,” promptly replied Colbert. “Think on what +I have said, monsieur, and tell me if this great thing for England is +to be quenched by a party of dogged Protestants.”</p> + +<p>“I do see the truth in what you say, sir, but there are many points +against it.”</p> + +<p>“Will you not name them, Sir Thomas?”</p> + +<p>“The first and foremost of them is this, sir: what you propose is +no less than a violation of the Triple Alliance, whereby we bound +ourselves to stand by Holland against France if need be. Your proposal +is a treaty with an enemy<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</span> country made behind the backs of the rest of +the Cabinet. It likes me not.”</p> + +<p>“It is true that we ignore these ignorant gentlemen. But have I not +proved to you that it is for England’s good? Do you value these +gentlemen’s feelings above your country?”</p> + +<p>“Not I, sir. But I had sooner that they were made cognizant of the +affair.”</p> + +<p>“So they might hold lengthy debates, raise an outcry, and howl it down? +You must see that it is impossible. They will realize afterwards that +it is for their country’s good.”</p> + +<p>Clifford spoke sarcastically now.</p> + +<p>“Not if you seek to force Catholicism down their throats, sir.”</p> + +<p>James frowned, biting his lip. Colbert waved his hand expressively.</p> + +<p>“You do not credit my master with much perspicacity if you do not +realize that he has foreseen that, Sir Thomas. He is not an impetuous +man. He sees that the introduction—rather, I should say, the +furtherance—of Catholicism in England must be brought about slowly, +and with great care. He has no mind to raise a hubbub. He has no mind +to ‘force’ the Faith into England. He even sees that it cannot be as +yet. He is content to wait until King Charles calls to him. If King +Charles finds it not necessary to call, he will be the more thankful. +He wants not to interfere in another man’s country. Very earnestly does +he counsel King Charles not to hasten this great work to its undoing. +The time is not yet.”</p> + +<p>James stirred restlessly, and seemed about to speak. Then he checked +himself.</p> + +<p>After a short pause Colbert continued.</p> + +<p>“I would not ask you to give a hasty decision, Sir Thomas. I ask you to +think over all I have said before you speak.”</p> + +<p>“I shall most certainly do so,” said Clifford. “I cannot but see that +there are great points in favour of this plan, but, as I have told +you, there are points which like me<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</span> not. But I will think on it. Is +there—anything further?”</p> + +<p>“At present, nothing, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Then...?” Sir Thomas looked hesitatingly at the King. “Have I Your +Majesty’s leave to withdraw?” He rose as he spoke. So did Colbert. So +also did Charles and Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“I too,” said the Frenchman.</p> + +<p>Charles nodded. He spoke for the first time since the beginning of the +interview.</p> + +<p>“We have to thank you, M. Colbert, for your patience. We will speak on +this more fully later on. We will not keep you.”</p> + +<p>Colbert bowed over his hand and went out.</p> + +<p>Charles turned to Clifford. His wonderful smile dawned.</p> + +<p>“You will think me seriously on this, Sir Thomas? And you’ll not +believe ill of your poor King?”</p> + +<p>“Sire!” Clifford caught his hand, kissing it. “I crave Your Majesty’s +pardon again and again.”</p> + +<p>“Why, there is naught to forgive,” said Charles gently. “I but ask that +you’ll not think evil of me.”</p> + +<p>“I could not, Sir! I—I—” Clifford kissed his hand again. “I spoke in +heat.”</p> + +<p>“Then that is very well,” smiled Charles. He watched him leave the +room, smiling.</p> + +<p>“M. Colbert—speaks you very fair, Sir,” said James.</p> + +<p>Charles regarded him thoughtfully, his eyes alight with laughter. He +shifted the dog under his arm.</p> + +<p>“Damned plausible, a’n’t he?” he chuckled, and walked slowly back to +his seat.</p> + +<p>The Duke watched him uneasily. Roxhythe continued to play with his +gloves.</p> + +<p>“You don’t believe in the French King’s offer, Sir?” asked James +abruptly.</p> + +<p>“I want to know what lies behind.”</p> + +<p>“You heard M. Colbert.”</p> + +<p>“I heard a deal of smooth talk.”</p> + +<p>James sighed.</p> + +<p>“You don’t trust Louis, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“Do you?” riposted the King.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</span></p> + +<p>James stared down at his hand lying clenched on the table.</p> + +<p>“I trust very few people, Sir. I want no French yoke about our necks. +But is this a yoke?”</p> + +<p>“Louis would wish it to be without a doubt,” replied the King. “The +question is: can I circumvent him?”</p> + +<p>“Yes.” It was Roxhythe who spoke. “Louis cannot afford to offend you, +Sir.”</p> + +<p>“If it comes to that, I cannot well afford to offend Louis,” remarked +the King.</p> + +<p>“Better than can he, Sir. At all costs he must have England, if not at +his side, at least not against him. England turns the scale.”</p> + +<p>“That is so,” agreed James. “If Louis plans more wars on the Continent +he must be assured of England’s help. And there is the cause. For that +the alliance is all-important.”</p> + +<p>Charles became exasperated.</p> + +<p>“James, I am thinking of the Cause, as you call it. What matters it to +us if England is Catholic or no? It is a secondary consideration. I am +thinking how I may profit by the alliance and yet prevent Louis making +of me a catspaw.”</p> + +<p>“Then, Sir, we are privy to this thing from different motives! I wonder +that you weigh your own petty advantages before the great Cause! I am +privy to the bond only for the good it may do the country! With France +at our back we may successfully drive the Faith into the country. It +seems that you are privy to the thing for the pecuniary good it may do +you!”</p> + +<p>Charles nodded amiably. His brother’s outbursts never had the slightest +effect on his good-humour.</p> + +<p>“Quite right, Jamie. And if I am not like to profit over-much I’ll have +naught to do with an alliance that bids fair to be a plaguey nuisance.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe laid his hat on the table. Charles glanced affectionately in +his direction.</p> + +<p>“And that brings us to Roxhythe his share in the business. Davy, I +have had but one word with you since you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</span> returned from Paris. Tell us +exactly what you ascertained.”</p> + +<p>The Duke leaned back in his chair, scowling. He never liked Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“There is not much to tell, Sir. As yet the scheme is in embryo. Madame +d’Orléans is very secret.”</p> + +<p>“I wonder if I did right to negotiate through her?” said the King. “But +I could trust Holles.”</p> + +<p>“You did quite right, Sir. Madame is to be trusted. At present she is +vague—partly because Louis is vague. We must walk carefully. It has +been made clear to me that Louis wants to hold England at his beck +and call. The offer of aid to you is a bribe, of course. If he fails +to snare you he will try to bribe the more corruptible members of the +House. At all costs he must have England to back him in his wars on +Holland. Roughly speaking what he wants is this: to have England aid +him in these wars, and to have England uphold him in his right to any +new titles that may fall to him.”</p> + +<p>“I had guessed the Spanish business to be in his mind,” said Charles. +“That will not harm me. War with the Dutch? H’m! Does he know my +people’s temper, I wonder?”</p> + +<p>“I think he has great faith in Your Majesty’s adroitness. He stipulates +too that the Catholic Faith shall be propagated in England. But +remember, Sir, war on Holland is his first thought!”</p> + +<p>“Is it?” said Charles cheerfully. “I do not think it is mine, though.”</p> + +<p>James lifted his eyes.</p> + +<p>“The Promotion of the Faith is the first matter to be attended to,” he +said.</p> + +<p>Charles pursed his lips.</p> + +<p>“I might stipulate for that, Davy. I should gain time.”</p> + +<p>“You might, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“You must!” corrected James sharply. “It serves a double purpose. If +you successfully drive the Faith in you make your position the more +secure, and you know that you have done your duty as a Catholic.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</span></p> + +<p>“Very comforting,” said Charles. “The first purpose appeals to me more. +There is another thing, Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“What is that, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“If Louis subdues the Provinces I want provision made for my nephew.”</p> + +<p>James stared at him.</p> + +<p>“Why?”</p> + +<p>Charles did not look at him.</p> + +<p>“You understand, Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“But why?” persisted James.</p> + +<p>“Another double purpose, Jamie. Because I pledged my word to his mother +to protect his interests.”</p> + +<p>“You’ve not done much to protect them during all these years!”</p> + +<p>Charles spoke with quiet majesty.</p> + +<p>“I have done all that was in my power to do.”</p> + +<p>“Beyond protesting to De Witt—”</p> + +<p>“I could do naught. Nor was it necessary. The Prince has been well +cared for, and he was but a child. Now it is different.</p> + +<p>“Evidently!” said James. “But where is your double purpose?”</p> + +<p>The King’s eyes met Roxhythe’s.</p> + +<p>“I believe it were politic to placate my nephew. I desire to stand well +with him.”</p> + +<p>James pulled at his lip.</p> + +<p>“A mere child. Why?”</p> + +<p>“Because I think that he will one day become a power not lightly to be +overlooked. Are you satisfied?”</p> + +<p>James was silent.</p> + +<p>“And now, Roxhythe, it is for you to determine the price. Louis refused +the two million.”</p> + +<p>“Two million?” exclaimed James. “What folly!” He rose. “With your +leave, Sir, I’ll withdraw. You will best arrange this alone!”</p> + +<p>“Very well,” said Charles. He watched him go out. “Roxhythe, you must +discover my sister’s attitude in the matter.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</span></p> + +<p>“I believe that Madame is fair-minded, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“What mean you by that?”</p> + +<p>“That she will favour neither side. If it were possible she would +strive for you. As it is she holds herself neutral. She is a wise +intermediary, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“So it seems,” said Charles. “We shall see. In the meantime, Roxhythe, +go you to Paris. I shall put this matter before Arlington. I fancy we +shall have trouble with him.”</p> + +<p>“I thought he was your man, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“So he is. But his wife is Dutch—and of the House of Orange.”</p> + +<p>“True. Yet he will stand, I think, by you.”</p> + +<p>“We shall see,” repeated Charles.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IIIb">CHAPTER III<br> +<span class="allsmcap">HER LADYSHIP</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>THUS began the negotiations between the Kings of France and England. +They were necessarily slow, and they entailed many journeys for the +favourite to and from Paris. Christopher noticed that the French visits +were becoming more and more frequent and decided that the lady must be +unusually attractive. He did not worry his head over it at all.</p> + +<p>Towards the end of the year came a lull in the proceedings. A deadlock +had been reached, and it almost seemed as though the alliance would +not take place. Lord Arlington hesitated and demurred, irritating +King Louis; and Madame, the fair intermediary, would give Roxhythe no +definite answer as to the price that Louis would pay. Both parties +were dissatisfied with one another, both demanded what the other would +not give. For a time Roxhythe ceased his visits to Paris and found +amusement with a certain Lady Crewe, a bride, newly come to town. She +was young, beautiful and rather unsophisticated. She was very much in +love with her husband, but she was flattered by Roxhythe’s attentions.</p> + +<p>In October the deadlock had to some extent been passed. The journeys +to Paris became more frequent again. During one of them a little stir +was created in fashionable London by the arrival of the Lady Frances +Montgomery, daughter of the late Duke of Rochefort, and wife of Sir +Jasper Montgomery, of the Diplomatic. She had returned from Spain, +where she had been for the last three years. She was cousin to my Lord +Roxhythe, and before she had married Montgomery there had been much +talk of an alliance between her and my lord. Her father had wished it, +but evidently she and Roxhythe had not, for London had been denied +the thrill of seeing my lord caught<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</span> at last. The Duke had not looked +favourably on Montgomery. His daughter might have married the bluest +blood in France or England had she liked. She had been bred in the +French Court; she had beauty, wit and that mysterious something known +as charm. She had had many suitors, but not one had she accepted. She +preferred to remain single, and, as the Duke could refuse her nothing, +single she did remain. When she came to the Restoration Court she made +a huge success. Charles himself paid her extravagant compliments; the +men fell at her feet. Rumour said that she was as astute as Madame, +Duchesse d’Orléans, and had more than once had a finger in various +intrigues. Then she met Sir Jasper and electrified Society by deciding +to marry him. As usual she had her way. There was a magnificent +wedding, and she went away with honest but dull Montgomery and was seen +no more.</p> + +<p>Now she had returned because her husband had been ordered home. As +soon as the news became general every scrap of gossip concerning her +was retailed. A great many people wondered whether she had wearied of +Montgomery and whether she would amuse herself with her cousin.</p> + +<p>It was said of her that she was the one woman with whom Roxhythe had +not trifled. They had never been anything dearer than very good friends.</p> + +<p>When she had been in London for about a week she gave a reception to +which all London flocked. She had not asked Roxhythe to come because +she believed him to be in Paris, so she was considerably surprised +when, midway through the evening, two gentleman were announced, one of +whom was the Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe, and the other Mr. Dart.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was magnificent in purple and gold. Diamonds scintillated +from his breast where his several orders hung, and from his long, thin +fingers. He made his entry superbly and swept a glance round the room.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances was standing with the young Duchess of Monmouth. He saw +her at once, recognising her slim, graceful figure. She was talking +animatedly, with many tiny gestures of the hand learnt at the French +Court, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</span> many lightning smiles that showed pearly teeth behind her +red lips.</p> + +<p>Christopher watched her, conscious of her fascination. He could not +take his eyes off her face. It was not so much her beauty which +attracted him, but her great vivacity. Her brown eyes flashed as she +talked; dimples quivered on her cheeks. Around her was gathered quite a +little court, hanging on her lips, waiting for a look or a smile.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe glanced at his secretary amusedly.</p> + +<p>“She is quite charming, is she not?” he asked.</p> + +<p>Christopher drew in his breath.</p> + +<p>“Is—that Lady Frances?” he said.</p> + +<p>“That is Lady Frances. A sad minx.” He laughed softly at Christopher’s +indignant face.</p> + +<p>Frances had seen them. She came across the room, hands outstretched.</p> + +<p>“My very dear David! What an honour!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe kissed her hand.</p> + +<p>“You did not invite me,” he said. “But I came.”</p> + +<p>“Of course I am delighted! I thought you away, else I should assuredly +have asked you to come.”</p> + +<p>“So I thought,” nodded his lordship, pensively. “May I present Mr. +Dart? Chris, Lady Frances Montgomery.”</p> + +<p>My lady flashed her bright eyes at Christopher. She seemed to search +his face for the fraction of a second. Then she smiled. Her smile was +wonderful. Christopher fell in love with her on the spot.</p> + +<p>“I must introduce you to someone very nice,” she decided. “Come with +me! David, I want to talk to you, so you must not run to Lady Crewe’s +side yet.” She bore Christopher off to the other end of the room. When +she came back she found Roxhythe talking to Lord Buckhurst and one or +two others.</p> + +<p>“No,” she said, emphatically. “You may none of you come with us. I’ve +not seen Roxhythe for three years, and I’ve much to tell him. Charles, +if you love me as much as you swear you do, you’ll entertain Miss +Douglas for me.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</span></p> + +<p>Buckhurst grimaced.</p> + +<p>“That’s a poor substitute for you, Fanny!”</p> + +<p>“Dear Charles, Arabella disapproves of you very thoroughly! ’Twill +amuse you.”</p> + +<p>Buckhurst looked gloomy.</p> + +<p>“It may. Thy will be done, Fanny!” He walked off.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances and Roxhythe withdrew to a small room, adjoining the +ballroom. Once there, Roxhythe took his cousin in his arms, and kissed +her. Lady Frances made no demur. On the contrary, she returned the +kiss, and settled herself on a blue and gold couch.</p> + +<p>“David, do you know that it is very refreshing to see you again?” Her +humorous eyes challenged him.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sat down beside her.</p> + +<p>“It must be.” He looked at her quizzically. “The compliment withheld.”</p> + +<p>“You always were provoking,” she retorted. “But are you not glad to see +me?”</p> + +<p>“Superlatively. You never expect me to make love to you.”</p> + +<p>“Of course I am flattered,” she said.</p> + +<p>His lordship was regarding her appraisingly.</p> + +<p>“I was afraid the climate might spoil you,” he pronounced at length. +“Thank heaven, you are as beautiful as ever!”</p> + +<p>She tilted her head on one side.</p> + +<p>“I thought I was more beautiful than ever!” she said.</p> + +<p>“My dear, Jasper is not the judge of beauty that I am. If he told you +that, he lied. It were impossible for you to be more beautiful. Riper, +perhaps.”</p> + +<p>“I do not like the word,” she answered, gravely. “Next I shall be +over-ripe.”</p> + +<p>“And after that, decay,” nodded my lord.</p> + +<p>“How ungallant of you!” cried Lady Frances, letting fall her fan. Then +she laughed. “In truth, we are getting old, Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“We are,” he agreed. “Foiled again, Fanny. Is it London for you now?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</span></p> + +<p>“I think so. Unless Jasper is sent abroad again, which is unlikely. Who +is the charming boy?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know,” replied Roxhythe. “Have you found one?”</p> + +<p>“David, you must really not try to impress me with your affectations! I +mean the boy you brought here to-night.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, Christopher! Yes, he is rather likeable, isn’t he?”</p> + +<p>“Who is he?” insisted Frances.</p> + +<p>“He is my secretary. One of the Darts of Suffolk.”</p> + +<p>“Your secretary? How came he to be that?”</p> + +<p>“I really don’t remember. I seem to have had him some time.”</p> + +<p>“He was not with you when I left England.”</p> + +<p>“No. I think it must have been shortly after you left. My last was a +fool. And so untrustworthy.”</p> + +<p>“Aha? You wanted a discreet man for some intrigue, I suppose?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked at her in hurt wonderment.</p> + +<p>“My dear Fanny, have you ever known me require assistance in an +<i>affaire</i>?”</p> + +<p>“I meant a political intrigue.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, lud!” said Roxhythe, and was shaken with laughter. “Yes, Fan, that +is it. At my time of life I am turned plotter. It is very sad.”</p> + +<p>She looked at him steadily for a moment.</p> + +<p>“I wish you would not think me a fool, Roxhythe. How is your beloved +King?”</p> + +<p>“The same as ever. He will be pleased to see you.”</p> + +<p>“I think he will. I am going to Whitehall with Jasper on Thursday. You +will be there?”</p> + +<p>“Since you are going, yes. The compliment granted.”</p> + +<p>“You know, I am very glad I did not marry you,” she told him.</p> + +<p>“So am I,” said my lord. “We should have quarrelled. ’Tis ever the way +when both have wit. I suppose you never quarrel with Jasper?”</p> + +<p>“Insufferable man! I shall go.” She rose, and held out her hand. “Come, +David! You must make yourself very agreeable to everyone.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</span></p> + +<p>“Why, I rather thought of leaving!” he protested. “I only came to see +you.”</p> + +<p>“Then you will offend me very grievously. Come!”</p> + +<p>He suffered himself to be drawn to his feet.</p> + +<p>“If you give way to idle passions you will have lost your chief +attraction,” he sighed. “If I succeed in offending you I shall lose all +interest.”</p> + +<p>“What a terrible fate were mine, then!” she mocked. “Oh, here is Jasper +come to seek me! Jasper, Roxhythe is worse than ever!”</p> + +<p>Montgomery grasped my lord’s hand.</p> + +<p>“I am overwhelmed to see you,” he smiled. “But I cannot have my wife +monopolized.”</p> + +<p>“You have it wrong,” retaliated Frances. “I monopolized him! He is the +gr-reat Roxhythe! Oh fie!” she blew him a kiss and rustled away.</p> + +<p>“She is remarkably fascinating,” reflected my lord. “But no doubt I +should have wearied of her.”</p> + +<p>On the way home Christopher informed Roxhythe that Lady Frances had +asked him to wait on her. He also informed Roxhythe that she was the +sweetest, loveliest lady he had ever met.</p> + +<p>My lord settled himself more comfortably in his corner of the coach.</p> + +<p>“Minx,” he murmured. “So she has you in her toils? I had almost come to +think you immune.”</p> + +<p>“I greatly admire and respect her ladyship,” said Christopher with +dignity.</p> + +<p>My lord closed his eyes.</p> + +<p>“Yes, that is always the way. Odso, I can scarce remember my calf-love! +No doubt she was years older than I.”</p> + +<p>“You are most provoking to-night,” said Christopher huffily.</p> + +<p>“So she said,” agreed his lordship.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IVb">CHAPTER IV<br> +<span class="allsmcap">HER LADYSHIP’S PERPLEXITY</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>“THAT nice child has been here to-day,” remarked Lady Frances, +suddenly. “I am at a loss.”</p> + +<p>Her husband looked up, smiling.</p> + +<p>“A novel experience for you, my dear. What child?”</p> + +<p>“Christopher Dart. David’s secretary.”</p> + +<p>“Oh? Why are you at a loss?”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances frowned uncertainly.</p> + +<p>“I cannot understand how he should be in Roxhythe’s service.”</p> + +<p>Montgomery laid down his quill.</p> + +<p>“Proceed!”</p> + +<p>“Now, do not laugh!” begged her ladyship. “I am in earnest.”</p> + +<p>“Did I laugh?”</p> + +<p>“You looked as though you might. That boy is honest.”</p> + +<p>“Yes?”</p> + +<p>“I wish you were more intelligent,” sighed her ladyship. “Though +Roxhythe assures me we should quarrel an you were.”</p> + +<p>“I did not know I had been the subject of your conversation that +evening last month.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you were not! Please don’t sound so offended! We congratulated +ourselves that we had not married one another. It was very quaint.”</p> + +<p>“Highly diverting,” agreed Montgomery, drily.</p> + +<p>“Indeed, it was! And we nearly did, you know. But never mind that; it’s +not what I wanted to tell you. It is about Christopher. He has been +with Roxhythe for nearly two years, and he worships him!”</p> + +<p>“Well?” asked her husband. “What of it?”</p> + +<p>“That is not all. He—he respects him! And he is such an upright boy! +So very honourable!”</p> + +<p>“You seem to have observed him closely.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</span></p> + +<p>“Pho!” said Lady Frances. “He is as transparent as air! He knows naught +of plots and plotters. He is a very babe in affairs, and is seemingly +blind to what goes on around him. And he is with Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>“I cannot see why you marvel at it, Fanny. Roxhythe is no plotter.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances leant both elbows on the table. She rested her chin in her +hands, and looked steadily across at her husband.</p> + +<p>“Do you really think that, Jasper?”</p> + +<p>“Of course I think it!” he answered, surprised. “Roxhythe a plotter? My +dear, you have some maggot in your head! The man has no mind for aught +save clothes, and women, and witticisms!”</p> + +<p>“You think he is a fool?”</p> + +<p>“A typical courtier,” he amended.</p> + +<p>A curious smile curved her ladyship’s mouth.</p> + +<p>“Do you think the King a fool?”</p> + +<p>Montgomery fingered his quill.</p> + +<p>“No. Alas!”</p> + +<p>“What use then do you suppose he has for fools?”</p> + +<p>“None. Save when he uses them as dupes.”</p> + +<p>“Would he keep a fool ever at his side, think you?”</p> + +<p>Montgomery perceived whither this led.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe amuses him.”</p> + +<p>“So have other men. Yet they have faded away. Roxhythe remains.”</p> + +<p>“He is a man of some parts, of course,” admitted Montgomery.</p> + +<p>“More than that. He is as clever as sin.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, my dear Fanny, you over-rate him!”</p> + +<p>“I do not. I would wager my reputation that David’s inanities are but a +mask.”</p> + +<p>“Your woman’s imagination runs away with you, my dear. If he were the +clever man you say he is, why should he wish to hide his qualities?”</p> + +<p>“So he might serve the King better.”</p> + +<p>Montgomery twisted one of the curls of his periwig round his finger.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</span></p> + +<p>“Oh. Then you infer...?”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances dropped her eyelids.</p> + +<p>“Nothing,” she said smoothly. “I only know that I would not trust +Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“Trust him! No, nor I. But not because I think him clever.”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe acts a part,” said Frances slowly. “Of that I am assured. In +his position a man sees many things about Whitehall. Yet he is ever +ignorant. He is always indifferent, cynical; he knows nothing. If one +speaks of intrigue, he fences, and is flippant. He would have the +world believe him the idle court-gallant you think him. The world does +believe it. But not Lady Frances!”</p> + +<p>“Lady Frances is very deep,” said Montgomery, sarcastically.</p> + +<p>“Lady Frances knows Whitehall and its ways!” she flashed back at him. +“I have lived all my life in courts! I know what use have Kings for +fools. Why, Jasper, Jasper, where are your wits? Do you forget that +Roxhythe has never been away from Charles his side since they fled the +country? Charles had no room for any but the most astute during those +years. It was plot, plot, plot, all the time!”</p> + +<p>“Through Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe and others. But certainly Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>Montgomery sat silent for a while.</p> + +<p>“I have a great respect for your wisdom, my dear, as you know. Yet I +think in this you are wrong. If Charles had need of plotters, he had +also need of men to divert him. Such is Roxhvthe.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances shut her lips firmly. After a moment she spoke again.</p> + +<p>“One day you’ll know I was right, Jasper. And you will marvel, even as +I do, that Christopher Dart was ever in his service.”</p> + +<p>“Mayhap,” shrugged Montgomery. He went on writing.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances left the room. She went up to her own boudoir, and, from +her escritoire, took a letter from her<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</span> very dear friend, Aimée de St. +Morny, Lady-in-waiting to Madame, Duchesse d’Orléans.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“... I was Interested Yesterday, my dear Fanny, to Meet a Kinsman +of Yrs. I mean le Marquis de Roxhythe, who is perhaps <i>épris de +Madame</i>, who is <i>sans doute éprise de lui</i>. He is ever in +Attendance on her, and Shows himself <i>très beau cavalier</i>....”</p> +</div> + +<p>“Oh!” said my lady. “Oh!... Well, it may be so. It is even probable. +And yet ... I think I shall watch my good Roxhythe.” She nodded briskly +and locked the letter away in her desk.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Vb">CHAPTER V<br> +<span class="allsmcap">LADY CREWE</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>IT was some weeks later that Christopher met an old friend, whom he had +not seen for some years. He saw him in the Strand one morning, coming +out of one of the houses. He caught his arm.</p> + +<p>“Sydney Harcourt!”</p> + +<p>Harcourt stared for a moment in perplexity. Then his face cleared, and +he grasped Christopher’s hand.</p> + +<p>“Chris!”</p> + +<p>Christopher linked his arm in his. Together they strolled down the +Strand.</p> + +<p>“I had not thought to meet you to-day, Sydney!”</p> + +<p>“Nor I you. ’Oons, lad, but you’ve changed!” He laughed. “You are a man +now!”</p> + +<p>“I have need to be!”</p> + +<p>“Yes? Roderick is still abroad?”</p> + +<p>“With the Prince of Orange,” nodded Christopher. “I have not seen him +for two years. I was at the Hague in ’68, and I found him greatly +changed.”</p> + +<p>“Is that so? He was a very bright youth when I knew him!”</p> + +<p>“He’s like a psalm-singing Puritan now,” said Christopher gloomily. +“But tell me of yourself, Sydney! What do you do?”</p> + +<p>“I am with Russell as his confidential secretary,” replied Harcourt. +“And you?”</p> + +<p>“I have much the same post, I fancy,” smiled Christopher. “I am Lord +Roxhythe his secretary.” He said it with pride, and was gratified by +Harcourt’s start of surprise.</p> + +<p>“With Roxhythe? You, Chris?”</p> + +<p>Christopher nodded.</p> + +<p>“I have been with him for nearly two years. Roderick is very angry with +me because of it.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</span></p> + +<p>Harcourt compressed his lips quickly.</p> + +<p>“I confess, I, too, am—surprised. You are with a strange man, Chris.”</p> + +<p>“I am with a very great man,” retaliated Christopher. “If you think to +warn me ’gainst my lord, let me tell you that I take such warnings very +ill.”</p> + +<p>The shrewd grey eyes looked into his.</p> + +<p>“Oh?” said Harcourt. “I am to congratulate you, then?”</p> + +<p>“If you like,” answered Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Then of course I do. Why should I seek to warn you?”</p> + +<p>“Heaven knows! Most people have tried to.”</p> + +<p>“I shall not, I assure you. You should count yourself fortunate to be +with perhaps one of the most influential men of the day.”</p> + +<p>Christopher was pleased. After that they spoke no more of Roxhythe. He +refused an invitation to dine that night, pleading that he was going to +Lady Crewe’s masquerade, but he accepted for Friday. Then they parted.</p> + +<p>When Christopher returned to Bevan House he found that Roxhythe had +returned unexpectedly from Paris. Overjoyed he hurried into the library +where my lord was seated.</p> + +<p>“How very delightful, sir! I did not expect you for another week!” He +kissed Roxhythe’s hand.</p> + +<p>My lord smiled at him.</p> + +<p>“Are you really so pleased to see me, Chris?”</p> + +<p>“Why, of course I am!” said Christopher, surprised. “How can you ask?”</p> + +<p>“So few people are. The King, Fanny, and you. It is quite refreshing. +Is everything well with you?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, very well. Oh, I had well-nigh forgotten! Lady Crewe came here on +Wednesday. She—was very annoyed.”</p> + +<p>“What an imprudent child she is!” said Roxhythe. “What ailed her?”</p> + +<p>“It seems you did not go to her ball last week.”</p> + +<p>“Did I not? No, I remember now.”</p> + +<p>“She said you had promised to be present. I found it quite impossible +to placate her. I explained that you were<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</span> in Paris, but she was the +more angry. She left a letter for you.”</p> + +<p>Christopher chuckled a little, hunting through the desk for it. +Roxhythe watched him, a twinkle in his eye. When the note was handed +him he unfolded it leisurely and started to read.</p> + +<p>“A woman’s letter,” he remarked at the end, “is at all times a thing to +marvel at. An angry woman’s letter is a thing to ignore. Remember that, +Chris!” He tossed the note into the fire. “Have I an engagement for +to-night?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Christopher, still chuckling. “You have. It is the night of +Lady Crewe’s masquerade.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s lips twitched.</p> + +<p>“It will be amusing,” he said. “We will go to it.”</p> + +<p>It was not until they were seated in the coach that evening on the way +to the Crewes’ that Christopher remembered his morning’s encounter with +Harcourt. He told Roxhythe about it. He always told him everything.</p> + +<p>My lord was mildly interested.</p> + +<p>“Harcourt? Harcourt? Surely I have...? Whose secretary did you say he +was?”</p> + +<p>“Lord Russell’s, sir.”</p> + +<p>“One of the leaders of our respected Country Party. I believe I must +have met Harcourt at his house. Is he tall with aquiline features?”</p> + +<p>“Yes; and grey eyes.”</p> + +<p>“I have met him, then. I fancy he is one of those who disapprove of my +existence.”</p> + +<p>“Oh no, sir! He complimented me on being in the service of one of the +most influential men of the day.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe lost a little of his sleepiness.</p> + +<p>“Did he so? And he one of the Country Party. Ah, well!” He closed his +eyes.</p> + +<p>Christopher roused him presently.</p> + +<p>“We are nearly come to the Crewes’, sir. Had you not better don your +mask?”</p> + +<p>“I think I left it behind,” said Roxhythe placidly.</p> + +<p>Christopher handed him the strip of velvet.</p> + +<p>“I thought you would. So I brought an extra one.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</span></p> + +<p>“You are invaluable,” sighed Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>The ballroom at Stoke House was very crowded. As Roxhythe entered, Lady +Crewe detached herself from a group of guests and came towards him, +rustling silks.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stopped. Lady Crewe stood directly before him, swathed in a +pearl grey domino, her red lips in a straight line.</p> + +<p>“So, my Lord Roxhythe! You deign to visit me?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked down at the golden curls. One hand clutched my lady’s +domino to her breast. The delicate nostrils were quivering.</p> + +<p>“I am indeed honoured,” went on that trembling voice. The lady’s +control broke down. “Oh, how dared you slight me so? How dared you?”</p> + +<p>“I?” said Roxhythe. “Sweetest Millicent!”</p> + +<p>“You are free with my name, Lord Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>“It is such a pretty name,” pleaded my lord.</p> + +<p>“Don’t try to coax me! Why came you not to my party? Why did you ignore +my letter?”</p> + +<p>“Dear child, I was in Paris at the time of your party? Believe me, I +was desolated.”</p> + +<p>She gave a short, angry laugh.</p> + +<p>“Oh yes, my lord! I make no doubt you were! We have heard of your +escapades in Paris! Desolated, forsooth!”</p> + +<p>“My dearest, most beautiful one, suppose we move away from this very +public spot, and discuss the matter calmly? I will show you that I was +indeed desolated.” My lord offered his arm.</p> + +<p>For an instant Lady Crewe hesitated. Then she looked up into Roxhythe’s +face and saw his smile.</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir.” She allowed him to conduct her to an alcove, slightly +apart from the rest of the room.</p> + +<p>“Now what is the matter?” softly asked my lord. “Is it possible that +you are offended with me because I could not come to your party?”</p> + +<p>“You made no effort to come! And then you ignored my letter!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</span></p> + +<p>“My dear, it is never wise to address abusive importunities to me.”</p> + +<p>The beautiful mouth drooped. My lady turned away, fumbling with her +fan. A tiny sob reached Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Tell me,” he said. “Have I sinned beyond forgiveness?”</p> + +<p>“You are cruel! cruel!”</p> + +<p>“Am I so? I think ’tis you who are the tormentor. Millicent...? Dear +one...?”</p> + +<p>She did not reply. He drew her close to him, so that her head was +almost resting on his shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Most Beautiful?”</p> + +<p>His nearness intoxicated her. She clung to his fingers.</p> + +<p>“You don’t care for ... me! You ... only pretend ... because it amuses +you! You are quite, quite cold!”</p> + +<p>She could feel his arm about her waist, his breath on her hair. Above +all, she was conscious of his strange, relentless fascination that not +all his neglect could destroy.</p> + +<p>“Should I have braved your anger to-night had I not cared?”</p> + +<p>“To ... tease me. Oh, you make me so unhappy!”</p> + +<p>“I could make you happy, Millicent, if you would grant me your sweet +forgiveness. Come! Am I too vile?”</p> + +<p>She twisted one of the ribands of his domino about her finger. His +strong, white hand took hers, and pressed it to his lips.</p> + +<p>“I cannot help forgiving you,” she whispered. “You—you—must not hold +me so—here!”</p> + +<p>“And I must not kiss you?” Roxhythe bent over her head.</p> + +<p>“No—oh no!” She felt his lips on her hair and broke free. “If any +should see us! You must let me go! If my husband were looking!” She +slipped back into the ballroom.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe followed slowly. For a while he stood talking to Lord +Finchhelm, but presently he again sought out Lady Crewe.</p> + +<p>“My sweet life, I want to talk to you.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</span></p> + +<p>Her depression had fled. She smiled naughtily.</p> + +<p>“Do you, sir? Why?”</p> + +<p>“Can you ask? I’ve not seen you for nigh on a month!”</p> + +<p>She tilted her head.</p> + +<p>“What do you want to say to me?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe took her hand.</p> + +<p>“I want to tell you how lovely you are.”</p> + +<p>She was a child, playing with a forbidden toy.</p> + +<p>“I do not think I want to hear it.”</p> + +<p>“Then I’ll tell you how much I love you.”</p> + +<p>“And that I must not hear!”</p> + +<p>“You shall feel it, sweetheart.”</p> + +<p>“You are very wicked, you know,” she said, gravely.</p> + +<p>“You would not like me else, dear.”</p> + +<p>“Should I not? Do you think women are like that?”</p> + +<p>“Women, child, are the most incomprehensible, mad, divine creatures on +this earth. Come with me, and I’ll tell you how wonderful one woman is.”</p> + +<p>“I ought not to. And it is only a game.”</p> + +<p>“Nothing is so alluring as the ‘ought not,’ beloved.”</p> + +<p>“No. But should one give way to temptation?”</p> + +<p>“Most certainly one should, for if one does not, it leaves the devil +idle.”</p> + +<p>“Surely he were best idle?”</p> + +<p>“Not at all. If he is idle, he rests for a while, devising fresh +temptations which are more seductive than the last.”</p> + +<p>“You are dreadfully wicked!” nodded Millicent. She went out with him.</p> + +<p>Two days later Roxhythe left for Paris, to carry on the negotiations +between the King of England and an enemy country. Millicent, jealous of +an unknown rival, shed bitter tears.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIb">CHAPTER VI<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE PRICE</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>BEFORE Roxhythe went again to Paris he craved and was granted an +interview with the King. The Duke of York was present, and from his +uneasy bearing and his black looks, Roxhythe guessed that he was +assailed by one of the qualmish fits to which he had of late become +subject. He sat by the fireplace, staring moodily into the flames. He +barely acknowledged my lord’s bow.</p> + +<p>The King welcomed his favourite cheerily.</p> + +<p>“Well, my David? Ye have fresh news for me?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe kissed his hand.</p> + +<p>“I have, Sir. I wished to acquaint you with it before I returned to +France, so I begged this audience.”</p> + +<p>Charles nodded.</p> + +<p>“Do matters progress at last?”</p> + +<p>“Very fairly, Sir. Yet I think you must not hope for a conclusion this +year.”</p> + +<p>“<i>Mort de ma vie!</i> How much longer am I to wait? It is December +now and we have been negotiating for over a year!”</p> + +<p>“If you would give way to Louis’ demands you might conclude the affair +at once.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll not give way! Surely you do not advise that?”</p> + +<p>“By no means, Sir. I counsel you to wait. I think that it will end in +the spring if not before.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose I must be patient then. But have you discovered the price?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe watched the Duke move angrily and scowl.</p> + +<p>“Madame is ever vague. Evidently Louis is wishful of seeing how much he +need offer.”</p> + +<p>“Ay, he’s close-fisted. What says my sister?”</p> + +<p>“She’s hinted at sixty thousand pounds yearly, Sir.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</span></p> + +<p>“And you?”</p> + +<p>“I? Oh, I waved it aside, Sir! I told her that if the King of England +was to be bought his price was high.”</p> + +<p>James flushed and stirred again. The King laughed.</p> + +<p>“Incomparable Roxhythe! What said she to that?”</p> + +<p>“Why she affected finality, Sir. Louis hopes that you will give way.”</p> + +<p>Charles played with one of his thick curls. He was frowning slightly.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, you walk round and round the point. How much can I with +safety demand?”</p> + +<p>My lord studied his polished finger-nails. For a moment he did not +speak; the King’s frown was reflected on his face.</p> + +<p>“In all, Sir, two hundred thousand,” he said at last. He spoke with +deliberation.</p> + +<p>The Duke straightened in his chair.</p> + +<p>“It is ridiculous!” he rasped. “Two hundred thousand! You must be mad, +my lord!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe said nothing. Charles who had been fondling one of his dogs +put it down. He was all attention.</p> + +<p>“You think that, Davy?”</p> + +<p>“I know it, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“How?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe twisted one of his rings round.</p> + +<p>“Madame hath a great regard for you, Sir. She does not wholly play +into King Louis’ hands. She remembers that if she is Louis his +sister-in-law, she is also your sister.”</p> + +<p>“Oh. You said once, Roxhythe, that if it were possible she would play +into my hands rather than Louis’.”</p> + +<p>“I said also, Sir, that she was a very wise intermediary. I still say +so. It is impossible for her to take your part openly, but she can +still help.”</p> + +<p>“She told you that Louis would go to that figure?”</p> + +<p>“N-no. Madame would not be so incautious. She is a very Queen of +intriguers. Rather—she gave me that impression.”</p> + +<p>“You are quick to take impressions, Lord Roxhythe!” sneered the Duke.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</span></p> + +<p>Charles ignored him.</p> + +<p>“You are sure of this, David?”</p> + +<p>My lord shrugged.</p> + +<p>“I am never sure, Sir.”</p> + +<p>This seemed to satisfy the King. He sat with his chin in his hand, +thinking.</p> + +<p>“Louis would never pay me such a sum without a struggle,” he mused. “If +I stand too firm, I may lose all....”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“——Yet, as you so wisely remarked, if I am to be bought, my price is +high.”</p> + +<p>“My Lord Roxhythe speaks airily!” snapped James. “He cannot be certain +of such facts. Louis will never go to that figure. Is it likely?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s calm eyes surveyed him.</p> + +<p>“It is more than likely, sir.”</p> + +<p>“It means a struggle, eh?” asked Charles.</p> + +<p>“The thing is not worth having if you have not to fight for it, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“A King does not haggle!” retorted James.</p> + +<p>“I repeat, Sir, if you are to be bought it had best be for a fair +price. If Louis wants an alliance with England, he must pay dearly for +it.”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe is right,” agreed the King. “I believe in sucking the French +King of all he can give.”</p> + +<p>James brought his fist down on the table with some force.</p> + +<p>“The whole business is degrading and un-Kinglike! I mislike secret +negotiations. We show ourselves afraid of the Government by trafficking +with France behind its back. Why not do the thing openly and Royally?”</p> + +<p>“Why not leave the country at once?” shrugged Charles.</p> + +<p>“Sir, you are over-timorous! The army is behind you. You have naught to +fear.”</p> + +<p>“No? Jamie, I had thought you wiser. Would you have more bloodshed in +England? Would you put both our heads in danger?”</p> + +<p>“I would have straight dealings, and the Faith at all costs.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</span></p> + +<p>“You would not get it by foolhardiness. You would only ruin my +popularity; jeopardize my crown.”</p> + +<p>“Anything were better than this hole-and-corner treaty!”</p> + +<p>Charles grimaced.</p> + +<p>“Even exile? No, no Jamie! This is an easier way.”</p> + +<p>“An underhand way! A timorous way!”</p> + +<p>“Let us be honest, my dear. We are afraid of the Government, alack! +It is too powerful. Therefore it must be tricked and turned against +itself. So shall I gain power.”</p> + +<p>“You’ll lose your popularity when the treaty is discovered,” returned +the Duke.</p> + +<p>A little chuckle escaped the King.</p> + +<p>“Shall I, Davy?”</p> + +<p>“With some factions,” answered Roxhythe, gravely.</p> + +<p>“Only for the moment.”</p> + +<p>“That depends, Sir, on how far you play into Louis’ hands.”</p> + +<p>The Duke rose and went over to the window. For some moments he stood +staring out into the gardens. Then he turned, and came back to the +table.</p> + +<p>“Louis will require you to play very deeply into his hands, Sir,” he +said.</p> + +<p>“He may require it, but I do not think I shall do it,” smiled Charles.</p> + +<p>“You will have to,” said James, tersely. “Oh, there are many points +against this alliance!” He paced up and down the floor, his hands +linked behind his back. Suddenly he stopped, and faced the King. “Sir, +I implore you, have the matter put before the Cabinet! Enforce your +will upon them, but make an honourable and a safe treaty! No one wants +the alliance more than do I, but I do not want to play the part of +catspaw to Louis, as we must if we make these secret terms. We show +Louis that we stand in fear of Parliament. Oh, ’tis madness, Sir! I +have thought well on it, and I know ’tis madness.”</p> + +<p>Charles laid his hand on his brother’s arm.</p> + +<p>“James, you are wrong. Can you not see that it is not I who will play +the part of catspaw?”</p> + +<p>James stared.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</span></p> + +<p>“Who then?”</p> + +<p>The most curious of smiles flitted across the King’s face.</p> + +<p>“Louis, my friend.”</p> + +<p>James shook off his hand.</p> + +<p>“The suspense has turned your brain! You must indeed be mad if you +think that!”</p> + +<p>“I do not think, James. I know.”</p> + +<p>“Pah! If you sign this secret treaty they concoct, Louis holds you +in the hollow of his hand! An you fail to fulfil your part, he will +denounce you to the Government! And he’ll fail to pay you your wage!”</p> + +<p>“Expose me? Do you really think that?”</p> + +<p>“Assuredly!”</p> + +<p>“My good brother, he dare not. He would lose all hope of gaining +England, if he did. The nation would be hot for war with France. I tell +you, James, Louis is the one power I do not fear. Be reasonable! Leave +this matter to me! You were not fashioned for the intriguer’s part.”</p> + +<p>“I thank God, no!” cried James. “I see you will go your own wilful way, +but I pray you will not drown us all in a sea of disaster!”</p> + +<p>“You are so inconsistent,” sighed Charles. “A moment back ’twas you who +were the fearnaught. Now you are as timorous as I never was. Do you so +love the Government?”</p> + +<p>“No, by heaven!”</p> + +<p>“Then why hesitate to trick them as they would not hesitate to trick +you? Has the Government treated us so well that we need consider it?” +He snapped his fingers. “Bah! So much for the Government!”</p> + +<p>“’Tis not that I cavil at....”</p> + +<p>“You fear that I shall in my turn be duped by Louis. I shall not. You +fear a French yoke. You shall not be called upon to bear one.”</p> + +<p>“I fear you will sell England to France!” said James, impetuously.</p> + +<p>“I shall never do that, rest assured. Charles Stuart is no man’s +chattel. If I accept Louis his offer ’tis for the furtherance of mine +own ends. I enter into this bond with open eyes.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</span></p> + +<p>“If I could believe that...!”</p> + +<p>“You can believe it.”</p> + +<p>“And that is your last word? You’ll not lay the matter before the +Cabinet?”</p> + +<p>For the first time Charles showed exasperation.</p> + +<p>“James, in the face of the Triple Bond, how can I?”</p> + +<p>James shook his head wearily.</p> + +<p>“I know not. Ye seem able to do most things.” He paused. “Well, there’s +naught to be gained by argument. I’ll leave you.”</p> + +<p>“You stand by me in this matter, Jamie?”</p> + +<p>“I must.” James spoke over his shoulder. The next moment he was gone.</p> + +<p>“I was never so at one with His Grace,” remarked Roxhythe.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIIb">CHAPTER VII<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE FIRST SEED OF DOUBT</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>ON Friday, two days after Roxhythe’s departure for France, Christopher +set out to visit his friend Harcourt at his house in Great Queen Street.</p> + +<p>He was pleased to renew the acquaintance, but he could not help feeling +that he and Harcourt would now have very little in common. The Country +Party was always steadily opposed to the Court Party, and most of its +members held the Court and all its ways in abhorrence. Once Christopher +had held their views himself but since he had been with Roxhythe he had +changed his opinions. His father had always pulled a long face when +King Charles was mentioned. He had solemnly warned his sons to have +naught to do with the vicious Court and the dissolute King. Christopher +had never taken him very seriously; he had abundant trust in Charles’ +integrity. He thought it impossible that a King should be worthy of +suspicion; he laughed at his father’s gloomy prognostications. Mr. +Dart had prophesied that the King would make a sorry substitute for +the Protector. He said over and over again that no Stuart could run +straight: they must always choose the crooked path. He warned his +sons to trust neither in the King nor in any of those around him. +Christopher saw now how wrong he had been; life with Roxhythe had +taught him that. He hoped that Harcourt would not inveigh against +the Court, for he felt that he could not discuss the matter calmly. +Since he had been at Bevan House he had become acquainted with so many +courtiers and liked most of them so much, that he could not bear to +hear ill spoken of them by the Country Party whose members he had come +to consider very worthy but very dull. He hoped, too, that Harcourt +would not advise him to quit Roxhythe. From his manner the other day he +thought that he would not, but<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</span> since he had received so many sinister +warnings he was ever on his guard.</p> + +<p>So he arrived at Great Queen Street. He was introduced to Madam +Harcourt. She came of an old Puritan stock, and she was very properly +grieved at the company that Christopher kept. Several times he caught +her eyeing him with a species of sad gravity that annoyed him beyond +words. He was thankful when dinner came to an end, and the lady left +her husband and his guest to their wine.</p> + +<p>Harcourt pushed the decanter towards him.</p> + +<p>“Fill up your glass, Chris, and tell me all that you have been doing +since I saw you!”</p> + +<p>Christopher obeyed the first behest.</p> + +<p>“I don’t think I have done anything,” he said. “My life is quite +uneventful. You will have more to tell me.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I...! No, I do my work, and for the rest there’s naught. Come! +Tell me about yourself!”</p> + +<p>Christopher laughed.</p> + +<p>“I do my work, and go out a little, and for the rest——”</p> + +<p>“There’s something! Were you in Roxhythe’s service when you went to +Holland? Or was that before you joined him?”</p> + +<p>Christopher tilted his glass so that the red wine caught the light, and +sparkled.</p> + +<p>“I was in his service,” he answered.</p> + +<p>“Strange! I had thought my lord would not have been absent from +Whitehall for so long.”</p> + +<p>“If you cast your mind back,” said Christopher, slowly, “you will +remember that there was a slight difference—between His Majesty and my +master. Roxhythe found it expedient to go abroad for a while.”</p> + +<p>“I do remember something of the sort,” frowned Harcourt. “I remember +London was a-hum with the news.”</p> + +<p>“Yes?” said Christopher. “Well, that was why he went away.”</p> + +<p>“To Holland.... Lord Roxhythe usually goes to Paris!” said Harcourt, +smiling.</p> + +<p>“He has many friends in Holland whom he wished to visit,” replied +Christopher.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</span></p> + +<p>Harcourt drew him on to the subject of the Prince of Orange. He wanted +to know if Christopher had ever seen him. In fact, there was much that +he wanted to know. He insisted that Christopher should tell him of his +life with Roxhythe. At the end of the recital he regarded Christopher +rather strangely for a moment. Then he smiled.</p> + +<p>“It seems you are very fortunate,” he said. “I’d give much to be in +your shoes!”</p> + +<p>Christopher felt that this was not true.</p> + +<p>“You would find my master a change from Lord Russell!” he said. “I do +not think you would like my life.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps not. By the way, I saw Lord Roxhythe at the play the other +night. What a comely man he is!”</p> + +<p>Christopher warmed.</p> + +<p>“He is very handsome,” he agreed. “And he is more than that. He is very +great.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed, yes. He has much power.”</p> + +<p>“I did not mean power. I mean he has a great nature.”</p> + +<p>Harcourt pushed his chair back from the table, so that his face was +slightly in the shadow.</p> + +<p>“Ah? I had not thought he had much depth of character, I confess....”</p> + +<p>“You don’t know him!” said Christopher quickly. “He is brave and +upright, and clev——” He stopped.</p> + +<p>“Clever?” ended Harcourt, smoothly. “He does not show it.”</p> + +<p>Christopher recovered himself.</p> + +<p>“Well—no!” he laughed. “Perhaps he is not clever! I am carried away by +my love for him. No, he is brave and honourable. I have never known him +perform a mean act. But I do not think he is clever.”</p> + +<p>“He hath a very lively wit, if all I hear be true.”</p> + +<p>“A ready tongue,” said Christopher. “He is very indolent.”</p> + +<p>“Yes.” Harcourt peeled a nut abstractedly. “I suppose it is for that +reason that he doth not meddle in intrigue.”</p> + +<p>“He has no taste for plotting,” replied Christopher, in all good faith. +“Indeed he laughs at intrigue.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</span></p> + +<p>“Very wise,” said Harcourt, still busy with his nut. “And what does he +to-night?”</p> + +<p>“I do not know,” answered Christopher. “He is away from home.”</p> + +<p>The shrewd eyes looked up for a moment and fell once more.</p> + +<p>“Again?” asked Harcourt. “I fear your master is of a very gay +disposition, Chris! Paris, I suppose?”</p> + +<p>Christopher sipped his wine.</p> + +<p>“Yes, Paris. I believe he has met a very fair lady whom he adores for +the moment. It is his way.”</p> + +<p>“Oh! In the household of Madame, eh? We hear tales of it even in this +quiet house. Some say it is Madame herself.”</p> + +<p>“Maybe.” Christopher was not interested. He had had enough of the +subject. Evidently Harcourt had not.</p> + +<p>“She must be very fascinating, whoe’er she be,” he remarked. “My +lord has been to France so much during the past year. We thought it +impossible that it should be for a woman and naught else. He must have +business there, surely?”</p> + +<p>Christopher’s brows drew perceptively nearer.</p> + +<p>“No, he has not. It is nothing for my lord to go often to Paris! You +take a great interest in his affairs!”</p> + +<p>Harcourt ate his nut.</p> + +<p>“Forgive my impertinence! I am interested in all that concerns you, +Chris. Let us talk of something else!”</p> + +<p>Christopher went home, thinking hard. Unperceptive he might be, but +he was wise enough to see that Harcourt had been more than casually +curious about his affairs. He went over the evening in his mind. First +the questions concerning the journey to Holland; then the questions +concerning my lord’s French journeys. Christopher remembered that Lady +Frances had talked to him on that subject. She had wanted to know what +it was that drew my lord to Paris. Well, he had not known. He still did +not know. He guessed that it was some woman for it was always that. He +had not puzzled over the matter at all. It was not unusual for Roxhythe +to journey to Paris;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</span> no one, save Lady Frances and Harcourt, had +thought it unusual. Why should these two strive to draw explanations +from him? What did they suspect? Why did they suspect? He resolved to +speak to Roxhythe himself. If he had aught to confide, surely my lord +would tell it to him?</p> + +<p>Christopher went into the library and lighted candles. He found an +invitation from Lady Frances to wait on her one day. She chided him for +what she termed his neglect. She believed he had tired of her already!</p> + +<p>It was a letter such as his mother might have written. Christopher +folded it carefully and put it away.</p> + +<p>Next day he went to her house, and was admitted into my lady’s private +parlour. It was a tastefully furnished room, hung in blue and gold to +suit my lady’s colouring. It looked south on to the gardens.</p> + +<p>Frances came to him, wonderfully dressed and coiffed.</p> + +<p>“You wicked boy! To think I had to send for you!” She allowed him to +kiss her hand. “Confess! You’ve no excuse?”</p> + +<p>“I did not like to plague you too often, Lady Frances!” stammered +Christopher.</p> + +<p>“What nonsense!” She sat down. “Did you not know that I like young +things about me?”</p> + +<p>“It is very kind of you,” said Christopher. “I love to come.”</p> + +<p>“That is very well,” nodded her ladyship. “But this time I want you for +a purpose.”</p> + +<p>“If there is aught I may do——”</p> + +<p>“Well, there is, but don’t make a speech about it, dear boy. I am past +the age of such vanities. Reserve them for your sweetheart.”</p> + +<p>“I have none!”</p> + +<p>“Then it is time you had! No matter; you are young yet. Best keep away +from such things....” She sighed. “These are sad times, Chris, and I’ve +led a wicked life! So I know all about it! Unless you find a very nice +girl, I shall not allow you a sweetheart!”</p> + +<p>“Indeed, I do not want one!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</span></p> + +<p>“Ungrateful boy! But listen! I contemplate a masquerade down at +Hatchley, when the warmer weather comes. Of course it must excel all +others in brilliance.”</p> + +<p>“Of course it will if you are there!” answered Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Naturally I shall be there. You are not to make me pretty speeches! +Well, as I say, it must be a very great success. For I intend to ask +His Majesty to grace it with his presence.”</p> + +<p>“Will he?” asked Christopher, wide-eyed.</p> + +<p>“Why, yes! His Majesty has a fondness for me, even though I have mended +my ways. He will come. Therefore, Chris, I must have Roxhythe. You see?”</p> + +<p>“Is he so needful to your party’s success?” smiled Christopher.</p> + +<p>“You know he is! No one would dream of entertaining Royalty if they +could not be assured of Roxhythe’s presence. So I must be assured of +it. There’s the difficulty. One cannot rely on David. One thinks one is +safe until the last minute, when lo, and behold! there is no Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>“He would never serve you so.” Christopher shook his head. “You have +only to ask him.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed he would! He has done it before! Oh, la—la! what a state I +was in! I vowed I would never forgive the wretch—no, nor receive +him neither. And then he appeared one day to dinner, and I had not +the heart to chide him.” She sighed. “’Tis always the same. You may +be never so angry with him when he is absent, but the moment you see +him—pouf! The anger is gone! But I deviate, I deviate. My husband +tells me that I can never walk straight to my point. Is he not rude? +Yes. Well, I must have Roxhythe. That is why I wanted to see you.”</p> + +<p>“How can I help you?” wondered Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Dull boy! For one thing you can see that he accepts no other +invitation for that night. Oh yes, that has been known to happen, +Chris. Roxhythe accepts all invitations haphazard, and finds that he +has as many as six for the same night. So he throws them all away and +goes to the one house to which he was not invited. Now don’t laugh!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</span> +It’s very serious. Do you give me your word you will prevent this +happening?”</p> + +<p>“I promise it shall not happen!” chuckled Christopher. “But what am I +to do if your invitation comes not first?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you must destroy the first in that case!” said her ladyship +airily. “He will never remember. Not that he would care a fig for’t an +he did. The other thing that you must do, Chris, is to see that he does +not go to Paris or what not on the day. You must make him come to me. +<i>C’est entendu?</i>”</p> + +<p>“I’ll try,” promised Christopher. “But one does not ‘make’ my lord do +anything.”</p> + +<p>“He’ll do what you ask, never fear! I really believe he hath some sort +of an affection for you.”</p> + +<p>Christopher flushed.</p> + +<p>“Some sort...?” he interrogated.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances looked at him for a moment. Her bright eyes softened.</p> + +<p>“Chris, dear, don’t love Roxhythe too greatly,” she said. The laughter +had gone from her voice.</p> + +<p>Christopher’s thoughts leapt back two years. He saw himself walking +with de Staal in Rotterdam, and heard de Staal’s warning:</p> + +<p>“... You will love heem ver’ mooch one day, only—I warn you—do not +love heem too mooch for he is Roxhyt’e, and he not care for anyone but +heemself, and hees Prince....”</p> + +<p>“Lady Frances, why do you say that?” he asked quickly. “Why should I +not love my lord?”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances stared down at her rings.</p> + +<p>“I like you, Chris. I—don’t want you to—get hurt.”</p> + +<p>“... One day, per’aps, he hurt you ver’ mooch, eef you not take care. +So I warn you....”</p> + +<p>“Please tell me why you say that!” begged Christopher. “Why should he +hurt me? What reason have you for misjudging him so?”</p> + +<p>“I can’t tell you, Chris. I do not know. But Roxhythe—is Roxhythe, and +I think one day you will be disappointed.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</span> You think him very great, +very good; suppose it were not so? Suppose he were not so true?”</p> + +<p>“It is impossible! When have you found him untrue? What right have you +to warn me against him?”</p> + +<p>She laid an impulsive hand on his arm.</p> + +<p>“None—none! Indeed it may be impossible! But—oh, he would never +return your regard! He cares for no one save himself! I don’t want you +to think him perfect—to reverence him so greatly! I don’t want you to +be so much under his influence!”</p> + +<p>Christopher’s eyes were flashing.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you would advise me to quit his service, Lady Frances? It +would not be the first time I have received such advice!”</p> + +<p>“I fear it were useless,” she said. “I only beg you not to trust in him +too much. He is utterly, utterly selfish.”</p> + +<p>“He loves his King—his Country!”</p> + +<p>“Don’t let us speak of it any more! You are greatly offended with me, I +know! But—remember, Chris!”</p> + +<p>The angry look died out of his eyes.</p> + +<p>“Forgive me if I have been rude, Lady Frances! I did not mean to be, +but I cannot bear to hear ill of my lord! Because he is indolent, and +does not interest himself in affairs, people dub him untrustworthy. +It is unjust! Even you think it impossible that a man should be above +suspicion! I—well let us talk of something else!” His boyish smile +peeped out.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances nodded.</p> + +<p>“What we really want to discuss is how to bring him to my masquerade,” +she said. “Only I deviated again.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll send him to you,” promised Christopher. “I think he will be only +too honoured.”</p> + +<p>“Pho!” My lady snapped her fingers. “So much for that! And you are to +bring him. Of course I am inviting you.”</p> + +<p>“How—how very kind you are!” exclaimed Christopher. “Thank you very +much, but do you think you want me?”</p> + +<p>“I had not asked you otherwise. Now, listen, Chris! I have decided that +masquerade had best be in June, so unless<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</span> I change my mind, June it +will be. I shall not send out the invitations for some time yet, but +you may tell Roxhythe. Tell him, too, that the success of my party +depends on his being present. ’Twill flatter his vanity.”</p> + +<p>“I will. I’ll tell him as soon as he comes home.” The words were hardly +out of his mouth before he had regretted them.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances looked up sharply.</p> + +<p>“Home? Where then is he?”</p> + +<p>“I think—in Paris,” said Christopher uncomfortably.</p> + +<p>“Again! Then—” she stopped. “Yes. He is very much in love with Madame, +is he not?”</p> + +<p>“I—I believe so!” said Christopher, who was sick of the sound of the +Duchess d’Orléans’ sobriquet. He prepared to make good his escape.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIIIb">CHAPTER VIII<br> +<span class="allsmcap">MADAME</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>ROXHYTHE proceeded to Paris in a blaze of magnificence, and on his +arrival went at once to the Louvre, to the apartments of M. le Comte de +Saint-Aignan. The doors flew open before him, and he was ushered into +the private room of M. le Comte.</p> + +<p>The room was furnished sumptuously and was much gilded. M. le Comte, +swathed in a marvellous satin wrapper, was reposing on a silken-covered +divan. In one hand he had a book of poems; the other was held by his +valet, who knelt at his side, manicuring monsieur’s delicate nails. +The air was heavy with some sweet scent; a fire burned in the grate. +On every embroidered seat were cushions; the rugs that covered the +polished floor were very thick and soft.</p> + +<p>When Roxhythe was announced the Comte dropped his book in surprise and +swung his legs to the ground.</p> + +<p>“<i>Mon Dieu!</i> Roxhyt’e!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe came forward gracefully.</p> + +<p>“If I am very inopportune, say so, my dear Comte.”</p> + +<p>“Inopportune! <i>Mais non!</i> How could such a thing be?” cried +Saint-Aignan. He rose, and clasped my lord’s hand. Over his shoulder +he addressed the valet. “François, you may go. Tell them to see to +monsieur’s apartments and his baggage. <i>Vite!</i>”</p> + +<p>“<i>Oui, monsieur.</i>” The man slipped out.</p> + +<p>Saint-Aignan drew his guest to a chair.</p> + +<p>“But sit down, <i>mon cher</i>! Why are you here?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe put his hat on the table. He cast the Comte a quizzical glance.</p> + +<p>“My dear Henri, you know as well, perhaps better, than I do myself.”</p> + +<p>The Comte made a little gesture of protest.</p> + +<p>“Roxhyt’e! So blunt! So brusque!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</span></p> + +<p>“I cry your pardon! You want a pretty phrase, eh? Well, I have come on +account of the <i>beaux yeux</i> of Madame.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, that!” The Comte threw out his hands. “It will suffice. They think +that in England?”</p> + +<p>“I really don’t know. It is quite likely.”</p> + +<p>“They do not know you in England? Not even now?”</p> + +<p>“Henri, you are a rogue. Do you think that you know me?”</p> + +<p>“<i>Mais oui! Tu es un grand poseur, mon ami!</i>”</p> + +<p>“Then they know me in England?”</p> + +<p>“No. They do not think you an intriguer.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe drew out his comfit-box.</p> + +<p>“Let me offer you a sweetmeat!”</p> + +<p>The Comte accepted one smiling.</p> + +<p>“You find that a good way to turn the subject?”</p> + +<p>“An excellent way. I have never known it fail.”</p> + +<p>“Except with me!”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you! You are incorrigible, Henri! But do strive to remember that I +am an idle <i>flâneur</i>!”</p> + +<p>“I will try. You do not intend to confide in me?”</p> + +<p>“But certainly! I bought these quite modish boots at Piccat’s. My +gloves I obtained with much difficulty at Dormont’s. You’ll observe the +gold fringe with the blue entwined. I conceived the idea. So now we +have gloves à la Roxhythe. I have my uses, you see.”</p> + +<p>The Comte could not resist inspecting the gloves. He did it +surreptitiously and pretended that he was not interested.</p> + +<p>“<i>Peste!</i> What do I want with your gloves? <i>Va donc!</i> You’ve +naught to tell me of your business in Paris?”</p> + +<p>“You’ll hear it all from His Majesty. Why plague me?”</p> + +<p>Saint-Aignan almost pouted.</p> + +<p>“You are as secret as the dead. <i>Eh bien!</i> Tell me of your cold, +dark city. What of Whitehall?”</p> + +<p>“The same as ever. And the cold, dark city is very bright and +spring-like.”</p> + +<p>“<i>C’est vrai?</i> Ah! Roxhyt’e!” He straightened in his chair.</p> + +<p>“Well, what now?” My lord looked lazily across at him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</span></p> + +<p>“How dared you stay with de Guiche last month? Why did you not come +here as before?”</p> + +<p>“Two reasons.”</p> + +<p>“Give them, <i>vaurien</i>! You will be abominably rude, I know!”</p> + +<p>“I shall. Firstly, de Guiche showed a marked desire for my company; +secondly, I had little or no desire for yours. Are you satisfied?”</p> + +<p>“<i>Parfaitement!</i>” The Comte’s mobile face was wreathed in smiles. +“Inimitable one! And for how long do you intend to honour me?”</p> + +<p>“I am not sure. Not more than ten days. Can you bear with me so long as +that?”</p> + +<p>“I could bear with you for much longer. You refresh me. You have made +your bow to the King?”</p> + +<p>“No, I came straight to you.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, you must go to His Majesty! He will be delighted to see you again. +I tell you, Roxhyt’e, it is only in France that you are appreciated.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, no! They appreciate me in England, I assure you.”</p> + +<p>“A maker of gloves! Bah! I shall take you with me to-night.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned an inquiring eye upon him.</p> + +<p>“To the levée,” nodded Saint-Aignan.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sighed.</p> + +<p>“I believe I shall be indisposed. Your Grand Monarcque is so damned +austere.”</p> + +<p>Saint-Aignan laughed at him.</p> + +<p>“That will be good for you, <i>mon cher</i>! A change from your King, +eh?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Roxhythe. “King Charles, thank God, is not of a strenuous +disposition.”</p> + +<p>“But you will come?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe rose. He smiled down at the brisk Comte.</p> + +<p>“For the good of my soul,” he bowed.</p> + +<p>He went to the levée, gorgeously clad in silver and pale blue, with +slashings of rose-pink. Even the critical Saint-Aignan was pleased to +approve of his costume. He observed that Roxhythe “took the eye.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</span></p> + +<p>His Majesty was very gracious. He allowed Roxhythe to kiss his hand, +and he stayed for some moments to talk to him. Then he pursued his +regal way, an imposing little figure, bearing himself with all the +haughtiness, the sublime magnificence that characterised him.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe always protested that His Most Christian Majesty was a figure +of fun, but in his heart he must have respected him, although he never +acknowledged it. He remarked, when pressed, that Louis tickled his +sense of humour.</p> + +<p>When the King left him my lord paid some extravagant compliments to +the La Vallière, under the eye of Madame de Montespan, for whom he +possessed some strange fascination, until that eye was flaming with +anger. Then he left La Vallière, and paid still more extravagant +compliments to La Montespan, to the amusement of Mademoiselle. After +that he disappeared in the wake of de Guiche, and was next seen in +attendance on Mademoiselle de Foucheron, one of the Queen’s ladies.</p> + +<p>Monsieur, as was called the Duc d’Orléans, strolled across the room, +saw Roxhythe, exclaimed at him, and claimed his attention. Roxhythe’s +boredom grew. He did not find the King’s brother entertaining. He +presently departed, taking with him one Philippe de Courcillon, Marquis +de Dangeau. He appeared no more that evening.</p> + +<p>Saint-Aignan found him in elegant déshabillé, in his room, some hours +later.</p> + +<p>“<i>Mais, mon ami!</i> Madame has been asking for you!”</p> + +<p>“Alas!” Roxhythe sat down. “I met Monsieur instead.”</p> + +<p>“Madame did not arrive until an hour later. I told her you were +fatigued from your journey and had retired early. And why did you drag +de Courcillon with you? <i>Mon Dieu, mon Dieu, tu es incorrigible!</i>”</p> + +<p>“Oh? Was it not permitted? De Courcillon amuses me. We went into the +gardens and exchanged reminiscences. I never believe in outstaying my +welcome.”</p> + +<p>Saint-Aignan caught sight of himself in the glass.</p> + +<p>“I am not satisfied with this wig,” he mused. “It lacks that +indescribable something—My dear Marquis, you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</span> could not outstay your +welcome, but certain it is that every one is ten thousand times more +intrigued to see you now that you are gone. It is very curious.”</p> + +<p>“No, very natural. I never stay longer than an hour at a levée.”</p> + +<p>Saint-Aignan started to laugh.</p> + +<p>“<i>Pardieu, Roxhyt’e! Que tu es amusant!</i> And they tolerate you at +Whitehall? La-la! That is why they call you enigmatical! Because you do +things that no one else dare dream of doing! And you have not offended +to-night! No. ‘<i>Voila</i>,’ they say.—‘<i>C’est Roxhyt’e!</i>’ +<i>Oh, grand poseur!</i>”</p> + +<p>“Go to bed,” smiled my lord. “You fatigue me!”</p> + +<p>“I would you might stay here an hundred years,” continued Saint-Aignan. +“I should never weary of you!” He went out, still chuckling.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe arrived at the Palais Royal next afternoon, and inquired for +Madame.</p> + +<p>The lackey shook his head.</p> + +<p>“Madame does not receive this afternoon, monsieur.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe tapped his comfit-box with an impatient finger.</p> + +<p>“My friend, you are not acquainted with me. I am Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>The man bowed at once.</p> + +<p>“Pardon, milor’! If milor’ will enter, I will inform Madame. Madame has +said she will receive milor’.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was shown into a great room over-looking the courtyard.</p> + +<p>After a few moments the lackey returned.</p> + +<p>“If milor’ will deign to follow me....”</p> + +<p>He led Roxhythe up the grand staircase, and across the hall, to a +smaller room which was Madame’s private salon.</p> + +<p>The Duchesse rose at his entry, and extended her hand.</p> + +<p>“I have been expecting you, my lord.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed, carrying her fingers to his lips. If he ever bent the +knee to a woman, that woman was Henrietta Stuart, Duchesse d’Orléans.</p> + +<p>“I am honoured, Madame.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</span></p> + +<p>She waved him to a chair, and made a sign to her lady-in-waiting to +leave the room. The lady went out, gracefully.</p> + +<p>“Sit down near me! <i>C’est cela!</i> Tell me, did you recognize my +<i>demoiselle d’honneur</i>?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe frowned.</p> + +<p>“Was she with you at Dunkirk, Madame?”</p> + +<p>“And in London. You do not remember?”</p> + +<p>“On the contrary. Mademoiselle de Kéroualle. His Majesty conceived a +liking for her.”</p> + +<p>Madame’s great eyes scanned his face.</p> + +<p>“Mademoiselle desires to join the Court at Whitehall.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s lips twitched.</p> + +<p>“I see. Well, you have chosen a fit envoy.”</p> + +<p>“So I think. Charles will permit it?”</p> + +<p>“No doubt he will be delighted.”</p> + +<p>Madame had charming dimples. She showed them now.</p> + +<p>“He is a sad man,” she said. “Poor Charles!” The dimples vanished. +“Well—M. Colbert de Croissy informs us that His Majesty—considers.”</p> + +<p>“What I admire about M. Colbert is his careful truth,” remarked +Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Then His Majesty has not come to a decision?”</p> + +<p>“By no means. Subject to certain conditions he will give the matter his +serious consideration.”</p> + +<p>“Ah!” Madame pulled a cushion into place. “Go on, Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>My lord chose and ate a comfit with great deliberation. Then he snapped +the box and put it away.</p> + +<p>“Madame, you must forgive me an I weary you, but I wish to come to +an understanding. You’ll permit me to go back a little. In February +as you know, M. Colbert was granted an audience at Whitehall. There +were present, His Majesty, His Grace of York, Sir Thomas Clifford, and +myself. M. Colbert laid before us as prettily worded a scheme as it has +ever been my lot to listen to. The second thing I admire in M. Colbert +is his capacity for vague terms. The proposition that he unfolded was +rosy in hue—for England. The only point where we were left in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</span> +dark regarded France. His Majesty was, and still is, curious to know in +what way France stands to profit by the alliance.”</p> + +<p>“Did M. Colbert not tell you?” evaded Madame.</p> + +<p>“M. Colbert showed himself most astute except in one point. That was +his estimation of King Charles. He did not give him credit for any +brain, Madame.”</p> + +<p>“M. Colbert knows that His Majesty is—very wise.”</p> + +<p>“Then he did not intend to flatter him by showing that knowledge. He +gave us fair words but he omitted to tell us exactly what it is that +France requires of England.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps he thought His Majesty astute enough to guess that.”</p> + +<p>“It may be so. But, Madame, it is not King Charles his custom to sign +treaties on supposition.”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, did I not tell you myself? Why recall all this?”</p> + +<p>“Madame,” he answered, bowing. “I have always said that you were born +to be a politician. You also gave me vague explanations and fair words. +I want plain speaking; that is why I recall it. Till now you have +refused to speak plainly.”</p> + +<p>She sat still, twisting the cushion tassel about her finger.</p> + +<p>“You are very bold, my lord.”</p> + +<p>“Your pardon, Madame, no. Rather ’tis you and King Louis who are bold +to seek to cozen my master.”</p> + +<p>Her irrepressible smile peeped out.</p> + +<p>“I think perhaps you are right, Roxhythe. I will be more explicit.”</p> + +<p>Again he bowed.</p> + +<p>“King Louis is at war with Holland. At any moment he may be called upon +to war with Spain. France is very powerful; she can easily support the +cost of these wars. But ...” Madame looked up. “... She must be assured +that England will not enter into the conflict on Holland’s side. That +might—I say might, Roxhythe—turn the scale. Louis is cautious. He +does not want to run the risk of defeat. So he seeks to bring about +this treaty. You know all this.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</span></p> + +<p>“Yes, Madame, but I wanted it from your own lips. This war with +Spain—I gather it would only come in the event of the Spanish King’s +death?”</p> + +<p>“That is so. The matter is very near to Louis’ heart.”</p> + +<p>“So I apprehend. Now, M. Colbert spoke with his engaging airiness of +wars. He told us that King Louis would require England to aid him in +these wars. Does this apply to the possible war with Spain?”</p> + +<p>“Of course it does.”</p> + +<p>“I wonder if King Louis ever gave the Triple Bond his attention?”</p> + +<p>“Why?”</p> + +<p>“Because if he had carefully read that bond he would have seen that +England has promised to hold Spain inviolate.”</p> + +<p>“He knows that.”</p> + +<p>“Yet he proposes this?”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, the whole of this treaty is a violation of the Triple Bond! +Why cavil at that one point?”</p> + +<p>“That one point, Madame, is direct. The rest is vague, and might be +termed a violation. This is too positive.”</p> + +<p>“You want it kept out of the treaty?”</p> + +<p>“I do. It is no matter to King Charles whether or no France usurps the +throne of Spain. But it is possible that Clifford and Arlington might +not see eye to eye with His Majesty there. Can you not employ one of +those vague terms, Madame?”</p> + +<p>“To leave a loop-hole for Charles? Roxhythe, Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>“All I ask is that you do not specify any particular war. You may +make it as blind as you please, but pray have a thought for Messieurs +Clifford and Arlington their scruples.”</p> + +<p>“They must know what it is that Louis hath in his mind?”</p> + +<p>“They know, yes. But they can shut their eyes to the obvious so long as +it is not made too obvious.”</p> + +<p>Her laughter bubbled over.</p> + +<p>“How wise you are, Roxhythe! I will tell King Louis. Is that all you +want with me?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</span></p> + +<p>“I fear I am trespassing on your time, Madame. It is not all. There are +two more points.”</p> + +<p>She sighed.</p> + +<p>“Let us have the first.”</p> + +<p>“The first, Madame, is the point on which you have—pardon +me—consistently evaded me. You say that King Louis wishes to see the +Catholic religion furthered in England. He also wishes England to join +him in subduing the Provinces.”</p> + +<p>“The two are not incompatible,” said Madame.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled a little.</p> + +<p>“Are they not, Madame? Yet I think you will agree that they cannot both +be done at one and the same time.”</p> + +<p>Madame twitched her gown with fingers that trembled.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, I am tired of this subject.”</p> + +<p>“And I, Madame. Therefore I wished to have the question settled. His +Majesty stipulates that the furtherance of Catholicism in England shall +precede war with the Dutch.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Roxhythe. And King Louis stipulates that war with the Dutch shall +come first.”</p> + +<p>“I am sorry. May I state my case?”</p> + +<p>“Please do.”</p> + +<p>“It is this: by making England Catholic once more King Charles his +position is strengthened. He may then safely enter into hostilities +against Holland. If he does so now there will be uproar in the Houses, +perhaps discovery of this compact; even failure.”</p> + +<p>Madame looked up. She scanned Roxhythe’s face thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“My lord, you have known my brother for many years.”</p> + +<p>“I have had that honour, Madame.”</p> + +<p>“I also have known him for many years.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Madame?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Roxhythe. I know that he is astute; I see that he wishes to +avoid war with Holland; I know too that this desire for Catholicism +is a blind to King Louis, and possibly a sop to my brother James his +scruples. King Charles<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</span> can twist and dupe his Parliament with the +utmost ease. Am I right?”</p> + +<p>“Not entirely, Madame. My argument still stands.”</p> + +<p>“Because of James?”</p> + +<p>“No. It is King Charles his wish.”</p> + +<p>Madame bit her lip. She seemed to consider.</p> + +<p>“So I am to bear that message to King Louis?”</p> + +<p>“I shall be greatly indebted to you if you will, Madame.”</p> + +<p>“I think I will do it, Roxhythe. And we shall see. Is that all?”</p> + +<p>“I am very tiresome, Madame. There is still the second point.”</p> + +<p>Suddenly her gravity left her. She threw out her hands, laughing.</p> + +<p>“I know what is coming now!” she despaired. “<i>Mordieu</i>, I’ll never +act intermediary again! The price!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe did not smile.</p> + +<p>“An all important question, Madame.”</p> + +<p>She folded her hands.</p> + +<p>“Proceed.”</p> + +<p>“M. Colbert—I think I told you of my admiration for his vagueness?”</p> + +<p>“Chut!” she reproved him.</p> + +<p>“I thought so. M. Colbert spoke of the bribe—no, I beg your +pardon—the allowance that King Louis wished to offer my master. We +were both surprised and gratified to hear of this matter. But M. +Colbert contrived and still contrives to leave us unsatisfied after +all. He forgot to mention figures. I fear he is very absent-minded, +Madame.”</p> + +<p>“Did I not mention figures when you last were here?” asked Madame.</p> + +<p>“I have no recollection of it. I remember you gave vent to some +pleasantry on the subject.”</p> + +<p>“Pleasantry, sir?”</p> + +<p>“I believe so. You spoke of sixty thousand pounds, or some such trifle.”</p> + +<p>“That was no pleasantry, Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>My lord’s brows rose.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</span></p> + +<p>“I did you the honour to treat it as such, Madame.”</p> + +<p>Madame studied the cushion tassel.</p> + +<p>“Well? What does Charles want?”</p> + +<p>“He will sign your treaty, Madame, for the annual allowances of two +hundred thousand pounds paid quarterly. No less.”</p> + +<p>Madame bit her lip.</p> + +<p>“Impossible!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe took up his hat.</p> + +<p>“In that case, Madame, we are wasting time. The negotiations need +proceed no further.” He rose as he spoke.</p> + +<p>Madame raised her hands.</p> + +<p>“Oh, la-la! So haughty? No, no, sit down, Roxhythe! We must talk of +this.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe relaxed again.</p> + +<p>“What is there to talk of, Madame? Those are King Charles his terms. It +but remains for you to put them before King Louis.”</p> + +<p>“Shall we be quite honest?” said Madame, sweetly. “You name that +figure—why?”</p> + +<p>“It seems a fair price,” answered Roxhythe. “Or do you want me to be +really honest?”</p> + +<p>“I said so.”</p> + +<p>“Very well. I am, as I was informed the other day, very quick to take +impressions. I received one from you that led me to advise my master to +ask that sum of Louis.”</p> + +<p>“Aho! I wondered if you were as stupidly obtuse as you appeared. It +seems you are not. I felicitate you, my lord. But I do not think I gave +you such a decided impression.”</p> + +<p>“You gave me to understand that Louis was prepared to go to a far +greater sum than sixty thousand. The rest I gathered from mine own +intuition, and various other sources.”</p> + +<p>“My Lord Roxhythe, you are either a very clever man or else a fool. I +do not think that Louis will go to that figure. One hundred thousand +perhaps. But two hundred thousand! It is a very different matter.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</span></p> + +<p>“You will see, Madame. It is King Charles his last word.”</p> + +<p>She looked at him admiringly.</p> + +<p>“You have unbounded confidence in yourself, Roxhythe. Do you tell me +that that is my brother his last word? I seem to see your hand alone in +it. You must be very sure.”</p> + +<p>“I am very sure,” he replied.</p> + +<p>“So was Lord Arundell sure when he asked two million.”</p> + +<p>“But I, Madame, am not Lord Arundell.”</p> + +<p>“No,” she sighed. “I would you were. You are quite certain?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Madame.”</p> + +<p>“Then we understand one another. I’ll give—King Charles his last +word—to Louis. You are satisfied?”</p> + +<p>He rose.</p> + +<p>“Since I am assured of your support in the matter, yes, Madame.”</p> + +<p>“You are audacity itself,” she said. “Will you wait on me—no, I’ll +send you word what day. Are you staying with de Guiche as before?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said my lord, possessing himself of her hand. “This time I am +honouring Saint-Aignan.”</p> + +<p>“How truly delightful for him!” she retaliated. “Well, you shall hear +from me.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe kissed her hand.</p> + +<p>“I shall await your commands, Madame. I have to thank you for receiving +me to-day.”</p> + +<p>“Did you see Madame?” asked Saint-Aignan of him, two hours later.</p> + +<p>“I did,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Well? What of the interview?”</p> + +<p>“She is the most charming, beautiful lady that I have ever known,” +replied my lord.</p> + +<p>“I consider that you have offered me your comfit-box!” laughed +Saint-Aignan. “I am dumb, then?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe nodded approvingly.</p> + +<p>“You should never give way to idle curiosity,” he said. He surveyed +his friend critically. “And I do not think I like the mixture of +salmon-pink and orange.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IXb">CHAPTER IX<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE GROWTH OF THE SEED</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>LORD Ashley-Cooper desired to see Mr. Dart. Lord Ashley-Cooper was +conducted to the library. Christopher was not there, so my lord was +requested to wait. My lord sat down. He surveyed his surroundings, +which were very handsome. The room was hung in brown and gold; the +chairs were leather-seated, with carved wooden backs; the table was of +solid oak. Over by the window stood Christopher’s desk. The room gave +on to the gardens.</p> + +<p>Presently Christopher came quickly into the room.</p> + +<p>“My lord! This is indeed an honour!”</p> + +<p>Ashley took his hands, looking at him gloomily. It was a different +Christopher from the boy who had visited him two years ago. Christopher +had now an ease of manner; a presence. He dressed well, and with none +of his former sobriety. He still wore his own fair hair, but he had +taken to dressing it very carefully, and it hung in ordered curls +about his shoulders. Ashley had watched the gradual change from afar +but he had rarely seen Christopher for any length of time alone. Hence +Christopher’s surprise.</p> + +<p>He pulled forward a more comfortable chair.</p> + +<p>“Pray sit down, sir! I am delighted to see you. Have you commands for +me, I wonder?”</p> + +<p>“No.” Ashley watched one of my lord’s liveried servants place wine and +glasses on the table. “This is purely a friendly call.”</p> + +<p>Christopher nodded to the servant.</p> + +<p>“You may go, Roger. I am out to all other visitors.”</p> + +<p>The man bowed and departed. Christopher busied himself with the glasses.</p> + +<p>“Some canary, my lord? Yes?” He handed him the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</span> glass and poured out +another for himself. Then he sat down.</p> + +<p>“Well, it is a very long while since I have had any private +conversation with you, sir. This is very pleasant.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed, yes. I do not think I have really talked to you since you +returned from Holland.”</p> + +<p>Christopher frowned a little. On that occasion, Ashley had been moved +to adjure him to leave Roxhythe’s service, now that his work was done. +After that there had been a slight estrangement between them.</p> + +<p>“No, I think not,” said Christopher. “Do you hear from Roderick at all, +sir?”</p> + +<p>“Very seldom,” replied Ashley. “Have you any news of him?”</p> + +<p>For a while they talked of Roderick and trivialities. Then Ashley took +advantage of a pause to change the subject.</p> + +<p>“Lord Roxhythe is still away?”</p> + +<p>Christopher sighed inwardly.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” he replied, on guard.</p> + +<p>“Indeed? He is often abroad, is he not? I suppose you manage his +affairs?”</p> + +<p>“I have that honour,” said Christopher. He filled up the glasses.</p> + +<p>“Christopher, have you yet discovered that Lord Roxhythe is a—very +complex character?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Christopher. “Have you?”</p> + +<p>“I suspect it,” said Ashley. “I fear it. In fact, I fear Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>Christopher was silent. He was tired of discussing Roxhythe with all +and sundry.</p> + +<p>“I fear he is not so indolent as he would have us believe.” Ashley +ground the knuckles of one hand into the palm of the other. “I mistrust +him. I always have mistrusted him. I may say I am a judge of character.”</p> + +<p>“Oh!” said Christopher.</p> + +<p>Ashley slewed round in his chair so that he faced him.</p> + +<p>“Why is he in Paris?” he asked abruptly.</p> + +<p>Christopher set down his glass.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</span></p> + +<p>“He is in Paris because he is in love with Madame. What else would you +like to know?”</p> + +<p>Some of the worried lines were smoothed from Ashley’s forehead.</p> + +<p>“Is that true?”</p> + +<p>The colour was mounting to Christopher’s cheeks. His eyes sparkled +dangerously.</p> + +<p>“I am not in the habit of lying, my lord.”</p> + +<p>“No, no,” soothed Ashley. “I know you at least are honest. And I know +you are no plotter. Well, well! You then can vouch for what you tell +me?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I can!” cried Christopher, carried away. “My lord is at Madame’s +feet! That is his reason for going so frequently to Paris! None other!”</p> + +<p>“I may have been wrong.”</p> + +<p>“Do you suspect everyone of plotting, sir?”</p> + +<p>“Everyone!” replied Ashley, quickly. “Everyone!”</p> + +<p>“Even Roxhythe!” Christopher laughed derisively. “Why, I tell you no +thought is farther from his head!” He spoke with unbounded confidence. +Ashley read the transparent honesty in his eyes, and leant back in his +chair.</p> + +<p>“And you know him as well as anyone, I suppose. Oh, do not be angry, +Chris! It is part of my office to guard against possible intrigue. You +say Roxhythe is in love with Madame. I had not thought of that. Yes, it +is very likely. He must ever be in love with some woman.” He sneered.</p> + +<p>“Suppose we talk of something else?” suggested Christopher, controlling +the fury in his voice.</p> + +<p>Ashley leant forward.</p> + +<p>“Ah, Chris! Don’t speak like that! I had no thought to offend you. I +wish you so well.”</p> + +<p>Christopher was mollified.</p> + +<p>“I am not offended, my lord. Indeed, I am sorry if I spoke rudely. But +I do not relish adverse criticism of my Lord Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“Then we are friends, Chris?”</p> + +<p>Christopher took his outstretched hand.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</span></p> + +<p>“Of course, my lord!”</p> + +<p>The heavy curtain hanging across the open doorway parted noiselessly. +A tall figure stood there, all in black and gold, with thick chestnut +curls framing his face. One white hand rested on his sword-hilt; the +other fingered the lace at his throat. Calm brown eyes surveyed the two +by the fire.</p> + +<p>The Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe swept a bow to Lord +Ashley-Cooper.</p> + +<p>Christopher was on his feet in a flash.</p> + +<p>“My lord!” he cried joyfully, and hurried forward.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe held out his hand. He spoke to Ashley.</p> + +<p>“I intrude. I apologize. I thought Chris was alone.”</p> + +<p>Ashley watched Christopher kiss my lord’s fingers and saw the quick +pressure of Roxhythe’s hand on his. He too rose.</p> + +<p>“I think ’tis I who am the intruder,” he said. “I have been visiting +Christopher, whom I have not seen for some time. I will now withdraw.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe disengaged his hand.</p> + +<p>“I beg you will not!” He went to the door.</p> + +<p>Ashley stayed him with a gesture.</p> + +<p>“I was on the point of taking my leave,” he assured him. “I have been +here too long already. I am a busy man, Lord Roxhythe. Chris!”</p> + +<p>Christopher accompanied him out.</p> + +<p>When he came back, Roxhythe had shed his long gold-lined cloak, and was +seated on the edge of the table, swinging one booted leg.</p> + +<p>“Well, Chris? Everything is as it should be?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. There are one or two letters from the bailiff at Bevan. I do +not think him honest. Will you see them?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe nodded.</p> + +<p>“And for the rest?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing untoward has happened, sir. You are returned sooner than I +expected.” He turned over a pile of papers, searching for the letters.</p> + +<p>“Sooner than I expected myself. I found I was tired of Paris.” He took +two sheets of parchment from<span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</span> Christopher, and started to read. “I did +not know you were on speaking terms with Ashley,” he remarked, not +lifting his eyes from the paper. “A reconciliation?”</p> + +<p>“Something of the sort,” acknowledged Christopher. “I have barely +spoken to him since he counselled me to leave your service. To-day he +came to visit me. A kindly intention, but he contrived to ruffle me the +more.”</p> + +<p>“Oh?” Roxhythe turned the sheet over, and went on reading.</p> + +<p>“Yes.” Christopher knitted his brows. “He wanted to know why you were +in Paris; why you went so often, and a lot more beside. I am sick to +death of being questioned concerning your movements!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stopped swinging his leg. Still he did not raise his eyes.</p> + +<p>“I hope you satisfied him?”</p> + +<p>“Well—yes! I think now that I spoke hastily, and had no right to say +what I did. But I was angered, and the words slipped out.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe laid down the paper.</p> + +<p>“What did you say?”</p> + +<p>“I confirmed the popular tale, sir. Ashley had some fool’s notion of +intrigue. I told him you were at the feet of Madame.” He spoke rather +nervously.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe picked the paper up again.</p> + +<p>“Truthful boy,” he said.</p> + +<p>Christopher was silent for a moment, still frowning.</p> + +<p>“My lord,” he said, at last. “Ashley is not the first who has sought +to suck me of news concerning you. I dined with Harcourt the other +night, and he talked of you until I had perforce to snub him. Everyone +wants to know what you do, and why you do it. Even Lady Frances has +questioned me! And I do not know! I—I can only fall back on gossip, +and I have been so harried and worried that I too am beginning to +wonder: why did you go to Paris?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe went on reading.</p> + +<p>“You told me yourself a moment ago.”</p> + +<p>“I only told you what gossip says. You have never<span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</span> confided in +me—indeed, I did not expect it. I thought nothing of these sudden +comings and goings. But other people seem suspicious. Why are they +suspicious? Why do they think you—are not what you seem to be?”</p> + +<p>“Heaven knows!”</p> + +<p>Christopher moved an agitated hand.</p> + +<p>“My lord, you know I am not inquisitive. But—but—is there any truth +in Ashley’s suspicions?”</p> + +<p>At last my lord looked up.</p> + +<p>“What precisely are his suspicions?”</p> + +<p>“He told me he mistrusted you; he said you were a complex character. He +hinted at intrigue. I know—I thought I knew—that such a thing would +never enter your head. I said so; I laughed the idea to scorn. He was +reassured, but between them all, I have been set thinking. Is there any +truth in their suspicions?”</p> + +<p>“None whatever,” said Roxhythe. He folded up the letters.</p> + +<p>Christopher heaved a sigh of relief.</p> + +<p>“I knew it!” he said. “But when next you go away I wish you would leave +me some explanation to give these people!”</p> + +<p>“You gave them the right one,” answered Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Yes, but I did not know if it was right or wrong. I had to say +something, and oh lud! the good advice I have received!” He laughed +ruefully. “Everyone advises me to quit your service at once, and why +God alone knows! I have been so infuriated, sir!”</p> + +<p>“Poor Chris! You can quit my service if you will.”</p> + +<p>“Sir! Have I shown myself so lacking in affection to you that you +should think that possible? I do not want ever to do that. I—I am so +relieved to know that you are not leading—well, a double life! Of +course I did not really think it, but when several people all show +suspicions one cannot help wondering. And then there was the Dutch +affair. You plotted then, but it was for the King, and the King was +plotting for the country, so it’s all one. You would never plot against +the country, I know. I do not think, either, that you are in the habit +of taking part in intrigue.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</span></p> + +<p>“You know me rather well, don’t you?” smiled Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Better than do these—mischief-makers,” replied Christopher. “I am +wise enough to trust in you implicitly.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe regarded him curiously.</p> + +<p>“Are you? I am flattered.” He glanced down at his letters. His face was +quite impassive.</p> + +<p>“It is strange that so many people should warn me ’gainst you,” +continued Christopher, airily. “First there was de Staal....”</p> + +<p>The brown eyes lifted, and fell again.</p> + +<p>“... Then Roderick, then Ashley, then Lady Frances. Are they all +crazed?”</p> + +<p>“It seems so. Christopher, I think you must go to Bevan and attend to +this matter.” Roxhythe tapped the parchment with his finger. “I mislike +the tone of the man’s letter. I’ll have you keep a watchful eye on his +doings, and, if need be, dismiss him and engage another in his place.”</p> + +<p>Christopher’s face fell a little.</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir. I suppose I shall be there some weeks?”</p> + +<p>“I am afraid so. I shall miss you sadly here, but it cannot be helped.”</p> + +<p>“When do you wish me to go, sir?”</p> + +<p>“As soon as possible.” Roxhythe stood up. “I’ll look more closely into +this presently.” He tossed the letters on to the table. “What am I +doing to-night?”</p> + +<p>Christopher referred to a tablet.</p> + +<p>“You are going to Lady Caroline Sowerby’s rout, sir.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shook his head.</p> + +<p>“What induced you to accept that? Sowerby, forsooth! No, that is too +much to expect of me. I shall wait on Lady Crewe.” He went out.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Xb">CHAPTER X<br> +MAY, 1670</h2> +</div> + + +<p>DURING the weeks that followed Roxhythe lived almost entirely in +France. At first Louis refused to countenance Charles’ demands, and +it needed much skilful diplomacy and tender handling to persuade him. +My Lord Arlington too proved troublesome, and cavilled at first one +point and then another. At length Louis agreed that the furtherance +of Catholicism in England should precede war with the Dutch, but on +the subject of price he remained adamant. It almost seemed as though +another deadlock had been reached, and Charles, urgently in need +of money, was inclined to modify his demands. It was Roxhythe who +counselled patience; Roxhythe who continued the negotiations, calmly, +unhurriedly.</p> + +<p>Christopher stayed at Bevan for nearly two months. Whenever he +announced his intention of returning, as if by magic some new trouble +would arise and he would be bidden to attend to it. It was not until +the beginning of March of 1670 that he came back, and by that time the +negotiations with France were practically at an end.</p> + +<p>Towards the middle of the month Roxhythe had private audience with the +King. Charles was in high spirits.</p> + +<p>“My dear Davy, we have come to the end!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was placid.</p> + +<p>“I always said that the spring would see the end,” he remarked.</p> + +<p>Charles drew him to a chair.</p> + +<p>“You did, David. M. Colbert de Croissy has been with me. Louis gives me +the sum I ask. Bealling is to draft the treaty. We win.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sire, we win. I was determined that there should not be another +failure.”</p> + +<p>Charles pressed his shoulder.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</span></p> + +<p>“You are thinking of the Nassau intrigue? Does it rankle?”</p> + +<p>“I believe it does,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>It was not until May, however, that the treaty was signed. There was +much argument as to the manner in which it should be done, but it was +at length decided that Madame d’Orléans should come over to Dover +ostensibly to see her brother, and that the representatives of both +parties should sign it there.</p> + +<p>Louis and his Court were making a tour of the country round Dunkirk, so +that it would be no great matter for Madame to sail to England for a +short space.</p> + +<p>On the sixteenth of the month Charles travelled in state to Dover. He +was accompanied by all his court with the exception of the Duke of +York, who was prevented from coming until a few days later.</p> + +<p>The festivities at Dover were riotously extravagant. Every minute of +every day was planned out for Madame’s entertainment, yet in the midst +of all the gaiety Charles found time to have private speech with his +sister.</p> + +<p>The interview did not last long, but it was conclusive. That evening +the King summoned his favourite.</p> + +<p>“David, I have agreed to my sister’s wishes.”</p> + +<p>“Ah!” said Roxhythe. “And they were?”</p> + +<p>“That I should give the war with Holland my first attention.” He looked +closely at my lord as he spoke.</p> + +<p>“You thus make yourself dependent on Parliament, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Not wholly, Louis gives me three million livres yearly for as long as +the war shall last.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe walked to the window.</p> + +<p>“In part I applaud you, Sir. It were best to defer the declaring of +yourself a Catholic.”</p> + +<p>Charles laughed.</p> + +<p>“I have always known that to be worse than imprudent.”</p> + +<p>“Of course. I think His Grace of York will not care for the amendment.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps not. But I think I am wiser than is James.”</p> + +<p>“So do I,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>There the matter ended.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</span></p> + +<p>A few days later came the Duke of York. When he heard that Charles +had given way to Louis he was first furious and then despairing. He +implored his brother to recall the promise; he uttered solemn warnings +and urgent pleas. To all of which Charles smiled and smiled again.</p> + +<p>Madame at once perceived James’ discontent. As soon as she could +conveniently do so she taxed him with it. He came into the room one +evening when she was seated with Roxhythe at the window, watching +the bonfires in the distance. When the Duke entered Madame shot a +commanding glance at her companion. My lord bowed and sauntered out.</p> + +<p>James sat down heavily. After a moment Madame went to him and laid a +caressing hand on his arm.</p> + +<p>“What is it, James? There is something you do not like?”</p> + +<p>The Duke covered her hand with his.</p> + +<p>“I am torn this way and that, Henriette. I scarce know myself what ails +me.”</p> + +<p>She sat down beside him.</p> + +<p>“Why are you so torn, <i>mon ami</i>? Is it this bond? You still have +misgivings?”</p> + +<p>“Deep misgivings. This secrecy likes me not at all. It is as though we +were thieves—in the night.”</p> + +<p>She was silent. There was nothing to say.</p> + +<p>“I want this alliance,” he continued sombrely. “I have prayed for it. +But not this way.”</p> + +<p>“How then would you have it?”</p> + +<p>“Openly. With the consent of Parliament.”</p> + +<p>“They would never consent.”</p> + +<p>“They might be compelled. There is the army.”</p> + +<p>“It is not practicable,” she answered. “You know it.”</p> + +<p>He brushed his hand to and fro across the table.</p> + +<p>“Henriette, what we do is not right! It is not honourable! For Kings to +traffic secretly with one another—it revolts me!”</p> + +<p>Again she was silent.</p> + +<p>“And now you have induced Charles to go to war with Holland before he +declares himself Catholic!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</span></p> + +<p>“James, believe me, it is impossible for Charles to do that now. He +dare not. The time is not yet.”</p> + +<p>“You are all the same,” said the Duke bitterly. “‘The time is not yet.’ +Wait, wait, wait, until it is too late! I tell you I am sick unto death +of the whole affair.”</p> + +<p>“Then leave it to us, James! Charles is acting for the best, as am I. +Is it only this question of Catholicism that troubles you?” Her eyes +searched his face.</p> + +<p>“No,” said James. “I fear a trap.”</p> + +<p>“Who would be likely to lay traps for you?”</p> + +<p>He returned her glance squarely.</p> + +<p>“Louis.”</p> + +<p>Madame took his hands.</p> + +<p>“I swear to you there is no such thing.”</p> + +<p>“You may not know.”</p> + +<p>“If there were a trap Charles had been the first to see it,” she said.</p> + +<p>James’s lip curled scornfully, and a little sadly.</p> + +<p>“Charles thinks of naught save money and women. He is careless—blind.”</p> + +<p>“You misjudge him,” she answered. “Charles is no fool.”</p> + +<p>He shook his head wearily.</p> + +<p>“I do not understand him. I never have understood him. Great issues +weigh with him not at all; he spends his days idling—and making love.”</p> + +<p>“You do not know,” she said quietly.</p> + +<p>“It may be that.” An angry light came into his eyes. “He does not give +me his confidence! He laughs at me, and fences when I question him. All +his confidence goes to that man!” He jerked his head towards the door.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe?” she asked, watching him.</p> + +<p>His hand clenched slowly.</p> + +<p>“Ay, Roxhythe. That impudent <i>poseur</i>! That court-darling! +Roxhythe is never from his side. He employs him always—tells him +his whole mind. Oh, they are fitly matched! Both are without honour! +without decency!”</p> + +<p>“Don’t speak so loud. Remember, Charles is the King.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</span></p> + +<p>“A pretty King!” he replied bitterly. “He cares for naught save his +own pleasures. Do you think he enters into this treaty from any sense +of patriotism? He does not! He sees a means whereby to gain money! +Money that he will squander on his women and his playthings! He and +his favourite! Oh, they are a fit couple! Roxhythe abets him in his +extravagance! He panders to his vanity! I tell you that man is not to +be trusted! He works only for himself.”</p> + +<p>“No. He works for the King. Never forget that, James. To that one man I +believe he will always be loyal. Why do you so dislike him?”</p> + +<p>James rose jerkily to his feet, scraping his chair back across the +wooden floor.</p> + +<p>“Because I am jealous of him,” he grated; “I admit it freely! He hath +the place that should be mine! He hath the King his ear. There is +nothing Charles does that Roxhythe does not know. There are many things +that I know not of!”</p> + +<p>“’Sh! What reason have you for saying that?”</p> + +<p>He paced up and down the room.</p> + +<p>“I have eyes. I am not the fool Charles thinks me. I know that he plots +behind my back. Oh, I’ve no proofs! But I know for all that.”</p> + +<p>Madame led him back to his seat.</p> + +<p>“James, you are speaking wildly. Your jealousy has carried you away. +Charles has no secrets from you, I’ll swear. You should not make an +enemy of Roxhythe for so foolish a reason.” So she chided him, her hand +in his.</p> + +<p>“Ay, that is it,” he nodded. “I should not make an enemy of so powerful +a man. I, the King’s brother! <i>Cordieu</i>, things have come to a +pretty pass!”</p> + +<p>“Oh fie! You over-rate Roxhythe his influence. You know that you stand +first with the King.”</p> + +<p>“I would it were so,” he answered, leaning his head in his hand.</p> + +<p>“It is so. Why, James, to what are you descended that you stoop to be +jealous of a courtier?”</p> + +<p>He sat up.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</span></p> + +<p>“I am over-wrought. I am not jealous of him. I do but mistrust him. +This affair is preying on my nerves till I do not know what I am +saying. Forget it, Henriette!”</p> + +<p>“It is forgotten,” she assured him. “And James! Put all thoughts of +traps and false dealings out of your head. I, Henrietta Stuart, swear +that there is no such thing.”</p> + +<p>He smiled up at her, his whole face softened.</p> + +<p>“I’d not accuse you of false dealing, child.”</p> + +<p>She patted his cheek.</p> + +<p>“There! Now you are sensible! Another thing I’ll tell you: Charles is +not so soulless as you think. Trust in him to see that no harm comes to +the alliance.”</p> + +<p>The smile faded. James turned his head away.</p> + +<p>Someone knocked on the door. A page entered holding the door for +Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>James rose quickly.</p> + +<p>My lord bowed first to Madame, and then to the Duke.</p> + +<p>“I crave your pardon for this intrusion,” he said. “His Majesty sent me +to request your presence in his room, sir.”</p> + +<p>James straightened his cravat.</p> + +<p>“I thank you, my Lord. Madame, you will excuse me?” He left the room.</p> + +<p>Down in the streets below were many lights. A torchlight procession was +passing. There was much noise of shouting and of cheering. My lord went +over to the window, looking out.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe,” said Madame abruptly. “Why does my brother dislike you?”</p> + +<p>My lord glanced at her over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Does he?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“You know it. Do you annoy him?”</p> + +<p>“You see,” apologized Roxhythe. “I am of a flippant turn of mind.”</p> + +<p>That was all he would say. Dissatisfied, Madame broached the subject to +the King next morning.</p> + +<p>“Charles, do you know that James hates Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>The King was lolling on a couch.</p> + +<p>“My dear, he would hate a fly if it teased him.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</span></p> + +<p>“Does Roxhythe tease him?”</p> + +<p>“He has a certain air which distresses poor Jamie,” smiled the King.</p> + +<p>“It is a pity,” she mused. “James thinks that you do not give him your +whole confidence.”</p> + +<p>Charles’ mournful eyes widened.</p> + +<p>“Dear, dear!”</p> + +<p>“He is afraid that you will walk into some trap of Louis’ making. He +thinks you are a fool.”</p> + +<p>“I know,” said the King. “And I think him one. Yet we are really very +fond of each other. An amusing situation.”</p> + +<p>“I wish that you understood one another better,” she sighed. “Or rather +that James understood you.”</p> + +<p>“So do not I,” said Charles. “We are very well as we are.” He surveyed +her languidly. “To-morrow the bond is to be signed?”</p> + +<p>“By your Commissioners, and by de Croissy. You’ve no misgivings?”</p> + +<p>“None,” he answered. The glance that passed between them was full of +meaning.</p> + +<p>“I have to thank you for your patience in the matter, Henriette.”</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“No, no! I am so glad to have been of use!”</p> + +<p>He put his arm about her.</p> + +<p>“You are a very charming child,” he said, and kissed her. “I would I +might take you back with me to London.”</p> + +<p>Something sparkled on the end of her lashes.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps—I wish—so—too,” she said.</p> + +<p>He stroked her bright curls. For a while there was silence.</p> + +<p>“So I am to have La Kéroualle?” said the King at length.</p> + +<p>Madame smiled again.</p> + +<p>“You asked for her long ago,” she parried. She was finding a novel +amusement in turning the hand she held this way and that so that the +light caught the rings on his fingers.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</span></p> + +<p>“So I did. Louis must think well of her to send her to me.”</p> + +<p>“She is very beautiful,” said Madame, still holding his hand.</p> + +<p>“And very cunning?” The long fingers clasped hers.</p> + +<p>“Charles, do you not want her at Whitehall?”</p> + +<p>“I shall be delighted to have her,” he retorted.</p> + +<p>“She comes not as a spy, but as a—”</p> + +<p>“Secret agent. A nice distinction. But no matter.”</p> + +<p>“I really do not wonder that James is annoyed with you,” said Madame +severely.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIb">CHAPTER XI<br> +<span class="allsmcap">UNREST</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>SUMMER. Christopher sat on the broad terrace at Bevan Court, looking +out across the gardens into the blue haze. Before him the great house +reared up its turrets, creeper-hung, against the cloudless sky. +Clipped yew hedges dotted the lawns at his feet; flowers grew in stone +pots around him. It was very still, very hot. Somewhere a bird was +twittering sleepily to its mate; lying on the ground beside Christopher +was a huge mastiff, his boon companion.</p> + +<p>Christopher contemplated the scene restfully. He felt at peace with the +world. So much so that presently he closed his eyes.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances came out of the old Gothic door on to the terrace. For an +instant she stood irresolute. Then she saw Christopher and smiled.</p> + +<p>Christopher felt light hands across his eyes.</p> + +<p>“Guess!” whispered my lady, behind him.</p> + +<p>He jumped up.</p> + +<p>“Lady Frances, of course!”</p> + +<p>She came round the seat and sat down. The mastiff wagged his tail; then +he went to sleep again.</p> + +<p>“How hot it is!” said her ladyship drowsily. “How beautiful!”</p> + +<p>Christopher agreed.</p> + +<p>“I came out to give you this,” continued Frances. She handed him a +packet. “The courier has just arrived.”</p> + +<p>Christopher turned it over lazily.</p> + +<p>“Roderick,” he said. “Have you any news of my lord?”</p> + +<p>“A short note. He is escorting the King here in two days time. He +adjures you to have everything in readiness.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t think there is anything more to be done,” said<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</span> Christopher. +“I have racked my brains to discover something.”</p> + +<p>“There is nothing. Do you read that letter! Perhaps your brother will +have news of the Prince.”</p> + +<p>Christopher broke upon the seals.</p> + +<p>It was late August of 1672. The past years had been fairly uneventful +at home except that in October of 1670 the Prince of Orange had +come home on a visit to England. Roderick had been in his train, +and the brothers had seen a great deal of one another. Roderick had +succeeded in annoying Christopher by regarding him in studied gloom, +and Roxhythe with scarce veiled disapproval. Christopher was thereby +made uncomfortable. He was grateful to my lord for asking Roderick to +Bevan House but at the same time he wished that he had not done it. +He felt that Roderick was not a credit to him. It afforded him some +satisfaction to see that Roderick was impressed by his standing in +society. It was very pleasant when Lord Buckhurst strolled into the +library where they were seated, and hailed him by his Christian name, +asking some questions concerning Roxhythe’s whereabouts. Roderick was +so disdainful and affected such superior airs that little incidents +such as that filled him with unholy joy.</p> + +<p>Abroad much had taken place. In France Madame had died suddenly, +mysteriously, some said poisoned. In Holland, William Nassau had +gradually broken away from De Witt. Lately he had been made, at +twenty-one, Captain-General of the army, and was fighting Louis with +all the energy and indomitable courage of his race.</p> + +<p>The French generals, Turenne and Condé, had over-run three of the Dutch +Provinces, spreading terror before them. Then had been the moment +for Nassau to rise. Many of the great cities clamoured for him. At +Middleburgh and Amsterdam the people grew unruly. De Witt had been +forced to consent to William’s rise. He exacted from him an oath that +he would observe the abolition of the Stadtholdership, and sent him to +the head of the army. Hope revived; Holland hailed the Prince their +preserver.</p> + +<p>De Witt suspecting negotiations between England and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</span> France, had made a +treaty with Spain that broke off the last threads that bound the Triple +Alliance together. Charles seized the opportunity to induce his Cabinet +to declare war on Holland.</p> + +<p>Christopher had watched these proceedings with intense interest. He did +not pretend to understand why Ashley headed the desire for war; it was +unlike him to wish to ally England with France. Christopher decided +that politics were very mysterious.</p> + +<p>At home, Charles had introduced his Declaration of Indulgence, +permitting religious freedom. It had passed the Houses, and was greeted +with murmurous opposition. The Duke of York was publicly received into +the Roman Catholic Church. London was uneasy. The sudden closing of the +Exchequer caused a stir, and more unrest.</p> + +<p>Now it was late summer, and Charles was coming to Bevan Court on a +visit. Lady Frances was acting hostess, and Christopher had been sent +on in advance to have all in readiness.</p> + +<p>An exclamation from him made Lady Fanny start, and open her eyes.</p> + +<p>“The De Witts have been murdered!”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances sat up.</p> + +<p>“Chris!”</p> + +<p>Christopher referred to the letter.</p> + +<p>“Roderick writes as though ’twere a natural happening! Oddsblood, +the man has the heart of a fish!... ‘Yesterday the news was brought +to us thatt Jan and Cornelius De Witt have been done to Death by the +Mob at the Hague. Soe Perish all His Highness’ Enemies!’ ... Zounds!” +Christopher crumpled the parchment in his hand. “Murder! Foul murder! I +wonder....”</p> + +<p>“What do you wonder? Not....”</p> + +<p>“I wonder what part the Prince played in this dastardly deed.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, no, Chris! No, no!”</p> + +<p>“Roderick says no more than that ‘so perish all His Highness his +enemies.’ Great Heavens!”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances took the letter from him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</span></p> + +<p>“May I see?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you may read it! That I should have such a brother!”</p> + +<p>She spread open the sheets on her knee.</p> + +<p>“... All over the Country the People call for a Stadtholder. At +Rotterdam and Amsterdam they Growe unruly. The Prince His Oathe to De +Witt absolved by Deathe, taketh the Government into His Owne Hands. +Nowe he at last hath His Rightfull Place, after soe Many Yeares Patient +Waiting. Nowe he hath Command over All Things, and no Pensionary to +Oppose Him. He Hath Grate Plannes for the Repulsion of the Impudent +Frenchman, the which, Guided by His Supreme Courage and Steadfast +Purpose, He Goes shortly to put into Action. God Aide and Bless His +Endeavours! He is a very Upright, Grate Prince, Wise beyond His +Yeares, Knoweing not Despair. We of His Household, seeing Him Day by +Day Striving always for His Country, Knowe howe Iron is His Will, +howe Grate His Truthe. I do Counsel You, my Brother, to Leave thatt +Libertine His Service, and to Join me Here, under the Prince His +Glorious Standard. This do I Implore You to do for the Love I Bare +You, which Love Hateth to see You Working for the Truthless Servant of +a King who Lacks Honoure, Loyalty, and all those Things thatt a King +should have....”</p> + +<p>“Bah!” snapped Christopher. “What more?”</p> + +<p>“There’s little else. The rest concerns you alone.” She handed him the +parchment which he thrust angrily into his pocket.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances sat with her chin in her hand.</p> + +<p>“So that is what Roderick says? Warnings, Chris, warnings!”</p> + +<p>“Ay! You are all very anxious for me to quit my lord! And I will not! I +know him as you do not! And I hold these warnings in contempt!”</p> + +<p>She sighed.</p> + +<p>“Don’t eat me, Chris. ’Tis very seldom that I speak to you on this +subject after all!”</p> + +<p>He took her hand quickly, kissing it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</span></p> + +<p>“Forgive me! I had no right to speak to you like that! You are so good +to me! so very good!”</p> + +<p>“Oh, nonsense!” She patted his shoulder. “I wonder what they think of +this in London? The news will have reached them by now. I would give +much to know the inner workings of it.”</p> + +<p>“Would you? I had rather not know. It must have been at the Prince’s +instigation.”</p> + +<p>“It may have been. De Witt was a block in his path. Therefore it was +right that De Witt should go.”</p> + +<p>“Right? How can you say that?”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances’ eyes were narrowed.</p> + +<p>“It seems to me that De Witt’s day has been ended some time since. +The one man who might save Holland is Nassau. We have seen how he was +hampered by De Witt’s cautious vetoes. Well, down with De Witt.”</p> + +<p>“I cannot agree!”</p> + +<p>“Quite right, dear boy. I hope you never will agree.”</p> + +<p>He stared at her.</p> + +<p>“You hope—but why?”</p> + +<p>“Because it would mean that you had acquired a callous heart, even as +all we who have—never mind! Let’s take the news to Jasper.”</p> + +<p>They walked slowly back to the house.</p> + +<p>The tidings reached my lord at Bevan House as he was in the act of +penning an amorous note to Lady Crewe.</p> + +<p>His servant came hurriedly into the room. He had been with Roxhythe +since his boyhood, and he was permitted these licenses.</p> + +<p>“My lord, the De Witts are dead! Murdered!”</p> + +<p>John felt more than a casual interest in the news. He had several times +seen the Grand Pensionary.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked up.</p> + +<p>“What of it?”</p> + +<p>“But, my lord—!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe went back to his writing.</p> + +<p>“You disturb me.”</p> + +<p>He went later to Whitehall and found it seething with the tale. He was +very bored.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</span></p> + +<p>The visit to Bevan Court was in every way successful. The King was +fêted and feasted most extravagantly. Mademoiselle de Kéroualle, now +Duchess of Portsmouth, and mistress-in-chief, came in his train, and +was pleased to be very fascinating; the Duke of Monmouth, in high +spirits, could talk of nothing but the prospect of his journey to +Holland next year at the head of the English troops.</p> + +<p>Christopher lived the few days in a positive whirl of excitement. +He was very busy, for Roxhythe paid no attention to any of the +arrangements, but this did not trouble him. He was helping to entertain +the most gracious King in the world; he had kissed this King’s hand; +the King had spoken to him several times; his cup was full.</p> + +<p>All through the winter Roxhythe continued to make trifling and +spasmodic love to Lady Crewe. Christopher watched, troubled. He saw +that Millicent was taking his master very seriously, and he was sorry, +for he knew that Roxhythe was beginning to weary of her. He dared not +speak to him on the subject, but he was a tender-hearted boy, and he +wished that my lord would amuse himself with someone older, and more +accustomed to the game. He saw that Millicent was not treating it as a +game any longer. He saw also that Sir Henry Crewe was less and less at +his wife’s side, and had begun to look at her coldly. He wondered how +it would end.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, great changes were taking place in England. Ashley, now the +Earl of Shaftesbury, was Chancellor, and led the Cabinet. The long +recess of Parliament still went on. The Country party was more than +ever opposed to the Court party and dissension was growing apace.</p> + +<p>From Harcourt Christopher learned that the Declaration of Indulgence +was becoming more and more unpopular. War with Holland was imminent; +the King continued to amuse himself.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe still ignored the universal unrest. Christopher was more +than ever sure that he had no interest in politics, was of no party, +and was above all the petty jealousies and intrigues that went on +daily. Now and then he went to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</span> Paris, but mostly he was at Whitehall, +pursuing his brilliant course. Christopher no longer puzzled over these +visits to France. Roxhythe had assured him that his vague fears were +groundless; he trusted Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>And so the year crept out, and the New Year was upon them.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="Book_III"><span class="allsmcap">BOOK III</span><br> +QUO VADIS?</h2> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Ic">CHAPTER I<br> +<span class="allsmcap">WHITEHALL</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>“NEVER was there a man so beset!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked amusedly across at his master.</p> + +<p>“Was there not, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“Never.” Charles spoke gloomily. “I swear I do not know why ever I came +back to such an importunate, ungrateful people.”</p> + +<p>They were in the King’s private closet. It was late autumn and chilly. +A fire burned in the wide grate and the room was stuffy. One was aware +of the presence of dogs.</p> + +<p>Charles crossed his legs and went on speaking.</p> + +<p>“They would not have my Declaration of Indulgence; they insisted on +an act which should prevent Catholics from holding office under the +Crown. So I let them have their Test Act, thus enraging my brother. I +thought to have some peace. But no. Clifford resigns his office because +he cannot subscribe to the Test. And now they clamour and debate over +James his second marriage. <i>Mordieu</i>, what a thing it is to be +King!” He sighed.</p> + +<p>“The Duke would do well to consider,” said Roxhythe. “A marriage +with the Catholic Mary of Este will only serve to gain him more +unpopularity.”</p> + +<p>“So I think. Next the Commons will demand his exclusion from the +succession. I see it coming very plainly. He is so unwise.... And he +was a damned good admiral,” he added with another sigh. “Odso! It meant +so little. He might have been as Catholic as he pleased to himself if +only he would have conformed outwardly to the Test. However, he’d none +of it, and gave up his post. And now he is so chafed and irritable that +he plagues all and sundry and affects them against him. He won’t listen +to my sage counsel; he goes his own foolish way. I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</span> know the Commons +will demand his exclusion sooner or later. And then what’s to do?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe knew that on this one point his master was likely to remain +adamant. He had some affection for his brother.</p> + +<p>“I really don’t know, Sir. I doubt you’ll manage to confound the +Commons when that time comes—if it comes.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, it will come, sure enough, unless he mends his ways, which he will +not.”</p> + +<p>“Then you will skilfully circumvent the Commons,” smiled Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“But what unpleasantness! What fatigue!” said Charles. “I was not born +for this strenuous life.” He shut his eyes wearily. Then he opened them +again. “David, I am satiated with Ashley.”</p> + +<p>Ashley now led the Cabinet.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe laughed softly.</p> + +<p>“You were like to be that, Sir. ’Tis a dull dog.”</p> + +<p>“My dear David, ’tis the wickedest dog in Christendom—all on a sudden. +He must go.” He said this quite calmly.</p> + +<p>“Very well,” said Roxhythe. “Though I mislike the idea of Ashley’s hand +against us.”</p> + +<p>“I cannot help it. He must go. He opposes me at every turn while +pretending to aid me.”</p> + +<p>“And so?”</p> + +<p>“And so I have another man in mind.” Charles looked at him quizzically.</p> + +<p>“I might guess his name, Sir,” drawled the favourite.</p> + +<p>“You might, Davy, but I think none other would.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps not. Doth he hail from Yorkshire?”</p> + +<p>Charles nodded.</p> + +<p>“If you ever go over to the opposition, Davy, I shall be undone. You +would foresee all my intentions. Do you like my choice?”</p> + +<p>“Osborne,” pondered Roxhythe. “A tool. Therefore untrustworthy.”</p> + +<p>“I had thought of that. He must be bribed.”</p> + +<p>“So others may think.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</span></p> + +<p>“Davy, why will you always play the pessimist? You try your best to +dishearten me!”</p> + +<p>My lord rose, and walked over to the window.</p> + +<p>“My heart’s not in it, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles stirred uneasily.</p> + +<p>“In what, Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“In all this bribing and duping and double-dealing.”</p> + +<p>“Why, David, do you then yearn to tread the straight and narrow path?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stood silent, gazing out of the window. There was a hint of +bitterness in the cool eyes; even a little sadness.</p> + +<p>Charles studied his profile concernedly.</p> + +<p>“What is it, Davy?” he asked gently.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“I was just thinking, Sir. Perhaps we were happier in the old days, +across the water.”</p> + +<p>“We plotted then and bribed,” said Charles quickly.</p> + +<p>“It was rather different. Then we were a few against the world. We had +only ourselves to think of. Now we have the whole of Britain depending +on us, and we plot and trick, and lower her honour.”</p> + +<p>“Davy, I do her no harm! Surely you have seen that? You did not like +the Treaty of Dover, but what ill has come of it?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shrugged.</p> + +<p>“Naught save the lowering of the King his honour.”</p> + +<p>Charles bit his thick underlip.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe continued, in that same level, passionless voice.</p> + +<p>“I believe I have a desire to run straight once more, Sir. Sometimes I +think I would give much to be with my regiment again—no intriguer, but +just a soldier.”</p> + +<p>“David!” The King’s eyes were full of pain. “You think that?”</p> + +<p>The smile crossed Roxhythe’s lips again.</p> + +<p>“Until I remember you, Sir.”</p> + +<p>The King flung out his hand.</p> + +<p>“Ah!—and then?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</span></p> + +<p>“And then I know that had I to choose again I would follow you.” He +came back to the King’s chair, and knelt. “Don’t let this distress you, +Sir. These are but idle regrets, that are not even regrets. I am your +man until I die, or until I fall.”</p> + +<p>Charles’ hand was on his shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, what is this talk of falling?”</p> + +<p>“I hardly know, Sir, save that no man trusts my word. They suspect my +every movement. Because of the Dover treaty, which they guess at.”</p> + +<p>“Can you think that I would ever desert you?”</p> + +<p>“Not I, Sir. I am turned pessimist to-day. I do crave your pardon.”</p> + +<p>Charles pressed his shoulder. He was troubled.</p> + +<p>“Regrets—regrets. I did not think you had any, Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>My lord rose, shaking back the heavy curls of his peruke.</p> + +<p>“Nor have I, Sir. ’Tis the autumn dampness has entered my bones. Forget +it! I chose long ago which path I should tread, and I’ve no regrets. I +would not lose your friendship for all the world.”</p> + +<p>Charles was still troubled.</p> + +<p>“Which path you would tread.... What mean you, David?”</p> + +<p>“Once I thought them one and the same path. Then they diverged, and I +followed you. The choice lay between King and Country.”</p> + +<p>“It was a struggle then?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe hesitated.</p> + +<p>“A little, Sir. But I decided to kiss my hands to Country, and here am +I!”</p> + +<p>“And you are happy, Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“Despite these moments of gloom, Sir, yes. I have all a man wants; +money, power, the King his favour.”</p> + +<p>“And friends?”</p> + +<p>“Say rather popularity, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“No; friends.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was silent for a moment.</p> + +<p>“Then, Sir, not counting yourself, one. Perhaps two.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</span></p> + +<p>“Who are they?”</p> + +<p>“My fair cousin Frances, and my secretary.”</p> + +<p>“A strange couple. They are all you can name?”</p> + +<p>“They are all.”</p> + +<p>Charles nodded slowly.</p> + +<p>“You sacrificed much for me, eh, David?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s egotism leapt to the fore.</p> + +<p>“No. I gained all. I have everything. Friends? Bah! A name, no more. +Not a doubt on it but those sycophants below,” he waved a contemptuous +hand, “would not hesitate to call me that.”</p> + +<p>“Yet you said you had but one?”</p> + +<p>“Two. The rest hate me covertly. I am too powerful.”</p> + +<p>Again Charles nodded.</p> + +<p>“You do not seek to make them like you. I think you are foolish, +Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“Maybe. They do not understand me, and for that reason distrust me.”</p> + +<p>Charles smiled irrepressibly.</p> + +<p>“Why, I do not think that many men trust me,” he said. “But all men +love me.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe swept a bow.</p> + +<p>“Sire, I am no Stuart.”</p> + +<p>“No, you are Roxhythe, which is perhaps even better. <i>Mordieu!</i> +The great Roxhythe! <i>A propos</i>, David, what’s this I hear took +place at Jeremy’s?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sat down. He drew out his comfit-box.</p> + +<p>“Yes, it was diverting,” he admitted.</p> + +<p>“Tell me your version. I heard it from Sedley yesterday, but I’d sooner +have it from your own lips.”</p> + +<p>“What did Sedley say? I hardly know what happened at the beginning.”</p> + +<p>The King chuckled.</p> + +<p>“Oh, Sedley was full of the tale! He tells me that that young secretary +of yours was at Jeremy’s on Thursday, and fell to gaming with +Fortescue. Sedley draws a picture of them both in their cups. Then +Fortescue speaks sneeringly of the great Roxhythe, and the next thing +they knew was that his face was all dripping wine, and young Dart was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</span> +half across the table in a black fury. Sedley falls a-laughing at this +point, but I gather that the two young cockerels were held apart by +main force, and Dart was spluttering out challenges. It seems the rest +of the party enjoyed the situation vastly, and there was great uproar. +Fortescue—Sedley tells me he was most unsteady on his legs—hiccuped +out <i>his</i> challenge, and called on Digby to second him. Then the +pother was that no one liked to be embroiled in a quarrel against my +Lord Roxhythe. So more uproar. Dart called on Fletcher to serve him. +Fletcher thinks himself best out of that boys’ quarrel. Others were of +his opinion. So then we have young Dart offering to fight the whole +room, and Fortescue drinking more Burgundy to steady himself. Sedley +says by now the whole room was in a roar, and the most of them arguing +what was to be done. Then—Sedley is very fine at this point—the +door opened. In strolled the unwitting cause of all the turmoil: Lord +Roxhythe. He was becomingly languid; he desired to know the reason of +all the noise. Six people explain it to him. My lord looks round with +interest. Fletcher tells him that no one will second the children. My +lord is pained. He looks at Fortescue. ‘You must apologize,’ says he. +‘No,’—hiccup—‘Be—damned an I will!’ ‘Then you must apologize,’ says +my lord, turning to his secretary. Dart was not so far gone in his +cups. ‘Never!’ says he. ‘Then I will apologize,’ says my lord. ‘Your +pardon, gentlemen, for being the cause of so much trouble.’ Then Sedley +grows incoherent. Tell me the rest, Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe touched his lips with his handkerchief.</p> + +<p>“My young Chris was mighty valiant. He sneered. ‘If a glass of wine in +the face is not enough,’ says he, and left an elegant pause. Fortescue +caught him up. ‘No—damme—,’ says he. ‘I’ll fight you!’ Chris bowed. I +have a fleeting suspicion that he emulates my style. ‘I am relieved,’ +says he. ‘Mr. Fletcher, again I ask: will you serve me?’ Fletcher +nodded. ‘Who’s to serve Fortescue?’ asks that rogue Sedley. Then they +all looked uncomfortable, and shuffled. I conceived that it was time +to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</span> introduce a light note. I made my best leg to Fortescue, who was +hanging on to the table. ‘Sir,’ says I, ‘I shall be honoured to second +you.’ He had arrived at the polite stage. He returned my bow, and +managed not quite to fall over. ‘Sir,’ says he, ‘I thank you. Y—You’re +a—g—gentleman!’</p> + +<p>“My Chris was in such a rage that he was fit to slay me there and then. +He turned on his heel and slammed out of the room. I went away.</p> + +<p>“And there the matter really ended. I was hoping for an amusing duel, +but evidently Fortescue was talked to very seriously. At all events he +visited me next day, all the pot-valiance knocked out of him. Odso, +but he was ashamed! He had come to offer me his apologies! He had not +known what he was saying; he begged I would excuse him. Then he grew +very red, and told me that he could not have me as a second in the +circumstances. So I sent for Chris. Fortescue was all for fighting, but +I made them shake hands. That is all. My name is now safe.” He smiled a +little.</p> + +<p>“No wonder it is the talk of town!” cried Charles. “Oddsblood, I would +I had been there!” Then he became grave. After a moment he said: +“Roxhythe, this Dutch war is becoming vastly distasteful to my people.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was amused.</p> + +<p>“Now what ails you?” demanded Charles. “Is it a laughing matter?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly not. I laughed at the sudden change of topic. And have you +but just discovered that the people do not like it?”</p> + +<p>“No. They grow hot. What is more to the point is that the Commons also +grow hot. I think I must have a respite.”</p> + +<p>“How?”</p> + +<p>“I have had enough of Parliament,” said Charles, looking at him. “For +the present.”</p> + +<p>“Prorogation!” smiled Roxhythe. “I admire your consummate daring, Sir.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IIc">CHAPTER II<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE HUSBAND</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>LADY Crewe was disconsolate. Out of the corner of her eye she watched +my Lord Roxhythe paying his respects to Mlle. Charlotte d’Almond. +Charlotte was of the Duchess of Portsmouth’s household, something of a +virago, but undoubtedly fascinating. Lady Crewe hated her cordially. +Lady Crewe sat alone, playing with her fan. Presently Mr. Dart +appeared. His hostess, Fanny Montgomery, greeted him with affection. +She told him to make himself useful. So he went across the room to +Millicent’s side and swept her a bow.</p> + +<p>“All alone, Lady Crewe?”</p> + +<p>She forced a smile.</p> + +<p>“No, Mr. Dart; you are here.”</p> + +<p>Christopher was fond of Millicent. He sat down beside her.</p> + +<p>“Shall we stay on this very pleasing couch, or shall we dance?” he +asked.</p> + +<p>“I—I don’t think I will dance, thank you,” she answered. She was +young, and she did not conceal her emotions well.</p> + +<p>Christopher glanced round the room.</p> + +<p>“All the world is here to-night,” he remarked. “What a gathering! I +don’t see Sir Henry?”</p> + +<p>“He is here,” she said listlessly. “Gaming belike.”</p> + +<p>A year ago Sir Henry Crewe was never from his wife’s side. Christopher +regarded Roxhythe across the room with tightened lips. He attempted +another remark.</p> + +<p>“It is quite an age since we last saw each other, Lady Crewe. I looked +for you at the Coventry rout last week but someone said you were in the +country. Was that so?”</p> + +<p>“No,” she answered. “I was not well. I do not think town air agrees +with me. I tire so easily.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</span></p> + +<p>Time was, reflected Christopher, when this had not been so. Her +ladyship’s cheeks had been rosy then, and less thin.</p> + +<p>“Why, I am sorry!” he said. “You must make your husband take you to the +country for a while, though I vow we should miss you sadly.”</p> + +<p>Lady Crewe was not attending. A lazy, cynical voice reached +Christopher’s ears. He turned sharply. Lord Roxhythe stood beside them.</p> + +<p>“My very dear Millicent! I had not seen you till this moment. Pray +where have you been?” He kissed her hand. Christopher observed how the +colour flooded her face.</p> + +<p>“You have been otherwise engaged, my lord,” she replied. “I have been +here some while.”</p> + +<p>Christopher saw that he was not wanted. He faded away. Roxhythe took +his seat.</p> + +<p>“Child,” he said, “where are all your roses?”</p> + +<p>“Am I so pale?” she smiled. “Perhaps I have lost my rouge.”</p> + +<p>“Evidently,” he said. “And what ails you?”</p> + +<p>Her eyes were troubled.</p> + +<p>“My lord ... my lord....”</p> + +<p>“But why so aloof?”</p> + +<p>The coaxing tone brought the tears to her lashes.</p> + +<p>“David—I am very unhappy.”</p> + +<p>He rose.</p> + +<p>“My dear, we must examine this more closely. I know a room where we +shall not be disturbed.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, no!” she cried. “Indeed, I must not!”</p> + +<p>“Must not?”</p> + +<p>“You—you know it is not seemly for me to be seen so much—with you. +My—my husband—”</p> + +<p>“Fiend seize your husband. Come!”</p> + +<p>“I ought not—I ought not—” Even as she said it she rose and laid her +hand on his arm. Together they went out.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe led her into a small, dimly lighted parlour. He shut the door, +and took her in his arms.</p> + +<p>“What is it, sweetheart?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</span></p> + +<p>For a moment she tried to free herself; then her hands clung to his +broad shoulders.</p> + +<p>“David, it is wrong! I—I am not this kind of woman! God help me, I +wish I had never met you!” The cry was broken.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bent his head till his lips met hers. It was Mrs. Diana +Shelton who had called Roxhythe’s kiss “divine intoxication.”</p> + +<p>“Confess! ’Tis a lie?”</p> + +<p>“No, no! Indeed, I wish it!”</p> + +<p>He kissed her again.</p> + +<p>“You do not love me?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, yes!—No! oh, what am I saying?” She broke away from him to a +chair. “Before I—met you—before you—made love to me—I thought I +cared so much for Henry. Now—now we hardly speak. You fill all my +thoughts, and he looks at me—as though he hated me. I’m no court +beauty. I cannot—play at love as they do. ’Tis—not in my nature.”</p> + +<p>My lord knelt at her side, holding both her hands.</p> + +<p>“Do you then care so much for Henry? Am I nothing?”</p> + +<p>“Have I not told you? Oh, my heart is nigh breaking! You do not really +love me; you only—pretend—and it means so much to me. I’m a fool; a +silly, hysterical miss! I—” She tried to laugh, but her voice broke, +and she buried her face on his shoulder, sobbing.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stared over her head at the wall. His expression was +rather curious. Suddenly he bent over the bowed figure, clinging so +desperately to his hands.</p> + +<p>“My child, you distress yourself unduly. How old are you?”</p> + +<p>“T-twenty-one. Why—why do you ask?”</p> + +<p>My lord smiled whimsically.</p> + +<p>“Twenty-one. And I am—forty-two.”</p> + +<p>She lifted her head.</p> + +<p>“What of it?”</p> + +<p>“I seem to be rather too old for you, dear.”</p> + +<p>“David—my lord—I do not—understand.”</p> + +<p>“No? I think our little comedy has played itself out.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</span></p> + +<p>Slowly she drew herself away from him.</p> + +<p>“You—call it comedy. I—have another name for it. Mayhap ’twas indeed +a—comedy to you. To me—to me——” she stopped, twisting her fingers.</p> + +<p>“Oh, no!” said my lord, calmly. “You delude yourself, my dear. It was a +pretty farce, and perhaps you were a little dazzled. But that is all.”</p> + +<p>“You—make me—hate you.”</p> + +<p>“Why, that is as it should be.”</p> + +<p>“You—you made love to me; you—dazzled—me, and now you are tired of +the—farce—you cast me off.”</p> + +<p>“Not a whit. I am not tired of it. I think you are.”</p> + +<p>She shook her head. Slow tears were creeping down her cheeks.</p> + +<p>“I love you. I cannot let you go.”</p> + +<p>“Well, my dear, I do not see how you are to keep the both of us on a +tether if you take the matter so seriously.”</p> + +<p>“I do not want both.”</p> + +<p>“Then choose your husband, my child.”</p> + +<p>“I can’t, I can’t! I want you!” It was the cry of a child. Roxhythe bit +his lip.</p> + +<p>“It will pass.”</p> + +<p>She raised her head.</p> + +<p>“Are you saying—these things—for my sake, or is it—because +of—Charlotte d’Almond?”</p> + +<p>“Oh lud!” said my lord. He rose to his feet. “Preserve me!”</p> + +<p>She also rose.</p> + +<p>“It is not? You love me, as you’ve so often vowed?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked at her serenely.</p> + +<p>“My dear, I do not think I love anyone.”</p> + +<p>Tragedy was in her blue eyes, and uncomprehending hurt.</p> + +<p>“You thought me—just a—cheap woman!”</p> + +<p>“No.”</p> + +<p>“Then—then—Oh heavens, how dare you humiliate me so? And I—and +I—please take me back to the ballroom!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</span></p> + +<p>She stepped forward into the full light of the candles, erect, +outraged. Roxhythe eyed her critically.</p> + +<p>“Child, you must dry the tears.”</p> + +<p>In spite of her forced calm something sparkled on the end of her long +lashes.</p> + +<p>“Oh, tut, tut, Millicent! You will forget all this madness. Come, let +me wipe away the tears.”</p> + +<p>Millicent pushed him from her with hands that trembled.</p> + +<p>“No! Please—don’t try to—be kind to me! I cannot bear it. I have been +in heaven and hell this past year, and now—and now—” She choked back +a sob. “You were—very cruel, my lord. You made me play at love with +you, and then—when I am no longer playing—you turn away, and—call +it—a pretty comedy. And you talk to me—as if you were—my father!”</p> + +<p>“Which I almost might be,” remarked his lordship. “My dear, you are too +young for the game. I ought to have known it. I am sorry. Now won’t you +let me dry your tears?”</p> + +<p>His voice was very gentle; all his fascination was to the fore. It +swept over Millicent and would not be gainsaid. Pride was as nothing +before it; at that moment she felt that only one thing mattered, and +that was that he should not leave her. She allowed him to draw her +closer, and to wipe her eyes with his scented handkerchief. A small +pulse in her throat was throbbing madly; he was so inexpressibly dear, +so strong, so wonderful. The tears welled up afresh; she heard him +speak through a haze of misery.</p> + +<p>“Dear child, I am not worth it. I am only an interlude.”</p> + +<p>“That is all—to you. Oh, you are utterly, utterly ruthless! I amused +you for the time, so—you have—broken my heart—for your pleasure, and +brought me—as low as this! I was so happy before you came! So happy.”</p> + +<p>“You will be happy again,” said Roxhythe philosophically. “Hearts are +easily mended. Tell that husband of yours to take you away for a time.”</p> + +<p>“My husband! We scarcely speak! He despises me!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</span> He thinks me—what I +am—a cheap, faithless woman!”</p> + +<p>“It seems your husband is a fool. There! The tears are gone?”</p> + +<p>“Take me back to the ballroom, please. I—I have been mad. What +will—Henry think—if he finds me gone? Oh, please take me back.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>“Yes. I did not think the passion was real. Console yourself, my dear. +’Tis Henry you love.” He held out his arm.</p> + +<p>The door opened.</p> + +<p>“Just as I thought!” The words came furiously, hissed across the room. +With his back to the door, hands clenched at his sides, stood Sir Henry +Crewe.</p> + +<p>Millicent sprang away from Roxhythe’s side, her cheeks flaming. +Roxhythe himself regarded the intruder pensively.</p> + +<p>“Blue and rose-pink....” he murmured. “Marvellous!”</p> + +<p>Crewe walked forward, his dark velvet cloak hushing against the table +as he brushed past.</p> + +<p>“I have not sought you out to talk of my clothes, Lord Roxhythe!” he +said. He did not glance in his wife’s direction.</p> + +<p>“No?” answered Roxhythe. He met the angry young eyes amusedly. “What +then?”</p> + +<p>Crewe controlled his voice with difficulty. He was very pale, but his +eyes burnt.</p> + +<p>“I have come to tell you that my friends will wait on yours, Lord +Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>“Thank you very much,” said Roxhythe. “But may I point out to you that +this is a somewhat inopportune moment?”</p> + +<p>“I think not! I could scarce have chosen a more fitting time!” He +laughed bitterly. “I trust I make myself clear?”</p> + +<p>“Not at all,” said Roxhythe. “I am at a loss.”</p> + +<p>“You are singularly dense if you do not understand me! Things have +come to a pretty pass that you so brazenly take my wife apart! Is that +explanation enough?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</span></p> + +<p>Roxhythe stared at him in great hauteur. Then he turned to Millicent +and bowed.</p> + +<p>“Permit me to conduct you back to the ballroom, my dear.”</p> + +<p>Crewe flung himself between them.</p> + +<p>“Lady Crewe can stay to hear what I have to say! She will not again +require your escort!”</p> + +<p>My lord’s voice became a shade more languid.</p> + +<p>“My good youth, you rave. You have my permission to stand back.”</p> + +<p>Few had ever dared to withstand that note. Sir Henry stood firm.</p> + +<p>“’Tis you who shall stand back, sir! You shall not touch my wife!”</p> + +<p>Millicent clasped and unclasped her hands. She was very near to +breaking point.</p> + +<p>“You make a very fine melodramatic hero,” said Roxhythe. “But you +forget with whom you have to deal.”</p> + +<p>“You might be the devil himself and I’d not let you pass!”</p> + +<p>“Child’s talk,” said my lord. His hand descended on Crewe’s shoulder +and gripped hard. He gave a sudden twist, and Crewe fell back with a +smothered exclamation. Roxhythe took Millicent’s cold hand in his.</p> + +<p>“I’ll return to you,” he informed the furious young man. “Open the +door.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps it is as well that Lady Crewe should withdraw,” sneered Sir +Henry. He flung the door wide.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe did not answer him. He led Millicent, tearless now, a creature +of ice, to the deserted hall.</p> + +<p>“Will you wait here, child? I’ll send my cousin to you.”</p> + +<p>Her lips moved.</p> + +<p>“Oh—no! I cannot! I——”</p> + +<p>“My dear, you are in no fit state to go back to the ballroom. Sit down.”</p> + +<p>She sank down, unresisting. Roxhythe kissed her hand. “Let me re-assure +you, sweetheart; there will be no scandal. You can trust my cousin.” He +strolled into the ballroom.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</span></p> + +<p>Lady Frances was not dancing. When she saw Roxhythe she came quickly +towards him.</p> + +<p>“Where is Lady Crewe?”</p> + +<p>“I want to take you to her. That young fool of a husband came plunging +in upon us, and she is nigh fainting with fright.”</p> + +<p>“Good God, Roxhythe! In my house! Could you not be decent for one +evening? Where is the child?”</p> + +<p>“In the hall. May I solicit your kindness for her? She should go home.”</p> + +<p>Lady Fanny swept out. Roxhythe, following more leisurely, saw her bend +over the drooping figure in the chair. He half smiled, and went back to +the little parlour.</p> + +<p>Frances took the girl’s hands.</p> + +<p>“My dear! Will you come upstairs with me?”</p> + +<p>The great shamed eyes looked up.</p> + +<p>“I—think—I had best—go home,” whispered Millicent.</p> + +<p>Frances drew her to her feet.</p> + +<p>“Presently, dear. Come with me now and tell me all about it.”</p> + +<p>“Lady Frances—I am indeed sorry—to be the cause of a—disturbance in +your house. I——”</p> + +<p>“Nonsense! Come, we shall be private in my room.”</p> + +<p>She bore the girl off to her boudoir, and put her into a chair.</p> + +<p>“There! Poor little thing! Tell me what has happened.”</p> + +<p>Millicent bowed her head.</p> + +<p>“I’ve been so wicked—I suppose you know. And to-day—I let—Lord +Roxhythe—take me to another room—and—and—my husband found +us—and—oh, heavens, what must you think of me?”</p> + +<p>“Why, that you are a silly child! No, no, don’t cry! There’s no harm +done. My cousin will see to it that there is no scandal. But mercy on +us, what induced you to play with Roxhythe, of all men?”</p> + +<p>“I love him,” answered Millicent dully.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances opened her eyes to their widest.</p> + +<p>“Love—my dear, foolish girl, you cannot.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</span></p> + +<p>“I love him. And it’s all over—all over.”</p> + +<p>“And a good thing too!” thought my lady. But she did not say that. She +put her arms round Millicent.</p> + +<p>“Won’t you tell me everything, dear?”</p> + +<p>The girl flushed.</p> + +<p>“You are very, very kind, Lady Frances, but—oh, I expect you know all +there is to know about me!”</p> + +<p>“My child, I have seen Roxhythe often at your side, and I confess I +have wondered what you were at—playing with fire.”</p> + +<p>“I was not playing! Oh, at first, three years ago, yes. No one minded; +my husband thought nothing of it. But lately—I have been so—unhappy, +and when he was with me—so very happy! And he meant nothing; he did +not love me. It was a—game. I suppose any other woman would have +known, but I—I—oh, I think my heart will break!”</p> + +<p>“I am quite sure it will not,” replied Lady Frances. “’Tis all +midsummer madness. How could you think Roxhythe was in earnest? Was +there no one to warn you?”</p> + +<p>“No. There is only Henry—and now he—hates me. What shall I do?”</p> + +<p>“Start afresh,” said Fanny briskly. “Roxhythe is not worth one +tear-drop. You must forget him, and play no more with fire.”</p> + +<p>“Forget! Ah, my lady, it is easy to speak so. I love him! I love him so +much that were he to lift one finger I would go with him—anywhere!”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances nodded over the bowed head.</p> + +<p>“Well, my dear, he’ll lift no finger. He lives for himself alone. This +is not his first <i>affaire</i>.”</p> + +<p>Millicent shuddered.</p> + +<p>“I thought he really cared for me. I knew there were—other +women—but——”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances proceeded to be cruel for kindness’ sake.</p> + +<p>“I have known Roxhythe for—I won’t say how many years—and I know how +much heart he hath. That is none. He has fascinated you until you think +that you love him. But you do not. Ah, no, my dear, you do not!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</span></p> + +<p>Millicent was silent. After a moment Fanny patted her shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Come! Cheer up! Oh, I know ’tis hard, but you must bear a brave front. +Never let him see that he has hurt you.”</p> + +<p>“You do not know, Lady Frances.”</p> + +<p>Fanny laughed irrepressibly.</p> + +<p>“Why, do you think I have not been in love scores of times with those +whom I should not have loved? Child, I have experienced all your +feelings, and I assure you that you will recover.”</p> + +<p>“I wish that I were dead!”</p> + +<p>“Nonsense! You are over-wrought to-night; to-morrow you will think +differently. I am going to send you home now, and—if I may—I will +come and see you in a few days’ time.”</p> + +<p>“You—you will not care to. There will be some dreadful scandal—oh, I +wish that I had never come to town!”</p> + +<p>“There’ll be no vestige of scandal, my dear. Trust Roxhythe to see to +that.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, yes, yes! They are going to fight, and one of them will be +killed—all for me who am—worthless!”</p> + +<p>“I’ll wager my best necklet no one is killed,” said Lady Frances.</p> + +<p>“Henry is so angry! I have never seen him look so terrible! He—he will +do my lord some injury.”</p> + +<p>“Alas! There’s no likelihood of such a thing happening!” said Fanny, +tartly.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IIIc">CHAPTER III<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE CHALLENGE</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>ROXHYTHE shut the door.</p> + +<p>“And now what is it?”</p> + +<p>Crewe was standing by the fire. At my lord’s words he swung round.</p> + +<p>“It is this, sir! I’ll not have my wife’s name dishonoured by such as +you! For nearly three years it has gone on! At first I thought nothing; +she had her admirers, but she loved me. And then you gradually stole +her from me, until she thinks of naught save when she shall next be +with you! Oh, I’m not blind! I’ve watched and waited. But to-night I +could no longer contain myself! One of us dies, my lord!”</p> + +<p>“Very fine,” applauded Roxhythe. “But you make a deal out of nothing. +Let us say that I fascinated Lady Crewe. We played at love, <i>bien +sûr</i>. Now we have agreed to end the game. As to her good name, no +harm is like to come to that.”</p> + +<p>“No harm, you say? All the town will talk of this. How do I know that +there is not more between you?”</p> + +<p>The fine lips curled contemptuously.</p> + +<p>“Faith, you have a good opinion of your wife!” said Roxhythe. Then he +grew grave. “You foolish boy, what have you been about all this time? +You say you have watched us? Then why a-God’s name did you not act? By +heaven, I would let no man steal my wife’s heart!”</p> + +<p>“If it can be stolen I do not want it! I’ll make no effort to win her +from you, my lord! She—she has earned my contempt! my hatred!”</p> + +<p>“The tragic hero, egad! One would think there was more to this +<i>affaire</i> than a series of very mild flirtations.”</p> + +<p>“I do think it!”</p> + +<p>“Then you are a foolish child. Strive to be wiser. I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</span> suggest you take +your wife away, and woo her afresh. She will very soon forget me.”</p> + +<p>Crewe gripped a chair-back. His face was white with anger.</p> + +<p>“How dare you mock me? One would think that I was to blame for all +this!”</p> + +<p>“Most undoubtedly you are. Instead of freezing the girl you should have +shaken her soundly and taken her away. <i>Mordieu</i>, you drove her to +my arms, with your coldness and your scowls!”</p> + +<p>“I thought her above—this kind of intrigue! I—heaven, what did I not +think her? I have found that she is no better than the commonest trull +that walks the streets!”</p> + +<p>“La-la! What a fury! I begin to pity your wife.”</p> + +<p>Two hectic spots of colour burned on Sir Henry’s cheeks.</p> + +<p>“We’ll have done, if you please, sir——”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sighed with relief.</p> + +<p>“Now God be thanked, here’s sense at last!”</p> + +<p>“Will you name your friends?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked him up and down.</p> + +<p>“Oh. You want satisfaction? Bethink you, you’ll damage your wife’s +reputation as I have not done all this time.”</p> + +<p>“I will take care of that, I thank you. Will you name your friends?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roxhythe. “I will not.”</p> + +<p>It seemed that Crewe was dumbfounded. He stared in amazement.</p> + +<p>“You will not? You will not? Am I to call you coward then?”</p> + +<p>“My dear boy, you may call me what you will if it eases you at all. +Roxhythe does not fight with every fly that buzzes in his ear.”</p> + +<p>Crewe sent a chair spinning across the room.</p> + +<p>“Yet you will fight me, sir!”</p> + +<p>“If you continue in this vein it seems very likely. I counsel you to +calm yourself. It is no light matter to fight Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“I am not afraid! Right is on my side!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</span></p> + +<p>“But in this world it is more often might that triumphs. My tragic +hero, do you not realize that I could pink you within—one minute?”</p> + +<p>“I care not! And I believe that I can kill you!”</p> + +<p>“The worse for you then. You were as effectually damned. You would have +to reckon with King Charles. I’d not envy you that task. No, I will not +fight you.”</p> + +<p>“Then you are a coward! a coward! a coward! All the world will call you +one!”</p> + +<p>“All the world will laugh at you for your pains, Crewe. The world knows +what manner of man I am.”</p> + +<p>“You insult me! Am I unworthy of your sword?”</p> + +<p>“By no means. But I do not murder babes.”</p> + +<p>Crewe looked up into the mocking eyes. His hand fumbled in the breast +of his coat and came out. With one laced glove he struck my lord across +the face.</p> + +<p>“Is that enough?” he panted.</p> + +<p>The straight brows contracted swiftly.</p> + +<p>“Almost enough to earn you a thrashing at my hands, Crewe,” said +Roxhythe, a hint of grimness in his smooth voice.</p> + +<p>Sir Henry fell back. A sob tore at his throat.</p> + +<p>“My God, are you made of stone? You’ll swallow that insult?”</p> + +<p>My lord shrugged.</p> + +<p>“I have already told you; I do not murder babes.”</p> + +<p>“Damn you, am I to strike you again?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>Crewe’s hand clenched on the glove, twisting it round and round.</p> + +<p>“Can I say nothing to move you? What have I done that you should scorn +to fight me? Do you not owe me at least that much?”</p> + +<p>“My good child, no. I have not damaged Lady Crewe’s reputation; I am +even preventing you from so doing.”</p> + +<p>“I will cry this shame against you! All London shall know how you +refused to fight! were afraid to fight!”</p> + +<p>“You would be very ill-advised. You would ruin your wife, and make +yourself a laughing-stock. Do you think<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</span> I cannot afford to refuse to +fight without injuring mine honour?”</p> + +<p>Crewe stood still, seething with rage and impotence.</p> + +<p>“Why will you not fight me? What reason have you?”</p> + +<p>“I thought that I told you that,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Bah! ’Tis not from any desire to spare my life, I know!”</p> + +<p>“Why then, we will say that it is not my will.”</p> + +<p>“Do you think to put me off with that excuse? You treat me as though +I were of no account! as though you had not ruined my happiness, +disgraced my wife!”</p> + +<p>My lord re-arranged his cravat.</p> + +<p>“I’ve no taste for heroics off the stage, my friend.”</p> + +<p>The young man’s breath was coming short and quick. His hands trembled; +his eyes burned dark in his pale face.</p> + +<p>“Don’t mock at me! You—you goad me to what I will not think of! I +could kill you where you stand, you smiling devil!”</p> + +<p>My lord was still busy with his cravat. He stood with his back to Crewe +looking into the mirror.</p> + +<p>“<i>Eh bien!</i> Kill me.”</p> + +<p>Crewe swung round on his heel. Up and down the room he paced, with +white lips and trembling hands. He came at last to a standstill, facing +my lord.</p> + +<p>“Once more I ask: will you name your friends?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe studied his reflection pensively.</p> + +<p>“I will not.”</p> + +<p>Crewe was almost hysterical with rage. He tore at his sword, wrenching +it from the scabbard.</p> + +<p>“You shall fight! If you will not have it in order, it shall be here +and now! On guard, my lord!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe gave a finishing touch to his laces, and turned.</p> + +<p>“What have we now? <i>Corbleu!</i> A sword! Am I to fling myself on its +point?”</p> + +<p>“Draw, curse you!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe snapped his fingers scornfully.</p> + +<p>“So much for that pretty plaything! I do not fight you now or at any +time. Body o’ me, am I to fight every young cockerel who fancies +himself injured by me? Put<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</span> up your sword and be thankful that I do not +choose to take offence.”</p> + +<p>The sword clattered to the ground.</p> + +<p>“Devil! Devil!” gasped Sir Henry, and sprang at him.</p> + +<p>There was a short struggle, a strangled oath from Crewe. Roxhythe had +both the boy’s wrists in a vice-like grip. He did not appear to exert +himself in the least, but Crewe could not break free. The pressure +tightened relentlessly.</p> + +<p>“Fool!” said my lord evenly. “I could ruin you ten times over for this. +What madness has come over you that you dare to challenge me in such a +fashion?”</p> + +<p>Sir Henry was silent, clenching his underlip hard between his teeth. +The grip on his wrists was agony. Roxhythe looked down at him +contemptuously.</p> + +<p>“If you like I will swear that at my hands Lady Crewe has received no +ill, save, perhaps, a little heartache. Is that enough?”</p> + +<p>“No, no! Damn you, let me go! I’ll allow no man—to make love to—my +wife—and go—unpunished!”</p> + +<p>“I applaud you. But yours would be the punishment an I met you.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll take my chance of that! Let go my wrists! Do you think I care +whether I live or die? Oh, name your seconds! Name them!”</p> + +<p>“No.”</p> + +<p>“For God’s sake forget that you are Roxhythe for one moment!”</p> + +<p>“It is as well that one of us should remember it.”</p> + +<p>“’Sdeath! Are you a creature of flesh and blood? I’ve struck you! I +have offered you every insult! Is it possible that you can still refuse +me satisfaction?”</p> + +<p>“In truth, I am very forbearing,” sighed Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Crewe struggled to be free of him.</p> + +<p>“Then again I call you coward! I’ll never rest until I have met you!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe released him.</p> + +<p>“If you pester me it will be my painful duty to have you removed. I +repeat: neither now or at any other time will I fight you. That is my +last word.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</span></p> + +<p>Crewe fell back. The marks of Roxhythe’s fingers were on his arms; dry +sobs shook him. He collapsed into a chair, resting his head in his +hands.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shook out his ruffles.</p> + +<p>The door was opened; Sir Henry heard the snap as it was closed again. +He was alone.</p> + +<p>Ten minutes later Roxhythe was at Mrs. Carthew’s side, drawling +witticisms.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances came up with Mr. Fletcher at her elbow. She smiled sweetly.</p> + +<p>“Mrs. Carthew, may I present Mr. Fletcher?”</p> + +<p>The lady bowed.</p> + +<p>“Will you dance, Madam?” simpered Fletcher.</p> + +<p>Madam was uncertain. Plainly she liked Roxhythe’s company. But her +hostess was already engaging his attention.</p> + +<p>“Thank you, sir.” She was led away.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances sat down beside my lord.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, why have you tampered with that poor child?” Her voice was +very calm.</p> + +<p>“My dear Fanny, need we pursue the subject? I do not care to dwell on +my mistakes.”</p> + +<p>“You admit that it was a mistake? David, I implore you, let it end +here!”</p> + +<p>“It ended an hour since. I found myself growing paternal.”</p> + +<p>“I am thankful for’t. The girl fancies herself in love with you. I pray +heaven ’tis but a fancy. I have told her what manner of man you are.”</p> + +<p>“Really? What manner of man am I?”</p> + +<p>She disregarded him.</p> + +<p>“David, it was not right; it was not fair. I’d say naught if she were +a Court miss, versed in these ways. She is not. She knew no harm until +you came into her life. And now—God and you know what harm has been +wrought.”</p> + +<p>“None.”</p> + +<p>“That is true, Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“As I live. I believe I must always have felt paternal towards her. It +was a very mild intrigue.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</span></p> + +<p>Lady Frances heaved a sigh of relief.</p> + +<p>“I feared—she was so very over-wrought—If you say it is not so, I +believe you. But, oh, David, why? Why try to break her poor, foolish +little heart? Were there not enough women besides her? Women who knew +you and your ways?”</p> + +<p>“It was her sweet simplicity that attracted me,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“So you broke her for your pleasure. Sometimes I think that you are +utterly without heart, David.”</p> + +<p>“Mayhap. However, you’ll agree that I am not without forbearance when I +tell you that for the past hour I have been closetted with the husband, +refusing to fight him.”</p> + +<p>“Ah! You will not fight him?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly not. Why should I?”</p> + +<p>“I know why you should not! ’Twere Lady Crewe’s ruin an you did.”</p> + +<p>“So I thought. Unhappily he did not. He did all in his power to provoke +me to wrath.”</p> + +<p>“He failed?”</p> + +<p>“Can you ask? I have told him that I will not meet him now or at any +other time.”</p> + +<p>“David, promise me that you will not go back on that!”</p> + +<p>“I promise.”</p> + +<p>She touched his hand, smiling a little tremulously.</p> + +<p>“You’re not all bad, David. I believe that you are sorry for +this—mistake.”</p> + +<p>“I regret it with all my heart. The child took me more seriously than I +knew.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances dabbed surreptitiously at her eyes.</p> + +<p>“My dear,” said Roxhythe, “if you cry, I shall depart. I have had +naught but tears and ravings all the evening.”</p> + +<p>“Poor David! Oh me! I should be angry with you, I suppose. Somehow I +cannot. You had best make love to me next time. Then neither of us will +be hurt.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe kissed her hand.</p> + +<p>“Two women there are, Fanny, whom I esteem above all others. One is now +a memory.”</p> + +<p>Frances looked up.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</span></p> + +<p>“Who was she?”</p> + +<p>“She was Madame.”</p> + +<p>“Madame! Roxhythe, you loved her?”</p> + +<p>“I respected and admired her above all women. The other is your sweet +self. If ever I love, or have loved a woman, you are she.”</p> + +<p>“How dear of you!” sighed my lady. “To how many women have you said +that?”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IVc">CHAPTER IV<br> +<span class="allsmcap">PROGRESSION</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>AT Drury Lane Christopher met Harcourt. They sat side by side in the +Pit, and during the intervals, exchanged confidences. After the play +they went together to partake of supper. When the dishes had been set +before them Harcourt shook his head at Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Oh, Chris, you are very wily!”</p> + +<p>Christopher sampled a pasty.</p> + +<p>“Am I? Why?”</p> + +<p>“You led me to think that your master was no plotter.”</p> + +<p>It was a bold attack, but it failed.</p> + +<p>“Nor is he.” Christopher went on with the pasty.</p> + +<p>Harcourt laughed long and low.</p> + +<p>“Why, Chris, have you heard none of the rumours current in town?”</p> + +<p>“I hear a good many lies. Which one is this?”</p> + +<p>“That the King made a treaty with France some time back—secretly.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, that!” Christopher was scornful. “I wonder you give ear to these +rumours, Harcourt.”</p> + +<p>“But my dear boy, men say that it was for that reason that we went to +war with Holland!” He was watching Christopher closely.</p> + +<p>“Men will say anything,” replied Dart. It was a very fair imitation of +Roxhythe’s style.</p> + +<p>Harcourt’s eyes narrowed.</p> + +<p>“Are you fencing with me, I wonder?”</p> + +<p>Christopher looked up, smiling.</p> + +<p>“Odso! I? No.”</p> + +<p>It was impossible to look into his clear, honest eyes and to disbelieve +his word. Harcourt was puzzled.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</span></p> + +<p>“I have heard it said also that Roxhythe worked the intrigue. You +remember how often he was in Paris?”</p> + +<p>“Ay. And I know why. It was not intrigue.”</p> + +<p>“Oh! Then you do not think that the King allied himself with France +behind our backs?”</p> + +<p>“Of course I do not. Is that a wild duck?”</p> + +<p>Harcourt pushed the dish towards him. Christopher had a fine, healthy +appetite.</p> + +<p>“I don’t trust the King,” said Harcourt profoundly.</p> + +<p>“You must always be mistrusting someone, Sydney,” said Christopher, +amused. “What’s to do now?”</p> + +<p>“Why were we deprived of Shaftesbury? Why have we this Danby?”</p> + +<p>“God knows. I don’t meddle in politics. You had best ask Shaftesbury +himself. I hear he is much with your master.”</p> + +<p>Harcourt frowned.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps I shall. Is it possible that you can trust Danby?”</p> + +<p>“I hardly know him,” said Christopher. He attacked the wild duck with +some vigour.</p> + +<p>“But his policy! It is all cringing to the Court.”</p> + +<p>“Is it?”</p> + +<p>“I mislike his distribution of money. It smacks of bribery.”</p> + +<p>“Sydney, I recommend this bird—oh, I beg your pardon! yes, bribery. +Certainly.”</p> + +<p>“Associating with Roxhythe has made you very careless,” reproved his +friend.</p> + +<p>“I have already told you that I do not meddle in what I do not +understand. I have abundant faith in His Majesty’s discretion—and that +is all there is to it. How is Madame Harcourt?”</p> + +<p>Harcourt gave it up, and Christopher promptly forgot the conversation.</p> + +<p>Later in the week he called on Lady Frances to whom he was more than +ever attached.</p> + +<p>She greeted him gaily. With her was Lady Crewe, and Christopher saw +that Millicent had been crying.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</span></p> + +<p>“Do I intrude?” he asked, smiling.</p> + +<p>“By no means!” answered Frances. “We are delighted to see you, are we +not, Millicent?”</p> + +<p>Lady Crewe assented. Christopher kissed both their hands, and sat down. +For a short space he entertained them with snatches of gossip. Lady +Crewe was palpably ill-at-ease and anxious to be gone. Before very long +she rose, murmuring excuses.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances took her hand.</p> + +<p>“Must you go? Well, I’ll not press you to stay, as I know how busy you +are. Chris, wait for me!” She went out with Millicent.</p> + +<p>When she returned, Christopher looked at her, one eyebrow raised +inquiringly.</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>“Well what?” asked her ladyship, swinging her brocades.</p> + +<p>“I want to know.”</p> + +<p>“Inquisitive child! Again what?”</p> + +<p>“Is it all at an end between Lady Crewe and Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>Fanny sat down beside him.</p> + +<p>“Thank heaven, yes! You noticed, then?”</p> + +<p>“Since March he has hardly ever been at her side.”</p> + +<p>“And she mopes and lies awake nights thinking of him. It’s a sad coil, +Chris.”</p> + +<p>“So I always thought. Lady Crewe looks very sick.”</p> + +<p>Frances tapped her fan against the table.</p> + +<p>“Because she hath a fool for husband! ’Pon rep, Chris, I’ve no patience +with the man! Oh, I’ll tell you the whole story! You can be discreet, +I know. In March I gave a ball; you remember? Well, they were both +present. Roxhythe took Millicent into my little parlour and as far as I +can gather there was something of a fracas. He discovered that he felt +fatherly towards her and I suppose that he saw that she was too much in +earnest for peace and quiet. To do him justice, I believe he meant to +be kind then. They bade one another farewell, or some such nonsense, +and the child wept very grievously. Roxhythe is too fascinating. At +that moment in walked the husband! Conceive the tableau! Roxhythe +brought Millicent to me,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</span> and went back to Sir Henry. According to him, +Sir Henry was all for a duel, but he’d have none of it, and left the +poor man disconsolate. No doubt he was very rude. Since then he has +eschewed Millicent’s society. <i>Tant mieux.</i> All would then have +been well had it not been for Crewe’s heroics. So Roxhythe calls it. +Instead of treating the matter tactfully, he first raved at the child, +and then turned a cold shoulder to her. They scarcely speak; each goes +his own road, and each is very properly unhappy.</p> + +<p>“I told Sir Henry he was a fool—yes, was it not brave of me?—and I +told him to take Millicent away and be kind to her. Oh, he could have +won her back! Instead he took her down into the country where she +fretted herself to death. Now she thinks that she hates Crewe. I’ve +talked to the man till I am tired, and to no avail. In fact, he sent +me about my business. And so they go their ways. Millicent yearns for +Roxhythe, because she wants love and Henry seems to have none for her. +She sees David at all the houses they visit, and in that way the wound +is kept open.”</p> + +<p>“I see,” said Christopher. “I had some notion of this, of course, but I +did not know all. One does not question Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“No,” agreed her ladyship. “One does not. I am very worried over this +<i>affaire</i>. I must say that since the fracas Roxhythe hath not paid +much heed to Millicent. But they meet everywhere—and Roxhythe is all +too magnetic. The child fancies herself madly in love with him.”</p> + +<p>“I had not thought that. True, she does not look well, and she is less +gay, but she scarce glances in Roxhythe’s direction.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, she hath her pride!” said Frances. She sighed a little, and fell +silent. After a few moments she smiled reminiscently.</p> + +<p>“Chris, who do you think waited on me yesterday?”</p> + +<p>Christopher shook his head.</p> + +<p>“Who?”</p> + +<p>“Our new Earl!”</p> + +<p>“What, Danby?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</span></p> + +<p>“No less. Was it not amusing? I barely know him, and now, suddenly, he +comes to see me!”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps he has long been an admirer,” said Christopher, twinkling.</p> + +<p>Her lightening smile flashed out.</p> + +<p>“No such thing. He wanted to prove me concerning Jasper’s political +sentiments.”</p> + +<p>“Did he? What are his sentiments?”</p> + +<p>“If I knew I do not suppose that I should tell you, my dear boy.”</p> + +<p>“As I am aware that you do know, I take that as a very decided snub!”</p> + +<p>“<i>Soit!</i> I’ll tell you: Jasper belongs to no party.”</p> + +<p>“Wise man.”</p> + +<p>“So I think. I mislike this Danby.”</p> + +<p>“That is curious,” remarked Christopher. “I met Harcourt the other day +and he said much the same thing.”</p> + +<p>“Harcourt is very often right. Why does he object to Danby?”</p> + +<p>“I forget. Something concerning bribery, I think. He mistrusts +everyone. Even the King is not above reproach.”</p> + +<p>“Oh?” Lady Frances studied her fan. “Of what does he suspect the King?”</p> + +<p>“Some tittle-tattle about selling England to France. Harcourt swallows +every wild rumour that is current and firmly believes in it. ’Tis the +way of his party.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t think that, Chris. Harcourt usually has grounds for his +suspicions.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, he hath for this one, the war with Holland, and Shaftesbury’s +resignation.”</p> + +<p>“Ah! By the way, Chris, is not Shaftesbury your friend?”</p> + +<p>“Hardly. He was a friend of my father’s and he has been very kind to +me. Lately I have eschewed his company as he cannot meet me without +deploring my regard for Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“I see. That regard is as strong as ever?”</p> + +<p>“An hundred times more strong!” said Christopher warmly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</span></p> + +<p>Lady Frances said nothing.</p> + +<p>Not ten minutes after Christopher had departed, Montgomery came quickly +into the room. Lady Frances laid down her embroidery.</p> + +<p>“Well, Jasper?”</p> + +<p>Montgomery flung himself into a chair. His face was overcast.</p> + +<p>“Has His Majesty been at the House to-day? Is the dispute ended?”</p> + +<p>“He has ended it very summarily.”</p> + +<p>“Oh? What has happened?”</p> + +<p>“We are prorogued.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances started. Her eyes crinkled at the corners; she laughed +beneath her breath.</p> + +<p>“My dear Jasper, he is a marvellous man!”</p> + +<p>Montgomery shrugged despairingly.</p> + +<p>“It passes all bounds. We were all in a turmoil over this question of +privilege—Shaftesbury’s doing, of course. Had it to do with the Test, +or had it not? The Houses were at one another’s throats; the King could +do naught to settle the dispute. So he prorogued us. I tell you, Fanny, +he’ll o’er-reach himself ere long. First we had Danby foisted upon us. +By sheer force we made peace with Holland. That was February of last +year. Did Charles recall the troops? No! He gives us shuffling answers. +’Tis my belief he is in French pay. There was dissension. Then Danby +employs a little bribery, and all is quiet. The House turns against +Lauderdale, as well it might. There was talk of impeachment. More +bribery. No more talk of impeachment. Next we have the No-Popery cry, +Danby heading it, the King—ostensibly—seconding.</p> + +<p>“Then the bill offered to the Lords—no person to sit in either House, +or to hold any office without declaring all resistance to the King’s +power criminal, or without swearing never to attempt to alter the +government of Church or State. Pretty, was it not? Well, the opposition +arose and debated. So we have next a standing order attached: no oath +should ever be imposed the refusal of which should deprive a peer of +his seat or vote. Shaftesbury evidently<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</span> thought it would pass, so what +must he do but pick a quarrel with the Lords on Privilege. So were +we all in a turmoil. Whereupon Charles prorogues Parliament. ’Tis a +scandal, Fanny!”</p> + +<p>She nodded.</p> + +<p>“And the Bill?”</p> + +<p>He pulled down the corners of his mouth.</p> + +<p>“I’ll swear we have heard the last of that.”</p> + +<p>“So it is ended. At least ’tis no triumph for Danby.”</p> + +<p>“No.” He fell silent, watching her moodily.</p> + +<p>“What of Scotland?” asked Frances at length.</p> + +<p>“No decision; matters drift on. ’Pon honour, Fanny, the country is in a +grievous state! A dissolute King, and a sycophant for minister! I had +sooner have Shaftesbury for all his faults.”</p> + +<p>“Yes....” Lady Frances was frowning. “But Shaftesbury was not to be +trusted.”</p> + +<p>“As we have seen. I think no one is to be trusted save it be my Lord +Halifax.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, Halifax!” she laughed. “He’ll do naught because he cares not +enough one way or the other. He hath the wit, though.”</p> + +<p>“I have a great opinion of him.... Who has been here to-day?”</p> + +<p>“No one of any moment. Millicent, and later, Chris Dart.”</p> + +<p>“Dart. Fanny, have you ever learnt anything from that young man?”</p> + +<p>“He knows nothing.”</p> + +<p>“He could throw no light on these suspicions concerning the King and +France?”</p> + +<p>“He spoke of it to-day. He is quite in the dark.”</p> + +<p>“So Roxhythe was not in any intrigue in that quarter?”</p> + +<p>“I do not say that.”</p> + +<p>“My dear Fan! If his private secretary knows naught——?”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances laid down her needle.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe works alone. I believe that when Madame came to England in +’70, it was to negotiate with Charles for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</span> Louis. I believe also that +Roxhythe was the King’s agent.”</p> + +<p>Montgomery was worried, but still unconvinced.</p> + +<p>“I do admire your intelligence, my dear, and true it is that all men +eye Roxhythe askance since those rumours began. And yet....”</p> + +<p>“Wait,” said Lady Frances. “My instinct never errs.”</p> + +<p>A servant came into the room, holding the door wide.</p> + +<p>“My Lord Roxhythe, your ladyship.”</p> + +<p>“Speak of the devil...!” muttered Montgomery. He rose.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe entered. He was dressed in shades of mauve and silver.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances laughed at him.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, you are like an autumn evening!” she told him.</p> + +<p>“Then I am inappropriately clad,” he replied, bowing over her hand. +“Montgomery, ye seem mighty solemn.”</p> + +<p>“Ay.” Jasper forced a smile. “You’ve heard the latest news?”</p> + +<p>“I believe so. Fitzjoyce is engaged to fight Digby out at Islington. On +account of Digby’s fair spouse.”</p> + +<p>“I referred to State affairs,” said Montgomery stiffly. “The King has +prorogued Parliament.”</p> + +<p>“So he has. I remember now.”</p> + +<p>“I fear he will go too far if he continues to behave in this wise.”</p> + +<p>“Oh? His move is not approved of?”</p> + +<p>“Hardly.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe handed Lady Fanny to a seat, and sat down beside her.</p> + +<p>“Well, well. He will be distressed.”</p> + +<p>Montgomery spoke boldly.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, you possess more influence than does anyone. Why do you not +exert it?”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances looked quickly from one to the other.</p> + +<p>“Why should I?” asked my lord blandly.</p> + +<p>“’Twere in the interests of the country.”</p> + +<p>“Um,” said Roxhythe profoundly. “But I never meddle in what concerns me +not.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</span></p> + +<p>Fanny saw the colour rise to her husband’s cheeks. She gave a little +gurgle of laughter.</p> + +<p>“There’s for you, Jasper! And now we’ll talk of something else, an it +please you.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll not stay then,” answered Montgomery brusquely. “I am like to cast +a blight on my Lord Roxhythe’s conversation.” He left the room with a +slight bow to Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances looked troubled. Roxhythe regarded her amusedly.</p> + +<p>“I seem to have upset your worthy husband,” he remarked.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Vc">CHAPTER V<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>’76 dawned softly. In England there was no Parliament, for in November +of ’75 it had refused Charles a grant of money; had even dared to +insinuate that he should be in possession of a surplus. It was +importunate, and it was straightway prorogued.</p> + +<p>On the continent Louis still waged war on Holland, but Turenne was +dead at Saltzbach, and De Ruyter dead in Italy. A congress was held at +Nimeguen, but the war continued, the Prince of Orange doggedly holding +his enemy in check. Seldom was he successful in battle. At St. Omer +he suffered great losses, but ever he managed just to hold back the +French. So Louis approached his cousin Charles tentatively.</p> + +<p>Negotiations were opened and carried on through M. Barillon, the French +ambassador; the Duchess of Portsmouth; and my Lord Danby. Into the +negotiations strolled my Lord Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Charles was dissatisfied. Louis showed a tendency to meanness. Charles +held counsel with his favourite.</p> + +<p>“David, it is like squeezing money from a stone.”</p> + +<p>“Is it, Sir?”</p> + +<p>Charles was petulant. He repulsed one of the spaniels which was trying +to leap on to his knee.</p> + +<p>“It is unsatisfactory, trafficking through Barillon. I do not know King +Louis his real mind. As before, we are fenced round with vague terms. +I’ll do the thing direct or not at all.”</p> + +<p>“Ah!” Roxhythe sighed, for he perceived whither this led.</p> + +<p>Charles shook back his curls. In his eyes was a brooding melancholy +look that the favourite knew well.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</span></p> + +<p>“Barillon speaks me fair and offers little. Louise——” he shrugged. +“She leaves me in the dark. Before I enter into a second treaty with +Louis I’ll know where I stand. He seeks to trap me.”</p> + +<p>“Naturally. So the whole matter lies in one short sentence:—Roxhythe +must go to France.”</p> + +<p>The King half smiled.</p> + +<p>“It seems so, David.”</p> + +<p>“To discover King Louis his mind?”</p> + +<p>“Ay. Roxhythe, I have no notion how much I may with safety demand. I +would ask—the same as before. Louis would try to beat me down. If I +know not what is the maximum sum he will pay I dare not stand adamant. +I must know. And there is none like unto you for discovering these +matters. I want the thing done quickly; I am tired of all this haggling +and bargaining.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe nodded.</p> + +<p>“And when I have discovered this: what then?”</p> + +<p>“I will have you take a letter to King Louis setting forth my mind.”</p> + +<p>“But, Sir, why not negotiate then through Barillon?”</p> + +<p>“Because I dislike the oily-tongued rascal! I’ll lay the matter bare +before Louis—he shall know my wants from me alone; not as translated +and modified by his own servants.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“You must go to Monmouth. You have been a-many times, so it will not +give rise to suspicion. And from thence to Paris.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe cast up his eyes.</p> + +<p>“Have a little mercy, Sir! Employ one of the Duchess her creatures.”</p> + +<p>“No. I trust no one save you.”</p> + +<p>“I am flattered, Sir, of course.”</p> + +<p>Charles stretched himself, laughing. Some of the shadows had gone from +his eyes.</p> + +<p>“David, ye grow ungallant!”</p> + +<p>“I grow weary, Sir, and old,” retorted my lord.</p> + +<p>“Nevertheless, ye will go?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</span></p> + +<p>“I suppose I must, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles smiled, full of affectionate understanding.</p> + +<p>So Roxhythe went again to Paris.</p> + +<p>During his absence Lady Crewe came one evening to Bevan House, closely +veiled. She was ushered into the library where Christopher received +her. When he saw who it was who had come to see Roxhythe at such an +informal hour, he was horrified.</p> + +<p>My lady moved agitated hands.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Dart, I must see my Lord Roxhythe.” Her voice was carefully +controlled, but Christopher could detect the flutter beneath her calm.</p> + +<p>“I am very sorry, Lady Crewe, but—”</p> + +<p>“Please—do not—make excuses! I must see him.”</p> + +<p>“Madame, it is impossible. He is not here.”</p> + +<p>She stared at him, blankly.</p> + +<p>“Not—here! Oh—I—did not know! I—” She broke off twisting her hands.</p> + +<p>Christopher watched her. He saw pride struggling with desire, and +wondered. Suddenly she turned to him.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Dart, I want so much to ask my lord not to—not to—go to Lady +Claremont’s rout next week!”</p> + +<p>Christopher looked at her steadily. The reason sounded much like an +excuse. He bowed.</p> + +<p>Millicent read the doubt in his face; she drew herself up proudly.</p> + +<p>“Will you please deliver that message to my lord as soon as he returns?”</p> + +<p>Christopher decided that his suspicions were unjust. He came forward, +taking her hand.</p> + +<p>“Will you not be seated, Madame? Of course I will deliver your message, +but—forgive me—is it not rather a strange one?”</p> + +<p>“I—yes, I suppose you must think so. Perhaps he—will not +understand—I—oh, promise me you will tell this to—”</p> + +<p>“Whatever you impart to me I shall treat as a strict confidence.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you. It is just that—people are talking still about—my +lord—and me. And last week—we—I was at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</span> Lady Bletchley’s and she +presented—Roxhythe—to me, and we had to dance—and my husband was +very angry. Now he watches my every movement. He heard my lord ask +me if I was to be at the Claremont rout—next week. And then at a +coffee-house there was some vile talk—and oh, I don’t know how it +is, but he hath it firmly fixed in his head—that we—that I have +arranged to meet—my lord—there, because Henry is not going. He—he +is mad with jealousy. He won’t believe—that it is not so. I feel he +means to arrive at the rout—later in the evening—and—if my lord is +there—and I am there—he—he—is so wild I fear a scene—or that he +will challenge my lord. You see, of late—Lord Roxhythe has been at all +the balls—and—oh, I dare not stay at home, for then Henry suspects me +more than ever! Please, please do not let Roxhythe go to the Claremont +rout!”</p> + +<p>“I will certainly try to prevent it,” soothed Christopher. “But are +you sure that your husband is quite as mad—as you think?” He spoke +apologetically.</p> + +<p>“You do not know how wild he is! And—and because I go to Lady Frances’ +house who is Roxhythe’s cousin, he thinks—he thinks—oh, it is all too +horrible!”</p> + +<p>“It must be,” said Christopher with feeling. “Will it comfort you if I +promise that Roxhythe shall not go to this ball?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, yes!” she sighed. “Thank you very much!”</p> + +<p>He showed her out, anxious that she should leave as soon as might be. +Hysterical women filled him with nervousness.</p> + +<p>When he came back to the library his lips pursed.</p> + +<p>“Thunder of God, what a household! And how indiscreet of her to come +here!” He shook his head wisely.</p> + +<p>When Roxhythe returned two days later, Christopher told him of my +lady’s visit.</p> + +<p>“Little fool,” commented my lord.</p> + +<p>“Sir, she is naught but a child, and—I believe I am sorry for her.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe poured himself out a glass of burgundy.</p> + +<p>“She behaves so foolishly. I have but to enter the room<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</span> for her to go +pale and then red. They are a melodramatic pair. I wish them joy of +each other.” He drained the glass and lounged out.</p> + +<p>Shortly after noon on the following day Roxhythe was in his private +room attending to some affairs. To him came a lackey who announced that +Sir Henry Crewe was downstairs and desired to see him at once.</p> + +<p>One haughty eyebrow rose.</p> + +<p>“I do not receive,” said my lord.</p> + +<p>“I thought not,” said a deadly calm voice. “So I followed your servant.”</p> + +<p>The scandalized footman threw a deprecatory glance at his master. +Roxhythe nodded. Sir Henry came firmly into the room; the door closed +behind the lackey.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked his visitor up and down.</p> + +<p>“May I know to what I owe this honour?” he drawled.</p> + +<p>Crewe was very pale, with determination writ upon his face.</p> + +<p>“A year ago, sir, you refused to fight me. Since then I have watched +you closely. I have seen you at every ball, sometimes in attendance +with my wife. I have remarked how many evenings she spends with your +cousin. I am not a fool; neither am I blind.”</p> + +<p>My lord’s mouth twitched.</p> + +<p>“I am glad to know that,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps it surprises you!” sneered Crewe.</p> + +<p>“I confess I had not given you credit for much brain. Of course if you +assure me that I was wrong I have no choice but to believe you.”</p> + +<p>“You may mock as much as you please, my lord, but you will not evade +the point any longer. It has come to my knowledge that my wife came to +your house three nights since. I have borne much, but this goes beyond +all bounds. One of us dies, my lord. Will you meet me?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe balanced his quill on one finger.</p> + +<p>“I gave you the answer to that question a year ago, my friend.”</p> + +<p>“You still refuse?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</span></p> + +<p>“Perhaps—” Crewe laughed derisively. “—perhaps you’ll deny that my +wife came to your house?”</p> + +<p>“I am not in a position to deny it. You see, I was not in London.”</p> + +<p>Crewe laughed again.</p> + +<p>“A lie!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed.</p> + +<p>“I have called you coward; I now call you liar. Do you still refuse to +meet me?”</p> + +<p>“I do.”</p> + +<p>An unpleasant smile hovered about Crewe’s mouth. He strode to the door, +turned the key in the lock, and pocketed it. Roxhythe watched, mildly +interested.</p> + +<p>“Very well, my lord. You force my hand.” Sir Henry produced a case of +pistols. He laid them on the table. “You will find them ready primed, +sir, and alike in every respect. You may take your choice. We will +stand at opposite ends of the room. It is now two minutes to the hour. +When the clock strikes for the third time we fire.”</p> + +<p>“It doesn’t strike,” said Roxhythe apologetically.</p> + +<p>Crewe reddened.</p> + +<p>“Then you may count.”</p> + +<p>“You are very kind,” murmured my lord.</p> + +<p>“Have you chosen your weapon, sir?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe pushed them away.</p> + +<p>“My dear, impetuous fool, do you seriously think that I am going to +fight you?”</p> + +<p>“If you do not I’ll shoot you like the dog you are!”</p> + +<p>“Not in this coat,” said Roxhythe. He stroked its velvet surface +lovingly.</p> + +<p>Crewe curbed his temper with difficulty.</p> + +<p>“I think you will have no need of coats after to-day, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I trust so,” answered Roxhythe placidly.</p> + +<p>Crewe picked up one of the pistols.</p> + +<p>“Do you fire from where you sit, sir?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Light sprang to the angry eyes.</p> + +<p>“At last! From where, my lord?”</p> + +<p>“From nowhere,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</span></p> + +<p>The nervous hands clenched.</p> + +<p>“I could strangle you in your chair, you mocking devil!”</p> + +<p>“I doubt it,” smiled Roxhythe, unruffled. He rose, and came towards +the furious young man. “In a very few moments I shall have lost my +patience,” he said. “So I advise you to go.”</p> + +<p>The pistol was raised.</p> + +<p>“If you call for help I fire!” threatened Crewe.</p> + +<p>“What I dislike about you is your deplorable manner,” complained +Roxhythe. “Don’t wave that thing in my face!”</p> + +<p>“Pick up that pistol! By God, if you goad me much further I will shoot +you out of hand!”</p> + +<p>“I thought you proposed doing that in any case. I suppose you have not +the courage.”</p> + +<p>Crewe’s finger was on the trigger. His eyes blazed.</p> + +<p>“’Tis not I who lack courage, my lord! ’Tis you!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“Do you doubt me?” cried Sir Henry.</p> + +<p>“You are labouring under a delusion,” replied Roxhythe. “I am not deaf.”</p> + +<p>“Damn you, pick up that pistol!”</p> + +<p>The smile became insufferable.</p> + +<p>“Damn you, pick it up yourself,” said Roxhythe, very urbane.</p> + +<p>Crewe looked in the handsome, laughing face, saw that my lord was +playing with him, would continue to play with him, and went white. In +that moment all semblance of sanity left him. He raised the pistol. His +hand was trembling, but he controlled it; he had no thought for the +consequences; he only knew that Roxhythe was laughing at him, jibing at +him. He fired....</p> + +<p>The report was deafening; smoke flooded the room. As soon as he had +pulled the trigger Crewe realized the enormity of his act, and came +violently to his senses. He dropped the pistol, shuddering.</p> + +<p>The smoke cleared. Lord Roxhythe was lying inert upon the floor. Below +his right shoulder a great red patch was growing, growing.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</span></p> + +<p>Crewe stared numbly. The patch was creeping over my lord’s coat, soon +it would trickle down on to the carpet. It seemed a pity. Crewe tried +to imagine what it would look like when the steadily flowing blood +should have reached the floor. It would spoil the carpet; he thought +that blood-stains never came out, but he was not sure.</p> + +<p>Along the passage came the sound of footsteps, running. The door was +tried; voices called; someone was trying to burst open the lock.</p> + +<p>The noise dispelled some of the mists that were gathering about Crewe’s +mind.</p> + +<p>“Wait! wait!” He fumbled in his pocket for the key, and finding it, +thrust it into the lock with cold, trembling fingers....</p> + +<p>The room seemed full of people. They were gathered about my lord’s +body, talking excitedly. No one noticed him. How foolish they were! Why +try to staunch that blood? Roxhythe was dead. He, Crewe, had killed +him.... How still Roxhythe lay! He could not look at him. He leant +against the wall, sick and cold.</p> + +<p>Into the confusion came Christopher, swiftly.</p> + +<p>“What is it? I thought I heard—” he stopped short seeing the agitated +group at one end of the room. Like a flash he was across the floor and +had thrust two of the men aside.</p> + +<p>Crewe watched covertly. The red patch was growing and growing; it had +reached the carpet. What fools they were! Why did they not stop it?</p> + +<p>Christopher gave a strangled cry. He was down beside my lord, agonized, +feeling for his heart.</p> + +<p>“My God, no!” he whispered. “Not dead! Not dead!”</p> + +<p>Those around grew suddenly quiet.</p> + +<p>Christopher lifted his head from my lord’s breast.</p> + +<p>“He is alive. James, run for the nearest surgeon! Quickly!”</p> + +<p>The man hurried out.</p> + +<p>“John?” He was staunching the blood with deft, tender fingers, as he +spoke.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s old servant stood before him, shaking.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</span></p> + +<p>Christopher looked up.</p> + +<p>“Get me linen and water!”</p> + +<p>John fled.</p> + +<p>“The rest of you, go!” said Christopher. His eyes fell on Crewe, +leaning against the wall, face averted.</p> + +<p>“<i>Crewe!</i>”</p> + +<p>A footman pushed forward.</p> + +<p>“Ay, sir! He came an hour since, and forced himself into the room. I +thought that he was queer-like then—”</p> + +<p>“Fool! Why did you let him in?”</p> + +<p>“But, sir! My lord said—”</p> + +<p>“Oh ay, ay! See that he does not escape now. My God, if Roxhythe +dies—!”</p> + +<p>Two lackeys seized Sir Henry’s arms and stood holding him. The rest, in +obedience to Christopher’s commands, drifted away.</p> + +<p>John came running with linen and water. Between them, he and +Christopher bound the wound tightly, and straightened my lord’s limbs. +Then, after what seemed an interminable time, Mr. Burnest, the surgeon, +appeared, and attended to the wound.</p> + +<p>Christopher watched breathlessly as his hands moved about my lord.</p> + +<p>Burnest finished his examination.</p> + +<p>“By God’s mercy it has not touched the lung. He will live.”</p> + +<p>The colour came flooding back to Christopher’s cheeks. John fell on his +knees beside the writing-table, sobbing thankfully.</p> + +<p>Crewe’s voice, hoarse, unlike himself, cut across the room.</p> + +<p>“He’ll live, you say?”</p> + +<p>Christopher swung round fiercely.</p> + +<p>“No thanks to you, you damned scoundrel!”</p> + +<p>Burnest looked up quickly.</p> + +<p>“What’s that?” he said sharply.</p> + +<p>Before anyone had time to answer Roxhythe stirred. Christopher was +beside him in a moment, and knelt down on the floor holding one of the +beautifully shaped hands in his.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</span></p> + +<p>The deep brown eyes opened. They were puzzled; then the bewilderment +faded, and amusement took its place. My lord regarded the surgeon +silently. Then he looked at Christopher. Lastly he frowned.</p> + +<p>“God’s Body! My new coat!”</p> + +<p>At the sound of the faint voice, Christopher gave vent to a shaky laugh +of relief and pressed my lord’s hand to his lips. Roxhythe saw the +blood on his sleeve.</p> + +<p>“Ruined!” he said. He showed a tendency to rise, and was suppressed.</p> + +<p>“My lord, you must be still!” commanded Burnest.</p> + +<p>“If you think I shall continue to lie on this devilish hard floor, you +are mistaken,” said Roxhythe faintly. “Chris!”</p> + +<p>Christopher bent over him.</p> + +<p>“I implore you to lie still, sir. If you move you will start the +bleeding again.”</p> + +<p>“Send for James and another. I’ll be lifted to the couch.” He saw +Christopher glance at the surgeon. “I mean it, Chris.”</p> + +<p>Burnest knew Roxhythe of old. He shrugged.</p> + +<p>In five minutes my lord was reposing on the sofa, his wig straight, his +side neatly bandaged. Burnest gave him a restorative and his voice grew +stronger.</p> + +<p>John was standing by his side, holding the empty glass. There was a +look of dumb agony in his eyes.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stretched out his hand.</p> + +<p>“My dear John, I am not like to die this time.”</p> + +<p>John kissed his hand. Tears were running down his cheeks.</p> + +<p>“My lord—my lord—”</p> + +<p>“Yes. Go and get some canary for Mr. Burnest. Take it into the +library.” He turned his head and saw Crewe, standing between the two +footmen. He surveyed his servants coldly.</p> + +<p>“What do you think you are doing?”</p> + +<p>One of them fidgetted uncomfortably.</p> + +<p>“My lord, Mr. Dart said—”</p> + +<p>“You have my permission to go.”</p> + +<p>They glanced at Christopher, irresolute.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</span></p> + +<p>“I gave an order.” Roxhythe’s voice was icy.</p> + +<p>Both men left the room hastily.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Burnest, Chris will take you into the library. You must be thirsty +after your run.”</p> + +<p>“No, I thank you, sir. I am waiting to bleed you.”</p> + +<p>“You are very kind,” said Roxhythe. “You will have to wait quite half +an hour.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed, no! It is imperative!”</p> + +<p>“My good friend this is not the first time that I have been wounded. +Chris, take him away.”</p> + +<p>“I cannot, sir. I beg you will be reasonable.”</p> + +<p>“You fatigue me,” sighed his lordship. “I am in the middle of a +discussion with Sir Henry. I cannot be interrupted in this fashion.”</p> + +<p>“There has already been an interruption! I want to know what it was!” +cried Christopher.</p> + +<p>“You always were inquisitive. Sir Henry has been showing me his pistols +which are of a very exquisite workmanship. Unhappily they have a tricky +way of exploding—as you see.”</p> + +<p>“That will not suffice, sir. You cannot put me off with such an +explanation!”</p> + +<p>The brown eyes were like stones.</p> + +<p>“That is my explanation. Any who doubt my word may come and tell me.”</p> + +<p>“Sir, I know something of what lies behind! I—”</p> + +<p>“Take Mr. Burnest to the library.”</p> + +<p>“My lord—”</p> + +<p>“You hear me?”</p> + +<p>Christopher flushed.</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir.” He rose sullenly. “Mr. Burnest, will you—”</p> + +<p>“It is impossible! Lord Roxhythe, you cannot—”</p> + +<p>“You waste time,” said Roxhythe wearily.</p> + +<p>“You had best come,” advised Christopher. “It will do no good to argue.”</p> + +<p>“But—! Heavens, Mr. Dart, he should be put to bed at once! He cannot +stay talking to his friends! ’Tis madness! I—”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</span></p> + +<p>“You heard him. He will ever go his own way.”</p> + +<p>Burnest knew this. He turned to my lord.</p> + +<p>“Sir, if I leave you, will you promise not to move, nor to exert +yourself in any way?”</p> + +<p>“Aught you please.”</p> + +<p>“Then I will go. Against my wish!”</p> + +<p>“I thank you.”</p> + +<p>Burnest followed Christopher out.</p> + +<p>There was silence. Roxhythe pressed his handkerchief to his lips. His +face was rather drawn.</p> + +<p>“Come and sit down, Crewe.”</p> + +<p>Sir Henry spoke hoarsely.</p> + +<p>“I’ll not take my life at your hands!”</p> + +<p>“You will do exactly what I say. Sit down.”</p> + +<p>Crewe obeyed limply. He had the look of one who is weary beyond words.</p> + +<p>“Well, I compliment you,” remarked his lordship. “I did not think you +would do it.”</p> + +<p>Crewe flung out his hands.</p> + +<p>“Before God, I swear I never meant to! It was a sudden madness! I fired +before I had time to think! You must believe that! Oh—”</p> + +<p>“As usual you spoil everything. Including my coat. I had hoped it was +your intention. I had thought the better of you.”</p> + +<p>Crewe stared at him.</p> + +<p>“You must be—crazed!”</p> + +<p>“No. Luckily I am sane. So we may come to an understanding.”</p> + +<p>The wretched man groaned, his head in his hands.</p> + +<p>“Now, what is this nonsense about your wife?”</p> + +<p>“You know! Oh, heaven, must you add to your devilry?”</p> + +<p>“You would greatly oblige me by dropping the heroic pose. You raved +some nonsense about my meeting Millicent every day at my cousin her +house. I have never met her there.”</p> + +<p>Crewe looked up.</p> + +<p>“If I could believe that—!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</span></p> + +<p>“You can. Our very harmless little <i>affaire</i> ended last March. +I’ll swear to that if my word is not enough.”</p> + +<p>“No—no. But she came here three nights ago! You cannot deny that!”</p> + +<p>“I make no attempt to deny it. She had come to ask me not to appear at +the rout next week.”</p> + +<p>“Not to—That seals her guilt!”</p> + +<p>“Fool. She feared your mad jealousy would prompt you to make a scene. +You have so worked on her with your passions that she is well-nigh +crazed herself. There is naught between us.”</p> + +<p>Crewe sprang up.</p> + +<p>“Swear it! Swear it!”</p> + +<p>“Very well, I swear it. You can ask her. She will tell the same tale. +Last year she was infatuated by me. <i>Soit.</i> It ended as you know. +Had you then behaved sensibly towards her all would have been well. You +preferred to enact the heroic husband. That too is ended. You’ll go to +her and ask her pardon on your knees.” Few had heard that lazy voice so +stern.</p> + +<p>Crewe was silent, fighting himself.</p> + +<p>“If you say naught concerning this afternoon’s work there will be no +scandal. I shall not allow any man to question my explanation. But....” +he paused.</p> + +<p>“But?” Crewe stepped forward.</p> + +<p>“But you must withdraw yourself for—a year. I suggest you take +Millicent away. I believe I suggested that before.”</p> + +<p>“I see.” Crewe struggled for words. “You have treated me—better than +I—deserve, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Roxhythe. “Good-bye.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIc">CHAPTER VI<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE KING HIS WILL</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>MY lord lay in bed, propped up on pillows, rather weak from copious +bleeding, but otherwise himself. The surgeon had been amazed at his +nonchalance, well as he knew him, for the wound was deep, and the +extraction of the bullet had been more than painful. My lord had +neither flinched nor swooned.</p> + +<p>Christopher was seated by the bedside, entertaining him, when John came +into the room.</p> + +<p>“My lord, the King is below.” He said it with the utmost unconcern. In +his eyes the King was as nothing beside Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe picked up his mirror.</p> + +<p>“Admit His Majesty,” he said. “Give me that comb, Chris.”</p> + +<p>“Should I not go to escort His Majesty?” asked Christopher, flustered.</p> + +<p>“No. Give me the comb.”</p> + +<p>Christopher watched him rearrange two curls. He looked at the door, +wide-eyed.</p> + +<p>John bowed His Majesty in. Roxhythe struggled up.</p> + +<p>Charles went quickly to him, pressing him back on to the pillows.</p> + +<p>“Don’t move, Davy! Ah, what a crime!”</p> + +<p>Christopher withdrew discreetly.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe kissed his master’s hand.</p> + +<p>“Sire, you honour me very greatly. I scarce know how to thank you—”</p> + +<p>Charles sat down.</p> + +<p>“I came as soon as I heard the news. Some said you were dead; I have +been in a ferment! No one knew the truth concerning the matter. Davy, +how dared you scare me so?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</span></p> + +<p>“I do crave your pardon, Sir. It was not my intention to be shot.” He +smiled faintly. His hand rested in the King’s. “It was an accident.”</p> + +<p>“A curious accident!” said Charles. “I want the truth, David.”</p> + +<p>“For what purpose, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“I’ll not have your murderer go unpunished!”</p> + +<p>“But I am not dead. I repeat—it was an accident.”</p> + +<p>Charles was incredulous.</p> + +<p>“’Tis not like you to play the magnanimous part, Roxhythe. Are you +shielding the man?”</p> + +<p>“’Tis a new departure. A whim.”</p> + +<p>“You’ll not be avenged?”</p> + +<p>“By no means.”</p> + +<p>“David, I will have the truth!”</p> + +<p>“Sire, I will have your promise.”</p> + +<p>“That I’ll not pursue the miscreant?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles frowned.</p> + +<p>“Why, David?”</p> + +<p>“Because it is my will.”</p> + +<p>The King tried to keep back a laugh and failed.</p> + +<p>“Oddsblood, you’re bold!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“Very well,” said Charles. “I promise—since it is your will. I suppose +you know that I can refuse you nothing?”</p> + +<p>“You’ve said so, Sir. Crewe conceived himself injured by my attentions +to his wife. So he challenged me to fight him. I refused.”</p> + +<p>“Challenged you! What presumption!”</p> + +<p>“So I thought. The other day Lady Crewe came to my house—oh, quite +innocently! Crewe discovered it, and came to challenge me again. Again +I refused. Then the young coxcomb locked the door and laid two pistols +before me. It was most exciting. We were to stand at opposite ends of +the room and to fire. Oons, but he was furious!”</p> + +<p>“David, do you tell me that you actually consented to such a proposal?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</span></p> + +<p>Roxhythe was pained.</p> + +<p>“Is it likely, Sir? I continued to refuse. The child was easy to bait. +In the end his wrath got the better of him and he threatened to shoot +me—er, like the dog I was.”</p> + +<p>“Insolent!”</p> + +<p>“Very. I did not think he had the courage to do it. Evidently he had, +for here am I.”</p> + +<p>The King’s brow was very black.</p> + +<p>“He should be strung up if I had my way!”</p> + +<p>“Happily for him you have not, Sir. I did consider the matter, but I +decided to let him go.”</p> + +<p>“But why? why?”</p> + +<p>“There were several reasons. First, it was so damned amusing. And +Roxhythe does not descend to vengeance on gnats. He was altogether too +little. Lastly there is his wife.”</p> + +<p>“<i>Sangdieu!</i> Are you so infatuated by that chit?”</p> + +<p>“No. On the contrary. I am so weary of meeting her and seeing her wan +looks cast at me that I am determined to make an end. I have sent them +away. Had I handed Crewe over to justice Millicent would have remained. +In all probability she would have expected me to marry her.”</p> + +<p>The King’s lips twitched.</p> + +<p>“So in this weird fashion you are rid of both?”</p> + +<p>“That is it, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“You are wonderful,” said Charles. “And quite unique.”</p> + +<p>“I believe I am,” said his lordship modestly.</p> + +<p>“You’ve still to combat the gossip,” warned Charles. “London is +shrieking the news that you have been murdered by Crewe. No one will +believe your tale of accidents.”</p> + +<p>“Will they not, Sir! I think they will not dare to disbelieve—openly.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you are right. But you cannot kill talk.”</p> + +<p>“I shall not try. There will be no talk addressed to me. And Crewe will +be out of reach.”</p> + +<p>“And so it ends! I admit that it is a wise finish. But I would have +liked to punish the wretch.”</p> + +<p>“Sir, I have had enough of heroics. You’ll oblige me by treating the +affair as an accident.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</span></p> + +<p>Charles laughed at him.</p> + +<p>“You shall be obeyed, my lord. And now there is another matter.”</p> + +<p>“I know, Sir. I have been cursing my ill-luck all day.”</p> + +<p>“So have I. ’Tis not often that you fail me, David.”</p> + +<p>“I humbly beg your pardon, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“No, no, Davy! ’Twas not your fault. But devil take us all, what am I +to do?”</p> + +<p>“May I make a suggestion, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“Provided it bear sense.”</p> + +<p>“I counsel you to continue your negotiations through Barillon.”</p> + +<p>“I tell you I’ll not! You say fifty thousand is Louis’ price. It is not +enough. <i>Cordieu!</i> the thing is hard to do as it stands. I’ll be +well paid.”</p> + +<p>“Fifty thousand is a very fair price, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Before he paid two hundred thousand.”</p> + +<p>“True. But since then you have played fast and loose with him, Sir. +You’ll not get that sum again.”</p> + +<p>Charles bit his lip moodily.</p> + +<p>“Does Louis think that it is an easy matter for me to trick my +Parliament?”</p> + +<p>“He remembers that you did it before with great ease, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Ay, but now they suspect me. Body o’ God! I’ll not accept a paltry +fifty thousand for such a task!”</p> + +<p>“What says Danby?” asked my lord.</p> + +<p>“He is a fool.”</p> + +<p>“I take it that he does not like the Bond?”</p> + +<p>“Oh he likes it well enough until he is assailed by a fit of virtue. +And then he glooms and grumbles. I am sick to death of them all.”</p> + +<p>“And His Highness?”</p> + +<p>“As usual he objects to what he terms ‘the bribe.’ He hath no head.”</p> + +<p>“And Lauderdale?”</p> + +<p>“To hell with Lauderdale!”</p> + +<p>“I’m with you there. Beware that man, Sir!”</p> + +<p>“Pah! I have him in a vice. He fears impeachment.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</span></p> + +<p>“So! And now what?”</p> + +<p>“I’ll write to Louis.”</p> + +<p>A shadow crossed Roxhythe’s face.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty is vague. If it is not an impertinent question, what will +you write?”</p> + +<p>“Asking him for better terms.”</p> + +<p>The firm lips curled.</p> + +<p>“You’ll beg of Louis, Sir?”</p> + +<p>Charles was silent.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stared before him. His face was hard, inscrutable.</p> + +<p>Charles moved his hand wearily.</p> + +<p>“I’ve no choice. I must have money. Last year I essayed the Commons. +You saw what came of it. What else can I do?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned his head.</p> + +<p>“Well ... so be it. After all, what matter?”</p> + +<p>“What indeed? I knew you would stand by me, Davy!” The King’s spirits +had risen. Quickly they clouded over again.</p> + +<p>“I wanted you to bear the letter to Paris—to plead my cause with +Louis. And they tell me you’ll not be out of your room for a week.”</p> + +<p>“They lie,” said my lord calmly. “But I fear I cannot travel for a +week.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll not have you move from your bed until the surgeon permits. +Understand that, Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>“Is this an order, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“An order that I will have obeyed.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, Sir. And I do not think I should be an apt messenger.”</p> + +<p>“I am sure you would,” smiled Charles.</p> + +<p>“No. I am not versed in the art of—begging.”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>The favourite lay back. There were grim lines about his mouth.</p> + +<p>“I do not take that tone from any man alive, Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>My lord never said a word.</p> + +<p>The King grew colder.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</span></p> + +<p>“I await your apology.”</p> + +<p>“If I have offended, I ask your Majesty’s pardon. I but spoke my mind.”</p> + +<p>Charles was very angry. He rose and put back his chair.</p> + +<p>“It seems you want to quarrel with me, Roxhythe. You are under my +displeasure.”</p> + +<p>He stood looking down at the drawn face for a moment. Then he bent, +laying his hand on Roxhythe’s.</p> + +<p>“I had forgot how nigh I was to losing you, Davy. I’ faith, I cannot +find it in my heart to punish your rudeness.” His voice was very gentle.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s fingers closed on his.</p> + +<p>“Sir, you know how great is my love for you! If I have been impertinent +’tis because I cannot bear to have you beg of Louis.”</p> + +<p>“I know, David, I know! Do you think it does not irk me? But needs must +when the devil drives.”</p> + +<p>“If you say so, Sir, it is enough. Yet I am glad that I cannot bear +this letter.”</p> + +<p>“Now that I know your mind, I’d not ask you. Dimcock must take it.”</p> + +<p>Dimcock was the King’s private messenger.</p> + +<p>“Or Church,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“No. Church is not faithful.”</p> + +<p>“When did you discover that, Sir?”</p> + +<p>Charles smiled.</p> + +<p>“I discern your triumph. A week ago. I remembered your warnings. Now +there is only Dimcock left. I dare not risk an unfaithful messenger +with this.” He drew his hand away as he spoke. “I must go, Davy. I +doubt I have tired you.”</p> + +<p>“You have given me new life, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Have I? I will come again as soon as may be. And, Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>“Sire?”</p> + +<p>“Promise me you will obey the surgeon! <i>Mordieu</i>, if I were to +lose you—!”</p> + +<p>“I promise, Sir.” Roxhythe stretched out his hand to the bell at his +side. Charles rang it for him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</span></p> + +<p>As if by magic, Christopher appeared.</p> + +<p>“Chris, you will escort His Majesty downstairs.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, Mr. Dart!” The King was pleased to be gracious. “I fear you have a +difficult patient.”</p> + +<p>Christopher smiled, bowing.</p> + +<p>“No, Sir. My lord is quite tractable.”</p> + +<p>“I have never found him so,” said Charles. “I charge you very straitly +to have a care for him.” He flung a glance at Roxhythe, brimful of +mischief. “’Twas a grievous accident!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir,” said Christopher grimly.</p> + +<p>The King bent over Roxhythe again.</p> + +<p>“Fare ye well, Davy. I shall come again within a day or two.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe kissed his hand.</p> + +<p>“I can find no words wherewith to thank you, Sir. You are very good.”</p> + +<p>Christopher accompanied the King downstairs, nearly bursting with pride.</p> + +<p>“Is the surgeon satisfied with him?” asked Charles, his hand on the +baluster.</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir. But he urges complete rest. My lord must not move this week.”</p> + +<p>“See to it that he does not, Mr. Dart. He is very dear to me.”</p> + +<p>“He is very dear to me, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles looked at him kindly.</p> + +<p>“That is very well. You have been with him some time, I think?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir. Close on eight years.”</p> + +<p>“He has been with me for thirty. There is not his equal on this earth.”</p> + +<p>Christopher blushed in anticipation of what he was going to say.</p> + +<p>“Except Your Majesty, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles laughed.</p> + +<p>“Very good, Mr. Dart!”</p> + +<p>As they crossed the hall, he spoke again.</p> + +<p>“I think you were his would-be champion some time ago?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</span></p> + +<p>Christopher met his quizzical glance and flushed to the ears.</p> + +<p>“Why, Sir, I—he would not have it so—but—”</p> + +<p>“I was much entertained to hear of it. I commend your action, +Mr. Dart.” His two equerries joined him. He extended his hand to +Christopher, who went on one knee to kiss it. In that moment he would +have laid down his life for the King.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIIc">CHAPTER VII<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE HAND OF FATE</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>THE wound was slow in healing, and Roxhythe grew impatient. Then, +unexpectedly, came the King. As before, he was ushered into the sick +room, but this time he barely waited for Roxhythe to speak before he +broke out.</p> + +<p>“David, the devil is in it this time, and no mistake!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe supported himself on his elbow, wincing at the pain the +movement gave him.</p> + +<p>“What’s amiss, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“Dimcock is down with the fever!” Charles could still laugh, albeit a +trifle ruefully.</p> + +<p>“The hand of fate,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“It would appear so. Yet am I determined that this letter shall go.”</p> + +<p>“Who will you send to take it?”</p> + +<p>“Plague seize it, I do not know! I trust no one. So I came to you.”</p> + +<p>“Give me three days, Sir! I’ll do it.”</p> + +<p>“No, that was not my meaning. You will stay where you are. I thought +mayhap you know of a trustworthy man?”</p> + +<p>“Not I, Sir, alack! Oh, devil take Crewe and his works! That I should +fail you when you most need me!”</p> + +<p>Charles forced him back on to his pillows.</p> + +<p>“Gently, Roxhythe! Is there no one whom you can call upon?”</p> + +<p>“No one.”</p> + +<p>Charles threw himself into a chair.</p> + +<p>“The luck is against me. I had thought of Louise, but we are at +variance for the moment on account of poor Nelly. Oddsfish, but Louise +can be very spiteful when she likes! I’ll not approach her.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</span></p> + +<p>“Sire, take it as an omen! The Fates are against it. Negotiate through +Barillon.”</p> + +<p>Charles was superstitious by nature, but the appeal failed.</p> + +<p>“Damme, no! I am determined. Think, David! Is there no one?”</p> + +<p>“Justin?”</p> + +<p>“I believe him to be in Shaftesbury’s pay.”</p> + +<p>“Cherrywood?”</p> + +<p>“I would send him but that he is in Flanders with Monmouth.”</p> + +<p>“Then there is no one. Buckingham would have done it, but you have cast +him off.”</p> + +<p>“I’d not trust him. Think again, David!”</p> + +<p>There was a long silence. Roxhythe lay staring before him, his brain +working swiftly. Charles, watching him anxiously, saw his lips tighten +suddenly, and his brows draw together. He seemed to be considering.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, do not fail me in this!” besought the King.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked at him wistfully. He sighed.</p> + +<p>“I will not fail you, Sir. I know of a man.”</p> + +<p>“Ah! His name?”</p> + +<p>“Dart.”</p> + +<p>“Your secretary? I’d not thought of that. But will he do it?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Roxhythe. “He will do it for my sake.”</p> + +<p>“And he may be trusted?”</p> + +<p>“Implicitly.”</p> + +<p>“Why, David, it could not be better!”</p> + +<p>“There is a drawback.”</p> + +<p>“Always the pessimist!”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps. Christopher will serve you very well provided that he does +not know what it is that he does.”</p> + +<p>“Oho!” Charles pursed his lips. “Sits the wind in that quarter?”</p> + +<p>“Christopher believes you to be impeccable. He has no notion of French +intrigue. He trusts me wholly.”</p> + +<p>“He would not trust either of us did we send him to Paris,” said +Charles gloomily.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</span></p> + +<p>“We shall not send him to Paris.”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, let me have no riddles! What is it that you propose?”</p> + +<p>“Send him with your letter to Flanders, with another writ by you to +Cherrywood. You can rely on him?”</p> + +<p>“Ay.”</p> + +<p>“He will deliver the packet to Cherrywood, who will journey with it to +Paris. Chris need do no more. It’s very simple.”</p> + +<p>“It is well thought out,” admitted Charles. “But what will you tell +Dart? There must be no shadow of suspicion.”</p> + +<p>“I will say that the packet contains private orders for Monmouth. You +need have no fear.”</p> + +<p>“If they are orders for Monmouth he will wonder why he is to take them +to Cherrywood,” objected Charles.</p> + +<p>“No. I shall tell him that they are to be delivered into his hands and +not the Duke’s on account of the French spies that do watch Monmouth +very closely.”</p> + +<p>“’Tis very intricate, David. Are you sure that you can vouch for Dart?”</p> + +<p>“I am sure.”</p> + +<p>“I would Dimcock were not ill,” sighed the King. “I mislike this +scheme.”</p> + +<p>“Can you think of another, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“No. It must suffice. You’ll pave the way with Dart?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir. When do you want him to start?”</p> + +<p>“The letter is not yet writ. Can you spare Dart by Wednesday?”</p> + +<p>“Sooner.”</p> + +<p>“Wednesday is soon enough. I’ll bring both letters then.”</p> + +<p>For a long time after the King had departed, Roxhythe lay still.</p> + +<p>When he had engaged Christopher eight years ago, it had been because he +thought that the boy might prove useful in just such an affair as this. +Gradually he had come to see that Christopher’s standards of right and +honour were rigid and uncompromising. More than once he had sounded +him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</span> on the subject, and always he had struck against that Puritanical +streak that was at the bottom of his nature. He realised then that +Christopher would never serve him as he had intended. Because the boy +had become dear to him he had kept him at his side, taking great pains +to trick him into oblivion of the intrigues that went on in his house. +Looking back, he realised how much Christopher meant to him. He had +grown accustomed to his quiet adoration, had come to expect the little +attentions that the boy bestowed on him.</p> + +<p>In some vague way Christopher’s presence was necessary to his happiness.</p> + +<p>Until to-day he had relinquished all ideas of using him in his +machinations. But to-day Charles had called on him for help. It +was something in the nature of a struggle. If he chose to respect +Christopher’s scruples he must fail the King; if he came to the King’s +rescue he would perhaps destroy Christopher’s love for him. Secrets +often leaked out. For the present he could keep the boy in ignorance +of the real purpose of his mission, but one day it was possible that +Christopher might discover the truth.</p> + +<p>The King’s cause had won. Roxhythe’s fondness for Christopher was as +nothing beside his love for Charles. Long, long ago he had made his +choice; had thrown in his lot with the King; all else had faded before +the one man. It was not likely that the tables would be reversed at +this stage.</p> + +<p>Charles had called on him: it was enough.</p> + +<p>When Christopher presently entered the room Roxhythe pointed to a chair.</p> + +<p>“Sit down Chris.”</p> + +<p>Christopher obeyed, somewhat mystified.</p> + +<p>“His Majesty visited me again to-day while you were out,” began +Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“So soon? He was here a very short while since.”</p> + +<p>“This time he came for a purpose. I can trust to your discretion, +Chris?”</p> + +<p>“Of course, sir.” Christopher was interested.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</span></p> + +<p>“Yes. You probably know that the King has always to beware of +French spies; spies who would not scruple to interfere with his +correspondence.”</p> + +<p>“I do suppose so, sir.”</p> + +<p>“For this reason he hath about his person several men whom he can trust +implicitly. They are his private messengers. When he desires to send +dispatches privately these men bear them. But lately two have been +discovered to be untrustworthy, another is ill, and the fourth is with +Monmouth.”</p> + +<p>Christopher assented vaguely. He did not perceive the drift of the +conversation.</p> + +<p>“And I,” said Roxhythe, “am also ill.”</p> + +<p>“Are you a messenger, sir?”</p> + +<p>“No, but I have played the part ere now. The King dare trust so few +men.”</p> + +<p>“I see. Somehow I did not think you—Go on, sir!”</p> + +<p>“It so happens that the King wishes to send very private orders to +Monmouth, concerning various matters, warning him ’gainst certain men +that the King knows to be in French pay. My Lord Danby has couriers, +but he cannot vouch for them. You understand that ’twould be ruinous if +these dispatches fell into the hands of the French, or into those of +some of our number whom we believe to be also in French pay.”</p> + +<p>Christopher began to see daylight.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. Do you mean——”</p> + +<p>“I mean that the King has appealed to me to find him a messenger who is +above suspicion, who will guard that packet with his life. There are +very few men to-day whom we can trust, but I think that there is one.”</p> + +<p>“Sir—will you—speak plainly?” Christopher clasped his hands on his +knee.</p> + +<p>“I told His Majesty that I could find him a courier. I had you in mind.”</p> + +<p>“Oh—sir!”</p> + +<p>“You will do it?”</p> + +<p>“Oh—yes! I—I am all amazed! I—can scarcely believe that this honour +is to be given—to me!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</span></p> + +<p>“It is a very great honour,” said Roxhythe gravely. “I assured His +Majesty that you were worthy of it.”</p> + +<p>Christopher caught his hand to his lips.</p> + +<p>“How kind you are! I owe it all to you! I—I cannot thank you enough! I +do swear that I will prove faithful.”</p> + +<p>“I know that. You accept the task then?”</p> + +<p>“Accept! I would do aught in the world for His Majesty—and you.”</p> + +<p>“So I thought. You served me very well eight years ago. You are older +now, and wiser. I can trust to your discretion.”</p> + +<p>“I do not know why you should, sir! Indeed, I have done naught for you +save the most trivial matters! I am overwhelmed.”</p> + +<p>“You’ve no alarms?”</p> + +<p>“Sir! When have I shown myself a coward?”</p> + +<p>“You will be alone this time.”</p> + +<p>“I do not fear.”</p> + +<p>“You will need all your wits. Remember, you go in my stead.”</p> + +<p>“I do remember it, sir. ’Tis because of that that I can scarce believe +mine ears! That His Majesty should deign to send me in your place!”</p> + +<p>“His Majesty acts on my advice. If you fail—if you deliver those +letters wrongly—on me will fall the blame.”</p> + +<p>“I will not! Oh, I swear that I will never give them up save to the +Duke himself!”</p> + +<p>“You will not give them to the Duke. He also is surrounded by spies. +It needs a more seasoned head to give them to him without creating +suspicion. The King his fourth agent is in Monmouth’s train, as I told +you. You will give the packet to him, and he will do the rest.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir. Who is this man?”</p> + +<p>“You have never seen him. He is named Cherrywood—Frederick Cherrywood. +You will find him easily enough, for he is in Monmouth’s household.”</p> + +<p>“Will he believe me to be the King’s messenger?” asked Christopher.</p> + +<p>“The King will give you his ring as token. And he will<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</span> recognize the +cypher. This evening I’ll outline your route and give you all minor +instructions. You start in two days.”</p> + +<p>“Two days!” Christopher gasped. “But you, sir!”</p> + +<p>“What of me?”</p> + +<p>“You are ill! How can I leave you?”</p> + +<p>“Strange as it may seem, I have been ill before, and there was no +Christopher. The King his will must be obeyed even though I were dying, +which I am not.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir, of course! But I wish you were not ill. I do not like to +leave you.”</p> + +<p>“If I were well you would not be asked to bear these dispatches,” +Roxhythe reminded him. “However, you need have no qualms concerning me. +I am under oath to His Majesty to obey the surgeon.”</p> + +<p>“If that is so it is very well,” said Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Yes. His Majesty will give the dispatches into your hands on +Wednesday. And remember this, Chris! There must be no talking to +Harcourt, or to Lady Fanny.”</p> + +<p>“Of course not, sir.” Christopher spoke with dignity.</p> + +<p>On Wednesday Burnest was so satisfied with my lord’s condition that +he allowed him, on pressure, to be dressed and carried down to the +library. There he reposed on a wide couch, rather exhausted, but +cheerful. Christopher arranged his cushions more comfortably.</p> + +<p>“It has tired you, sir. You had best have kept your room.”</p> + +<p>“My dear boy, I dislike my room. The hangings are so crude. I shall +have it seen to.”</p> + +<p>“You were never used to object to them,” said Christopher, smiling.</p> + +<p>“I was never in the room for so long at a stretch before. I believe +that green has retarded my recovery.” He ate a comfit. “You are very +smart to-day, Chris.”</p> + +<p>Christopher blushed, conscious of his modish brown velvet with its gold +embroidery.</p> + +<p>“I see you know how to please His Majesty,” said my lord. “And, I +think, here is His Majesty.”</p> + +<p>Footsteps were coming across the hall; voices were heard,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</span> and then the +heavy curtain was swung back, and King Charles passed into the room.</p> + +<p>The footmen straightened their beautifully curved backs and disappeared.</p> + +<p>Christopher stood stiff. Out of the corner of his eye he saw that +Roxhythe was trying to rise. He cast an anxious glance in his direction +and another at the King. Charles was studying him calmly. He saw the +hurried glance at Roxhythe, and turned.</p> + +<p>“David, I have never met a man so self-willed! Be still!” He clasped +Roxhythe’s hand affectionately. “You are better? The surgeon permitted +you to come downstairs?”</p> + +<p>“Should I have dared to disobey Your Majesty’s commands?” smiled my +lord.</p> + +<p>“I do not know!” Charles laughed. “I dare swear you bullied Burnest +into complying with your will.” He looked at Christopher. “Eh, Mr. +Dart?”</p> + +<p>Christopher bowed.</p> + +<p>“There was some slight coercion, Sir,” he replied. “But Burnest +consented very quickly.”</p> + +<p>“I knew it!” said Charles. “Roxhythe, I am of a mind to send you back +to bed!”</p> + +<p>“I beg you will not, Sir. The colour of the hangings has preyed cruelly +upon my nerves.”</p> + +<p>Charles was amused.</p> + +<p>“The hangings?”</p> + +<p>“Green, Sir. They remind me of cabbage which I detest.”</p> + +<p>“The contemplation of cabbages!” chuckled the King. “Is it a fruitful +topic?”</p> + +<p>“Very, Sir. But wearisome. Will you not sit down?”</p> + +<p>Charles sank into a chair. Again he addressed Christopher.</p> + +<p>“It is his foible that no one must stand in his presence. It unnerves +him.”</p> + +<p>Christopher was re-arranging my lord’s pillows which had fallen in his +struggle to rise. He laughed.</p> + +<p>“I did discover that within a week, Sire.” He stood<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</span> back, surveying +his handiwork. “Is it to your liking, sir?”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, yes. Since you are acquainted with my foible, sit down!”</p> + +<p>Charles nodded.</p> + +<p>“Yes, Mr. Dart. And so to my errand. Roxhythe has informed you of my +will?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>The King was grave now. Christopher had been conscious of his charm; he +now felt the force of his personality. It was overwhelming.</p> + +<p>“I can scarce thank Your Majesty enough for the great honour you do me. +If I may I will serve Your Majesty faithfully.”</p> + +<p>The far-famed Stuart smile touched the King’s lips.</p> + +<p>“Very well spoken, Mr. Dart. You have considered everything?”</p> + +<p>“Sire, I found nothing to consider save that Your Majesty had commands +for me.”</p> + +<p>“A courtier, forsooth! We must see you at Whitehall. Then you will +undertake this charge, and swear to carry it through with all care and +discretion?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“You understand that you must exercise the greatest care? You must +never allow the packet to leave your person; you must never allow any +man however harmless to suspect you of being my envoy; you must deliver +the packet into Cherrywood his hands. Whatever happens, none other must +see it or know of its existence. You understand?”</p> + +<p>“I understand, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“That is well. When you have given it to Cherrywood you will return at +once to London with his reply.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty may trust me.”</p> + +<p>“I do trust you, Mr. Dart. It will be in your power to betray me, yet I +believe that no temptation would be strong enough to induce you to do +so.”</p> + +<p>“I swear Your Majesty shall not be disappointed in me! I would serve +Your Majesty till death itself!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</span></p> + +<p>“I thank you. And I compliment you.” The King drew two sealed packets +from his bosom. “This one”—he held up the smaller of the two—“is for +Cherrywood’s perusal; the other you will give him to take to Monmouth.”</p> + +<p>Christopher was on one knee now. Roxhythe flicked a speck of dust from +his sleeve.</p> + +<p>Charles laid his hand on the young man’s shoulder. His voice was almost +stern. His fingers gripped.</p> + +<p>“I give them into your hands. See to it that they do not leave them +until you have found Cherrywood. It is my most strict command.”</p> + +<p>Christopher took the letters. He spoke huskily.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty has my word.”</p> + +<p>“Now swear to me by all that you hold most sacred that you will never +by word or sign divulge the secret of this mission.”</p> + +<p>“I swear it.”</p> + +<p>The hand left his shoulder. Charles smiled again.</p> + +<p>“I can offer you no reward, Mr. Dart. But we shall be very pleased to +see you at Whitehall.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty—is very good,” stammered Christopher.</p> + +<p>Charles drew off his signet ring.</p> + +<p>“You must show this to Cherrywood,” he said.</p> + +<p>Christopher took it and carried it to his lips.</p> + +<p>“On my head be it, Sir!”</p> + +<p>The King’s eyes twinkled.</p> + +<p>“Put it in a safer place, Mr. Dart,” he advised.</p> + +<p>And so the interview ended.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIIIc">CHAPTER VIII<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE AMIABLE MR. MILWARD AGAIN</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>CONTRARY to his expectations Christopher met with no opposition on his +journey to Flanders. He encountered but a single inquisitive gentleman, +and he was inquisitive only on one point. The point was whether he was +likely to be sea-sick on board ship. Christopher could not enlighten +him. He left him apprehensive and disconsolate.</p> + +<p>He landed at Dunkirk and went by horse inland. The country interested +him greatly, and he was still more interested in the people that he +met. He travelled northward, over Dutch ground, and wherever he went he +heard nothing but praise of the Stadtholder. Every host of every inn +had something to say on the subject. Some were pessimistic, and doubted +that, in spite of his great courage and determination, the Prince was +too young for the task of expelling the French from the States. Others +were confident of his ultimate success. On all sides was hatred for the +French.</p> + +<p>Christopher arrived at length at the little town near which Monmouth +had stationed his army. The Duke himself was not in camp, but stayed +with his household in one of the largest houses in the town. It had +been entirely given over to him, and he contrived, so the landlord +of the Setting Sun told Christopher, to while away his time very +creditably.</p> + +<p>On the morning after his arrival Christopher caught sight of the Duke +riding out in the midst of a gay cavalcade to the chase. He saw very +little change in him. He was burnt by the sun and more developed, but +otherwise just the same joyous, carefree Prince who had left England a +few years before.</p> + +<p>After watching the Duke out of sight, Christopher went through the town +on a voyage of exploration.</p> + +<p>He heard a good deal of English spoken around him,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</span> and much French. +Rather to his surprise he found that the town was seething with +Frenchmen, and a few French officers. He was puzzled, but he remembered +that England was now a neutral country and might receive whom she +pleased in her camps.</p> + +<p>Presently he arrived at the big market-place in the middle of the town, +and there to his dismay, he came across Mr. Milward, face to face.</p> + +<p>Escape was impossible. Christopher felt as though his coat were +transparent and his precious packet in full view.</p> + +<p>Milward stared at him. Then he gave a great laugh, and clapped him on +the shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Oddsbody! My young friend of Flushing!”</p> + +<p>Sick at heart, Christopher assented. He grasped Milward’s hand with an +assumption of cordiality. Arm in arm they walked across the square.</p> + +<p>“What a surprise! I had not thought to see you here, Mr. Dart!”</p> + +<p>“Nor I you,” said Christopher truthfully. “I am sight-seeing. On my +holiday, you understand.”</p> + +<p>“So? You are still with Lord Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“Yes. I have long been desirous of visiting the troops, so he hath +given me leave to come.”</p> + +<p>“I am delighted! Another intrigue?”</p> + +<p>Christopher stared at him.</p> + +<p>“Intrigue? Not that I know of!”</p> + +<p>Milward laughed again.</p> + +<p>“Oh, you diddled me finely between you! ’Twas but lately that I found +out. Gad, but I was puzzled! I knew not what to think, and when I +reported to M. de Rouvigny he pulled the longest face I have ever seen! +However, naught came of it. The secret leaked out a little while since.”</p> + +<p>“What secret?” demanded Christopher blankly.</p> + +<p>“Tut-tut! There’s no need to feign innocence now. I fancy we work +together, eh?”</p> + +<p>Christopher shook his head hopelessly.</p> + +<p>“You speak of what I know nothing. We went to Holland because of my +lord’s disgrace.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</span></p> + +<p>“Bah! You know ’twas not so.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed, indeed, I know nothing! Pray tell me what you mean?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, if you knew naught, well and good! What is it this time?”</p> + +<p>Christopher saw that he was not believed. He sighed. “You speak in +riddles. I am on my holiday.”</p> + +<p>“Oho? You know, you need not be afraid to speak. We are all one over +this.”</p> + +<p>By now Christopher was genuinely perplexed.</p> + +<p>“All one over what?”</p> + +<p>“Why, your errand, to be sure!”</p> + +<p>“But I am not come on an errand!”</p> + +<p>“Soho! You know naught of—M. Barillon?”</p> + +<p>“I have seen him several times, but——”</p> + +<p>“But you do not come from him?”</p> + +<p>“Of course I do not!”</p> + +<p>Milward wagged his finger expressively.</p> + +<p>“You are very cautious with me. It is the King, eh?”</p> + +<p>“What is the King?”</p> + +<p>“Your errand!”</p> + +<p>“Milward, pray do not be ridiculous! I have not an idea in my head what +it is that you mean!”</p> + +<p>“Have you not? Oh, I’m not squeezing you! We are one now. Barillon +warned us of something of this kind.”</p> + +<p>“I do not pretend to understand,” said Christopher. “You talk like a +madman.”</p> + +<p>“That’s good, ’pon my soul! Don’t be offended! I won’t question you any +further. Had you a fair crossing?”</p> + +<p>“Very fair,” said Christopher. They went into a little inn.</p> + +<p>When he at length shook off Mr. Milward he was hopelessly bewildered. +From that gentleman’s manner he would seem to be friendlily disposed, +but Christopher mistrusted his manner. It almost seemed as though +Milward believed him to be in French pay. Well, let him think so!</p> + +<p>Just before sundown he went to Monmouth’s house. He had no difficulty +in entering, and on asking for Mr. Cherrywood, was shown into a small +room over-looking the garden.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</span></p> + +<p>Several gentlemen were strolling across the lawns. They all seemed in +excellent spirits; the sound of their laughter floated in at the open +window.</p> + +<p>Mr. Cherrywood came briskly into the room. He was a short, dapper, +little man, with bright eyes and a quick speech.</p> + +<p>“Mr.—Dart? You want me? Have I the honour of your acquaintance?” He +spoke courteously, but with a touch of surprise.</p> + +<p>Christopher bowed.</p> + +<p>“As yet, sir, you have not. I have something of a private nature to +impart.”</p> + +<p>“Oh? Will you not be seated? We are quite private here. No, they will +not hear you from the lawn. What is it that you wish to tell me?” A +little of his cordiality had disappeared.</p> + +<p>Christopher drew off his gloves unhurriedly. In all things he imitated +Roxhythe. From his finger he slipped the King’s ring and pushed it +across the table to Mr. Cherrywood.</p> + +<p>Cherrywood picked it up, glanced at it, and rose. His manner underwent +a change.</p> + +<p>“One moment, sir!” He went to the window, and shut it. “You come from +His Majesty?”</p> + +<p>“I have that honour.”</p> + +<p>“I did not know you were one of us?” The tone was searching.</p> + +<p>“I am not,” said Christopher. “His Majesty’s envoy is ill. I am bidden +to tell you that Church and Justin are not to be trusted.”</p> + +<p>“Well, well! Perhaps I knew that. You’ve a message? Or a dispatch?”</p> + +<p>Christopher extricated the two dispatches from his coat. He handed +the smaller to Cherrywood, who broke the seal and spread the sheets +before him. When he had finished reading he looked rather strangely at +Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Oh! May I have the dispatch—for Monmouth?”</p> + +<p>Christopher gave it to him. He felt relieved that it was out of his +hands at last.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</span></p> + +<p>“I am to bear an answer to His Majesty, sir, as proof that I have +delivered the packet.”</p> + +<p>“You shall have it. Excuse me for one moment!” He pocketed both +documents and hurried out.</p> + +<p>Christopher picked up the King’s ring and put it on his finger. He felt +an odd thrill at wearing it.</p> + +<p>An elegant, much-beribboned gentleman passed the window and looked in +curiously. With him was another still more elegant gentleman. He too +stared in. Then he shrugged, and they passed on. Christopher heard him +say something in French.</p> + +<p>Presently Cherrywood returned. He gave Christopher a sealed packet.</p> + +<p>“There is mine answer. You have the ring?”</p> + +<p>Christopher held up his hand.</p> + +<p>“That is well. Now, is there aught else you want of me?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Christopher. “But there is something that I would like to +tell you.”</p> + +<p>Cherrywood sat down.</p> + +<p>“Ah! Well?”</p> + +<p>“I met a certain Milward to-day in the town. I know him to be in +Barillon’s pay. For reasons which we need not discuss he mistrusts me, +thinking me an intriguer. I wish to warn you that he may suspect.”</p> + +<p>“Milward? Milward? Oh, ay, ay! Thank you Mr. Dart, that will be very +well.”</p> + +<p>“He is a spy,” warned Christopher.</p> + +<p>“I shall be careful, I assure you. Is that all?”</p> + +<p>Christopher rose.</p> + +<p>“That is all. What a quantity of Frenchmen you have in the town!”</p> + +<p>Cherrywood followed him to the door.</p> + +<p>“Yes. Well, we are not at war. We suffer all parties to visit us.”</p> + +<p>“I have seen hardly any Dutchmen.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, we have a few! Most Dutchmen are fighting, you understand.”</p> + +<p>“I see,” said Christopher. “I am glad that we ceased war on Holland.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</span></p> + +<p>“Certainly. Yes.” Mr. Cherrywood bowed him out. On the steps they +clasped hands for a moment.</p> + +<p>“I compliment you, Mr. Dart; I compliment you. You would make a good +envoy. Perhaps we shall see you amongst us ere long.”</p> + +<p>“I serve Roxhythe,” said Christopher. “I am no intriguer.”</p> + +<p>Cherrywood favoured him with another hard stare.</p> + +<p>“Oh! You serve Roxhythe. Well, well!”</p> + +<p>Christopher was not desirous of meeting Milward again, and he arranged +to leave the town early next morning. He was both annoyed and disgusted +when his enemy walked into the Setting Sun inn while he was at dinner.</p> + +<p>Milward espied him and came to sit at his table.</p> + +<p>“A piece of luck!” he commented. “I thought you were staying at the +‘William’?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Christopher. “Are you?”</p> + +<p>“Oh dear no! I am at”—he paused. “The Flag of Orange.”</p> + +<p>Christopher disbelieved him on the spot.</p> + +<p>“We were finely diddled over your master,” continued Milward, +presently. “I thought him naught but a court-darling. Dupont knew.”</p> + +<p>“Really?” Christopher was studiously polite.</p> + +<p>“Oh, indeed yes! Now, of course we know. Since ’70.”</p> + +<p>“Why since then?”</p> + +<p>“Why? Blister me, you’re a pretty young innocent!”</p> + +<p>“I am glad I find favour in your eyes,” bowed Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Is it possible that you don’t know? Didn’t you hear?”</p> + +<p>“I never listen to gossip,” said Christopher.</p> + +<p>Milward shook his head. He took a long drink.</p> + +<p>“You puzzle me, you know,” he said.</p> + +<p>“I am sorry,” said Christopher, and straightway changed the subject.</p> + +<p>He arrived in London six days later. He drove at once to Bevan House +where he found the royal coach drawn up in the courtyard. The footman +who admitted him said that His Majesty was with my lord. Christopher<span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</span> +decided that nothing could have been more opportune. He gave the lackey +instructions to pay the coachman, and raced upstairs to his room. He +changed his travel-stained garments for his smartest suit, washed +his face, and combed out his fair hair. Then he assured himself that +Cherrywood’s letter was in his pocket, and walked downstairs as calmly +as he could. His cheeks were flushed; his eyes were very bright. He +felt himself a man of some account; his patriotism flared high.</p> + +<p>Two lackeys stood before the thick curtain that shut off the library. +Christopher waved to them to draw it back.</p> + +<p>“Sir,” expostulated one. “His Majesty is within, visiting my lord.”</p> + +<p>“I am aware of it,” said Christopher.</p> + +<p>Reluctantly the man held back the curtain. Christopher walked in.</p> + +<p>The King was seated with Roxhythe by the window. My lord’s lazy voice +was the first thing that Christopher heard. Then Charles burst into a +great laugh.</p> + +<p>“David, you rogue!” His eyes, wandering round the room, alighted on +Christopher, who bowed. The laugh died on his lips, and a look of +surprise came into his face.</p> + +<p>“<i>Cordieu!</i> ’Tis our young friend!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned his head. It was characteristic of him that he showed +no surprise.</p> + +<p>“You arrive at a good moment, Chris.”</p> + +<p>Charles laughed again.</p> + +<p>“Thunder of God, but you are like your master! Do you imitate him, Mr. +Dart? I did not expect you yet, and here you are as spruce as though +you were off to a ball! I wonder, have you been to Flanders at all?”</p> + +<p>Christopher came forward and dropped on his knee before the King. It +was one of the greatest moments of his life.</p> + +<p>“I have the honour to inform Your Majesty that my mission has been +successful.” He offered Charles the packet.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</span></p> + +<p>The King took it. Roxhythe was contemplating Christopher with amusement.</p> + +<p>Without a word Charles broke the seal and scanned what was written +on the parchment. He tossed it to Roxhythe and bent over the still +kneeling figure.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Dart, I thank you. You have more than fulfilled my expectations.” +He said no more than that, yet Christopher, listening to the grave +voice, felt himself re-paid in full. He could not trust himself to +speak. Dumbly he held out the signet ring.</p> + +<p>Charles slipped it on to his finger. Then he extended his hand.</p> + +<p>Christopher held it to his lips as long as he dared.</p> + +<p>“Sire—sire——” he stopped.</p> + +<p>“Tell me,” said Charles, “is there aught I can do for you?”</p> + +<p>Christopher looked up into the melancholy brown eyes that yet held such +a twinkle in their depths.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty—overwhelms me. It is enough to know—that I have pleased +Your Majesty—and that I have been—of some use to my country.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe regarded the trees outside.</p> + +<p>“You are sure?” persisted Charles. “I would do aught that was within my +power to do.”</p> + +<p>“There is nothing, Sir. I cannot thank you enough. I am very content.”</p> + +<p>“Then we shall hope to welcome you at Whitehall. Roxhythe must bring +you.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty does me great honour.” Christopher rose, and looked +across at my lord.</p> + +<p>“You are better, sir?”</p> + +<p>“I am very well, Chris. Were it not for His Majesty I had not remained +in this room for so long.”</p> + +<p>“He thinks me a tyrant, Mr. Dart,” said the King. His solemnity had +vanished.</p> + +<p>“I do,” sighed Roxhythe. “If you had not visited me so often, Sir, I +were in my grave to-day from sheer depression.”</p> + +<p>“Poor Davy!” The King smiled at him. “I deliver him into your hands, +Mr. Dart.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</span></p> + +<p>“Your Majesty may rest assured that I shall have a great care for him,” +said Christopher.</p> + +<p>It was not until after dinner that he was alone with Roxhythe. When the +wine was before them and the servants had left the room, my lord leaned +back in his chair.</p> + +<p>“Well, Chris, how fared you?”</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir. My journey was quite uneventful until I arrived at the +camp.”</p> + +<p>“Oh? What then?”</p> + +<p>“You’ll never guess whom I met there!”</p> + +<p>“Then I shall not try. Whom did you meet?”</p> + +<p>“Milward.”</p> + +<p>“The amiable one! But how charming!”</p> + +<p>“It was not, sir. He—he bewildered me.”</p> + +<p>“How?” Roxhythe re-filled his glass.</p> + +<p>“He was very boisterous—by the way, sir, he knows now why we went to +Holland in ’68.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose so. Go on.”</p> + +<p>“He asked me what fresh intrigue I was busy with. I dissembled, and +then he said that he was not trying to squeeze me as he fancied we were +at one now. What could he have meant?”</p> + +<p>“God knows. What else?”</p> + +<p>“It was all to that tune. He asked me if I were the King his messenger, +and he said he was expecting ‘something of the kind.’ He seemed to +think that I was in French pay. And he said that I puzzled him.”</p> + +<p>“The sun must have affected his brain.”</p> + +<p>“It almost seemed so. He was very strange. He told me that he knew now +what manner of man you were. He spoke of 1670 and laughed heartily. +He was surprised that I ‘did not know.’ I can only suppose that he is +afflicted by Harcourt’s complaint. You remember how they suspected you +at the time?”</p> + +<p>“Ay. Fools.”</p> + +<p>“I think Milward is a bigger fool than any of them. I was glad to be +rid of him.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sipped his wine.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</span></p> + +<p>“Take my advice, Chris; do not heed these gossipmongers.”</p> + +<p>“I do not. I never have heeded them. They suspect every one of +disloyalty to the country. But I know!”</p> + +<p>“Yes. You know. And you too love the country.”</p> + +<p>“Above everything,” said Christopher simply.</p> + +<p>“So you would never join certain of our respected friends in their +machinations behind the country’s back?”</p> + +<p>“I, sir? How can you ask? I would sooner die!”</p> + +<p>“Yet many people have warned you ’gainst my supposed nefarious +dealings. You remain with me in spite of all?”</p> + +<p>“Why, sir, I laugh at them! Your nefarious dealings! Oh, ay, my lord!”</p> + +<p>“And if their suspicions were true: what then?” He looked full into +Christopher’s clear eyes.</p> + +<p>“I—think—it would break my heart, sir,” answered Christopher +unsteadily. “But then, it is not so, is it?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe touched his lips with his napkin.</p> + +<p>“No. It is not so.”</p> + +<p>“Of course it is not!” smiled Christopher. “Oh, sir, I am very, very +proud to-night!”</p> + +<p>“Are you?” said Roxhythe.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IXc">CHAPTER IX<br> +<span class="allsmcap">DISILLUSIONMENT</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>CHRISTOPHER settled down to his old life very quickly.</p> + +<p>England was in a state of unrest. In February of the next year +Parliament met again. There was universal excitement, and some cries +were directed against the King. Harcourt told Christopher that Charles +was trying to dispense with a Parliament altogether. Christopher was +amused.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe had lately fallen foul of His Grace of Buckingham, ever his +foe, and Buckingham proceeded to wage war on him, writing catchy +doggerels which circulated the coffee-houses, and sneering at the +favourite on every opportunity. Roxhythe complained that he was +becoming a nuisance. Then his Grace over-reached himself. He was very +vehement on the subject of prorogation. He joined Shaftesbury in the +popular cry that by the length of the prorogation the Parliament had +ceased to exist. He employed all his caustic wit in this cause, and +he grew excited. His section was out-voted, and he, Shaftesbury and +Wharton were consigned to the Tower. Gossip whispered and gradually +shouted that his imprisonment as one of the ring-leaders of the +movement was due to my Lord Roxhythe’s influence. Christopher listened, +observed my lord, and believed Gossip. My lord smiled and said nothing.</p> + +<p>In March Christopher received one of Roderick’s rare letters. He found +it a bulky package and was surprised. Roderick was not wont to write at +length. He settled himself more comfortably in his chair and spread the +sheets before him.</p> + +<p>There was very little preliminary. Roderick inquired after his health, +and after that wasted no time in giving vent to his feelings.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</span></p> + +<p>“... Ye knowe, my dear Chris, how I Do long to See You out of Roxhythe +His Service. Once more I Implore You to quit him. With him Ye Breathe +the Air of Intrigue, of all thatt is Vile. It is in no Peevish Spirit +thatt I Warn You, but in my Zeal for Yr. Welfare, which I have ever +to Heart. Ye are Young: it may be thatt Ye are Ignorant of the +Machinations of This Man for his Infamous Master. We in Holland have +learnt by Bitter Experience never to Trust to Charles His Word. Ye +in England must Surely knowe By Now the Truth concerning thatt most +Disgraceful Affair in 1670. We knew, very soone after, thatt Charles +had sold himself to France in a Shameful Treaty made Secretly with +Louis. We sawe how he contrived to Trick his Parliament into wishing +for War on Us. We knowe, for the Prince has Zealous Agents, what Partt +my Lord Roxhythe played in thatt Treaty. He did haggle with Louis on +Charles his Behalf, and did arrange a Secret Meeting for Both Parties. +Were Ye not so Blinded by Yr. Love for him, Ye would have seen the +Truth from the first. A Doubt Assails me thatt Ye did knowe, and did +Connive at the Deed. I tell my self thatt ye are too good a Patriot, +but the Doubt remains.</p> + +<p>“Yr. King plays Fast and Loose with us. He did make Peace, Three Years +Since, in ’74. But we knew then thatt his Hand had been Forced, and +thatt he was not Desirous of Breaking from Louis. Else why did he Leave +his Troops under his Profligate Bastard on this Soil? He did Finely +Trick his Parliament, but he did not Deceive His Highness.</p> + +<p>“Last Year we did Realise thatt he was in Need of Money to squander +on his Women, and his Pleasures, for he did send my Lord Roxhythe to +Traffic againe with His Highness, giving him Fair Words, and demanding +Tribute for his Master. His Highness would have None of it, for he doth +knowe how Perfidious is King Charles. We did Expect then to see the +English Troops Once More against us, and have not been Disappointed. +We do apprehend thatt Charles has Sold Him Self to Louis yet againe. +England, without the Knowledge of Her Government, stands against us. +The Prince His Agents have Grave suspicions thatt there<span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</span> have been +Secret Dispatches passing from Charles to Louis. They do knowe thatt M. +Barillon was closetted very Often with the King Last Yeare.</p> + +<p>“And so I come to the Crux of the Matter. These same Agents who act for +His Highness in England do knowe thatt a man went to the English Camp +Last Yeare. This Man was You, Christopher.</p> + +<p>“I do Pray Heaven thatt Yr. Mission was Innocent, and Indeed, we have +No Proof thatt it was not. We do but Knowe thatt Ye visitted the Camp +when My Lord Roxhythe was abed, Wounded. It is Possible thatt Ye did +but go as Many have Gone before You, but we Fear otherwise, knowing +You to be in Roxhythe his Service. Hardly a Month from thatt date, the +English Army had moved Secretly, to Join the French.</p> + +<p>“Oh, my deare Brother, I do Implore You to have no Dealings with King +Charles! If Ye tell me Yr. Journey to Holland was Innocent I do Believe +you, but a Grate Fear hath me in its Grip thatt Ye have been won to +Roxhythe his Machinations by Yr. Infatuation for him. Christopher, pray +consider what it is thatt Ye do! Think of Our Father his Grief were +he Alive and knew thatt Ye were Working against the Country her Good, +behind her Back, for a King who hath Neither Honour nor Decency; who +does not Scruple to Betray his Country her Honour for a few Pounds!</p> + +<p>“Ye have Refused to Believe thatt my Lord Roxhythe is not to be +Trusted; Ye have shut Yr. Eyes to his Perfidy, seeing only his +Fascination. Ye must knowe, however, thatt he Counts no Cost, and hath +no Moral Sense. He will gaine his owne, or his Master his Ends by Fair +Means or by Foul. Ye knowe his Vaunted Love for King Charles; the +Country Counts for naught with him. He setteth Love for Man Above Love +for Country.</p> + +<p>“Christopher, I do fear thatt You too set Grater Store on Man than on +Country, and on Right. Be advised by me who have seen so much of the +Evils of the Day, do not let this be so. Remember Ye are Yr. Father his +Son! Have no Secret Dealings Either for Roxhythe or the King!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</span> Deal +openly Always, and do not Work against Yr. Country, for I do Earnestly +tell You thatt the Country in these Troublous Times Counts for more +than All Else. The Country needs True Patriots More than ever it did; +do not You join the ranks of those Unworthy Englishmen of whom the +King is one, and Roxhythe another! I pray You, do not lightly cast my +Warning aside, nor Sneer at it as Ye have sneered at all others. I +have no Spite against Roxhythe; I warn you because I knowe what manner +of man he is; because I will not have My Brother under his Influence. +Naught but Harm can come of it; I implore You, be warned by me!</p> + +<p>“The Prince his Courage is undaunted by the Many Disasters thatt have +befallen him. He doth hold the French King in Check, Daily growing +Wiser in War, More Strong in Body. I would ye too might be Induced to +Join him who is the One Honest Man....”</p> + +<p>Christopher read the letter through deliberately. When he came to the +end he laid it down with fingers that trembled slightly. Every word +rang true. At first his mind refused to grasp all that was set down +before him; then, when the first numbness had passed he argued hotly +with himself. Roderick had evidently believed the rumours of 1670. +How often had he, Christopher, laughed at these rumours? But Roderick +seemed to have proofs.... Bah! Were the Dutch spies wiser than all +others? They too had listened to rumour, and, because Roxhythe had +travelled frequently to the Louvre, had jumped to conclusions. It was +not possible that the gracious King who had allowed him to kiss his +hand, whom he believed in so implicitly, had descended to trafficking +secretly with France! And Roxhythe, the lazy courtier, in very sooth an +intriguer? Impossible! Yet.... How many times had he been warned? How +many people had questioned him concerning my lord’s movements?</p> + +<p>He referred again to the letter.</p> + +<p>“... for he did send my Lord Roxhythe to Traffic againe with His +Highness....”</p> + +<p>Last year.... That must have been when Roxhythe<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</span> went, ostensibly, to +Paris. Christopher had not known that he had gone to Holland. He had +been left in the dark.... Well! Why not? Was my lord bound to confide +in his secretary?... But how many more times had he been left in the +dark? If my lord could play the emissary to Holland, why not to France? +Why had he never thought of that before? Supposing the ’70 rumours were +true? Had my lord indeed haggled with Louis for the King’s private +ends? Had he been instrumental in selling England?</p> + +<p>Again he took up the letter.</p> + +<p>“... And so I come to the Crux of the matter....”</p> + +<p>He read it through carefully. <i>Peste!</i> Roderick was morbidly +suspicious!</p> + +<p>“... Hardly a month from thatt Date the English Army had Moved, +Secretly, to Join the French....”</p> + +<p>Something seemed to seize his throat; he felt as though he were +choking. These words of Roderick’s were based not on suspicion but +on hard facts. Roderick was not the man to prevaricate that he might +gain his own ends.... But it could not be! Roxhythe would never use +him so! Nor would the King stoop to sell his Country to Louis. It +was unthinkable, ridiculous! Charles was all that was most regal, +most upright! Christopher remembered how he had extended his hand; +he remembered the thrill that had run through him as he had kissed +that hand. Surely, surely Charles was honest? And Roxhythe! It was +impossible that he should have consented to use him deliberately, +against his convictions! He did not believe it! He would not believe +it! <i>Sangdieu!</i> He laughed at such senseless tittle-tattle!...</p> + +<p>“... You not belief’ me. You t’ink heem onselfish and ver’ good. Well, +I warn you, eet ees not so. You remember t’at always and you not get +hurt....”</p> + +<p>De Staal.... And de Staal had loved Roxhythe.... The grave words were +ringing in his ears—he could see the whole scene. It was nine years +ago. How quiet the street had been! How peaceful was de Staal; how +pathetic his love for Roxhythe!...</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</span></p> + +<p>“I—like you, Chris. I—don’t want you to get hurt.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances.... She had warned him repeatedly. What was it she had +said?</p> + +<p>“... You think him very great, very good. Suppose—it were not so? +Suppose he were not so true?...”</p> + +<p>Had he been blinded by his love for Roxhythe? Was my lord the ruthless +schemer they had all thought him? Even Ashley had warned him.</p> + +<p>“... I fear he is not so indolent as he would have us believe.... I +mistrust him. I have always mistrusted him....”</p> + +<p>Realisation was dawning on Christopher; doubts pulled him this way and +that. He would not believe—he did not believe ... but—oh, God, if it +were so!...</p> + +<p>Roxhythe came into the room in his usual leisurely fashion. Christopher +ever afterwards remembered his appearance on that day. He was dressed +in pearl grey velvet, with soft pink facings and sword-knot. The +rosettes on his shoes were of pink satin; rubies sparkled in his cravat +and on his fingers. He was carrying a ruby-studded comfit-box, given +him by the King.</p> + +<p>“Russell waxeth very wroth over Buckingham’s imprisonment,” remarked my +lord. He gave a twitch to his billowing shirt sleeve. “He and Coventry +inveigh against me.” He glanced up and saw Christopher’s face. “Oh. +Well, what now?”</p> + +<p>Christopher handed him Roderick’s letter.</p> + +<p>“Please—read that, sir—and deny—what is writ there! I—it has +disquieted my mind.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sat down on the table-edge. He read the letter through in +silence. Then he handed it back to Christopher.</p> + +<p>“May I ask why such nonsense should disquiet you?”</p> + +<p>Christopher rose quickly.</p> + +<p>“It is nonsense, sir? There’s no truth in it?” His voice trembled +relievedly. “And yet, sir——”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shrugged.</p> + +<p>“There is a certain amount of truth interwoven, I grant you. The +rest—bah!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</span></p> + +<p>“Sir, this secret treaty with France that he writes of—it is a lie?”</p> + +<p>“My dear Chris, best ask His Majesty.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, don’t evade me! Roderick says that you were implicated in it! +Harcourt feared it; Ashley too.”</p> + +<p>“Your memory is not of the longest, Chris. Did we not discuss this +question at the time?”</p> + +<p>“Ay, sir. You told me then that it was a lie.”</p> + +<p>“Am I likely to tell you that it was the truth now?”</p> + +<p>“Tell me again, sir! You are not intriguing?”</p> + +<p>“I was not.”</p> + +<p>“I knew it! I knew it! But——”</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>“Roderick says that you acted envoy to the Prince of Orange last year. +Roderick would not lie to me!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe seemed to consider.</p> + +<p>“Why not?” he said at last. “I have done it before, and you too.”</p> + +<p>“It was different then! We acted for the country; Ashley was privy to +it. Roderick says that this time you acted for King Charles’ private +ends—to gain money for him!”</p> + +<p>“I admire your brother’s imagination, Chris.”</p> + +<p>“I would I could think it only that! But he writes so earnestly.”</p> + +<p>“Yes. I had noticed that he seemed concerned,” nodded my lord.</p> + +<p>“He is concerned. And, sir, if you can intrigue with the Stadtholder +for the King, I suppose you can intrigue for him with Louis. You told +me naught of your journey to Holland; I cannot help wondering how many +times you have plotted without my knowledge.”</p> + +<p>“I wish you would sit down,” murmured my lord.</p> + +<p>Christopher ignored him. He was controlling himself with difficulty.</p> + +<p>“And now I wonder if it was indeed to Monmouth that I took that letter. +At the time I thought—it strange—that I should give it to Cherrywood. +I—oh, my lord, my lord! Tell me that my suspicions are without +foundation! It is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</span> not possible that you should have used me as a tool! +You could not have done it! You would not!”</p> + +<p>“My dear Chris, why all this excitement? I could not have done it. I +would not! <i>Voilà!</i>”</p> + +<p>“I wish—oh, how I wish that I could believe you!” cried Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Oh? Why can you not?”</p> + +<p>“Sir, forgive me if I malign you, but you have so often journeyed to +France—I—and then when you were ill, I had to go—and—oh, I have +been warned so many, many times!” He spoke very bitterly. “De Staal +told me not to trust you; Harcourt, Ashley, Lady Frances, Roderick! And +I—thought—them—fools.”</p> + +<p>“Belike they were.”</p> + +<p>“You mean?” There was suppressed eagerness in his voice.</p> + +<p>“Why, I mean that I have done you no harm nor am not like to.”</p> + +<p>“It was in truth a letter to Monmouth?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked at him haughtily.</p> + +<p>“Is His Majesty’s word not enough?”</p> + +<p>“I wish I might be convinced! But you see what Roderick says! The army +stands against Holland now. Everything comes back to me! Milward’s +strange words which I did not understand; the presence of so many +Frenchmen in the camp. Oh, my lord, don’t evade me! Or—” he stopped. +“Is it possible that you too work in the dark? Do you know naught?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stiffened. His eyes expressed blank amazement.</p> + +<p>“I? <i>Cordieu</i>, Christopher, do you take me for a catspaw?”</p> + +<p>Christopher took an uneasy pace across the room.</p> + +<p>“I suppose not. You were then privy to the whole affair. The King sold +himself to France in very truth! You can deny it if you will, but +something tells me that it is so.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe twisted his rings.</p> + +<p>“It seems that I must explain. Sit down.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</span></p> + +<p>Christopher sank into the nearest chair.</p> + +<p>“First,” my lord spoke sternly, “I’d have you remember the oath you +swore to His Majesty.”</p> + +<p>“Never to divulge by word or sign—oh, ay! I see it all now!”</p> + +<p>“Endeavour to be less insane, Christopher. I did go to the Prince of +Orange last year. King Charles is in need of money as your brother so +sagely remarks. But the Prince is stubborn. He is imbued with the same +false views that Roderick holds. Again I failed with him. So perforce, +His Majesty turned to France. As to selling himself—pooh! He holds +King Louis in the palm of his hand. He does not intend to make serious +war on the Dutch, nor to further Louis’ interests abroad. He seeks +only to squeeze Louis of money. It is true that we had some sort of a +treaty, but you need not fear that Louis will profit by it.” He paused, +looking at his secretary.</p> + +<p>“And this,” said Christopher, “is honour!”</p> + +<p>“It is a game, Christopher, called Politics. You cannot hope to +understand the workings of the game; one must be bred up in it. You may +not condemn that which you do not understand.”</p> + +<p>“I had sooner not understand,” replied Christopher. “It is too black, +too dishonourable!” He laughed strangely. “Politics! To keep faith with +no one! To try to trick your fellows!”</p> + +<p>“It is the law of life, my child.”</p> + +<p>“No, sir. I will never believe that. And it is not politic to work +behind the Country’s back.”</p> + +<p>“The Country has not treated us exiles so well that we need consider +it,” answered my lord.</p> + +<p>“The Country should stand first with every Englishman!”</p> + +<p>“So you say who have had naught but good from the Country.”</p> + +<p>“Nothing would make me alter my opinions!”</p> + +<p>“Why, that is very noble! We look on this from different standpoints. I +owe allegiance to none save the King.”</p> + +<p>“And I—thought the King—Oh, I cannot bear it!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</span></p> + +<p>“You thought the King more than human. He is as other men, save that he +has more brain than all your patriotic dunderheads clubbed together. +What you call love for Country is in reality love for blundering, +senseless policy which is not worthy of the name. Your honest statesmen +would bring the Country lower than ever King Charles would. Do you +think I have not experienced all your feelings? I thought the same as +you when I was young. But I was wiser than you are. I saw that King +Charles was the man to follow, not ‘the Country.’ I too had to choose +which path I would tread. I chose to serve the King. I have seen a +great deal in my time, Christopher, but never that the King worked harm +on the Country. I have learnt to place my trust in him. You would do +well to learn that lesson too. If you are to take an active part in +politics of to-day, you must follow the King, or those of our number +whom you believe to be ‘the Country.’”</p> + +<p>“I would follow them! At least they are honest!”</p> + +<p>“To what avail? What good is honesty in a world of vice? Is Louis +honest? You know that he is not. What weapons shall we fight him with +but his own?”</p> + +<p>“You do not fight him! You play into his hands!”</p> + +<p>“There speaks your ignorance. The King plays into no man’s hands.”</p> + +<p>“Save his own!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was silent.</p> + +<p>Christopher clasped and unclasped his hands.</p> + +<p>“I can understand that having chosen to follow the King you should +speak in this vein. I can understand that you would do aught for +him. But to trick me! to make me instrumental in selling England to +France!—ay, my lord, you may say what you will, but that is what has +been done!—I—it—oh, my lord, I trusted you so!”</p> + +<p>The pent-up cry left Roxhythe unmoved.</p> + +<p>“It was you or the King, Christopher. You should have followed your +brother’s advice and left me long ago.”</p> + +<p>“I would I had! I would I had listened to Roderick in the first place! +But I thought you so good! so honourable! And all the time you were +deceiving me, lying to me as you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</span> lied to me in ’70 when I asked what +you did in Paris! My lord, it would have been kinder to have told me!”</p> + +<p>A little hardness crept into my lord’s voice.</p> + +<p>“Mayhap. But you were useful to me. You shielded me from suspicion by +your very ignorance.”</p> + +<p>“I—thought you cared—for me—a little! I loved you—so greatly! I +would have done—anything in the world for you! And you—tricked me.”</p> + +<p>“I do care for you, Chris.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, no! You would never have treated me thus! I was—useful—to you.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shrugged and opened his comfit-box.</p> + +<p>“You make too much out of too little,” he said. “And you speak of +matters above your head.”</p> + +<p>“It may seem a little to you, sir. You care naught for Country or +patriotism. But I, I have been bred to think only of that! You knew it! +You knew how I would have revolted from the task had I known the truth.”</p> + +<p>The brown eyes narrowed. Still colder became that passionless voice.</p> + +<p>“Exactly,” bowed his lordship.</p> + +<p>“I see,” said Christopher wearily. “You are as ruthless as they said. +It did not matter what would be my feelings when I discovered the +truth. The only thing that mattered was that King Charles should have +his way.”</p> + +<p>“Your sagacity is quite astounding,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“And the King—I was so proud to be chosen for the task; so proud to +kiss his hand; I believed in him so implicitly. And he joined with you +in tricking me!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe ate another comfit.</p> + +<p>Slowly Christopher picked up his brother’s letter. His mouth was very +set, his eyes bewildered, terribly hurt.</p> + +<p>“I cannot as yet—quite realize—everything,” he said unsteadily. +“It—it takes time, my lord, to undo—the belief—of years. And it has +come so—suddenly.”</p> + +<p>“When you have considered the matter you will think differently,” +replied Roxhythe, snapping his comfit-box. “There’s no harm done; only +a jar to a rather fanatic love for Country.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</span></p> + +<p>“I shall not think differently. I—I must think what I shall do. +My—brain feels numbed. I—I can’t realize that you whom I loved and +respected so have done this thing.”</p> + +<p>“‘This thing’ is so delightfully tragic,” remarked my lord.</p> + +<p>Christopher walked to the door. His hand trembled as he pulled back the +curtain.</p> + +<p>“You’ll—give me leave, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Christopher went out.</p> + +<p>For a long time after he had gone Roxhythe sat twisting his rings, and +staring out of the window. At last he gave the faintest of sighs, and +shrugged. The smile that came to his lips was not mirthful.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Xc">CHAPTER X<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE BITTER HOUR</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>ALL that day and the next Christopher avoided Roxhythe. He was battling +with himself, fighting against what he believed to be wrong.</p> + +<p>The blow to his patriotism had been severe, the blow to his love for +Roxhythe severer, but what had been the severest of all was the blow +to his pride. He would not admit it, but it was true. At twenty-eight +pride is tender. It was not pleasant to think that he had been duped so +easily and used as a catspaw. It galled him unbearably.</p> + +<p>Nothing could kill his love for Roxhythe. It had grown and deepened +during nine years; a single blow was not enough to quench it. But the +trust was gone. Never again could he believe in my lord. He might +pretend, but he knew that in his heart would always be suspicion. He +knew now that Roxhythe was the King’s chief adviser and negotiator. +When my lord disappeared again, mysteriously, he would know that he +was gone on secret business, nefarious business. Men would continue +to question him; how could he quiet their fears, knowing the truth? +If he assured these questioners of Roxhythe’s innocence he would be +acting for my lord, against all that was upright and good. Yet if he +left my lord, what else did life hold for him? All these years he had +been wrapped up in this one man, managing his affairs, accompanying him +almost everywhere, living for him alone. Everyone else had ceased to +count with him; Roxhythe was the beginning and the end.</p> + +<p>Bitterly he reflected that he had learnt never to question my lord’s +actions, to trust in him always, to take up the cudgels on his behalf. +In return for this he had been tricked in cold blood. Roxhythe was +ruthless; Christopher<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</span> saw that in his turn he was engrossed in one +man. All must give way before the King, even he who had served my lord +so faithfully for so long. Then came the still more bitter thought: +Roxhythe did not care how he had hurt him. He could not, even in the +moment of discovery, abandon his flippancy. He treated the whole affair +as an amusing episode; he laughed at Christopher’s discomfiture.</p> + +<p>Christopher tried to imagine what life would be if he continued in +Roxhythe’s service. It seemed impossible. His spirit rebelled against +working for one who plotted and schemed behind the Country’s back. In +time he might perhaps be drawn under by Roxhythe’s influence; he might +become as cynical as Roxhythe; he might lose all his patriotism, even +as Roxhythe had done.</p> + +<p>Of the King he could scarcely bear to think. Charles had cast his spell +over him, had inspired him with enthusiastic loyalty. He had refused +to listen to ill of him; he had thought him all that was best and most +noble. Now that ideal was shattered and lay in the dust at his feet.</p> + +<p>Seated by the open window, looking out into the dusk, a great +loneliness crept over Christopher. There was no one to whom he could +speak; no one who would listen to the unburdening of his heart. He had +sworn an oath to Charles that he would never disclose the secret of his +mission to Flanders. That secret must remain with him to the very end, +an everlasting shame to haunt him all his life.</p> + +<p>He had wanted to serve his country. Instead, he had worked against her, +helped to lower her honour....</p> + +<p>The wind blew in at the window, coldly, and moaned a little through the +trees without. Only a few embers burned in the grate; the candles were +unlit. Christopher did not care. He was cold through and through, but +he did not shut the window. He was facing the first big crisis in his +life, and he was terribly afraid lest he should play the coward’s part.</p> + +<p>He knew that his mind was made up and that he must leave Roxhythe. No +argument was strong enough to convince him that it would be right to +remain. Perhaps Roxhythe would trick him again did the need arise. +There<span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</span> would never be trust in him now, and suspicion would surely kill +his love. And Roxhythe cared nothing for him. He was merely a useful +acquisition. He must leave Roxhythe. But it was hard. Love for man was +greater at this moment than love for Country. Right must in the end +triumph over wrong, but not without a struggle....</p> + +<p>Christopher looked round the familiar room. It had been his for eight +years. A lump rose in his throat....</p> + +<p>Another aspect presented itself. Roxhythe had been good to him before +this disaster. He had treated him more as a son than as a secretary. +Did he not owe something to him? Why had Roxhythe been so good to +him? Was it only that he might be of use to him? Christopher had set +many uneasy minds at rest in ’70, because he himself had believed in +Roxhythe. Nothing is so convincing as innocence. Now that he knew +the truth he could not set minds at rest. He could not pose and +counterfeit, even if he wished. It seemed likely that Roxhythe would no +longer have any use for him.</p> + +<p>Then Christopher’s head went down on the hard sill, despairingly....</p> + +<p>Roxhythe had a card-party that night. Christopher should have dined +with him, and seen that all was in order. He could not face the inane +gaiety, the senseless laughter, the foolish witticisms. He rose jerkily +and took up his hat and cloak. In a little while the visitors would +arrive; he would hear their voices floating up to his room; to-night he +could not bear it. He went quickly out of the room and down the stairs. +An amazed footman opened the door for him and watched him descend +the steps. Christopher did not care what he thought; only one thing +mattered, and that was that he should be out of the house before dinner.</p> + +<p>He did not return until after eleven. The same footman admitted him and +afterwards remarked to his brethren that Mr. Dart looked for all the +world as though he had seen a ghost.</p> + +<p>Christopher went slowly upstairs. A burst of laughter from the library +made him wince. He was very tired....</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</span></p> + +<p>My Lord Roxhythe did not appear next morning until twelve o’clock. He +came downstairs then, hat in hand, and his gloves already on.</p> + +<p>Christopher met him at the foot of the stairs, barring his passage.</p> + +<p>“My lord, may I speak to you—privately?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe paused, his hand on the baluster. He stood just above his +secretary, looking down into the pale face with eyes that were quite +expressionless.</p> + +<p>“My dear Chris, I am pressed for time. His Majesty expects me.”</p> + +<p>“I can wait no longer, sir. His Majesty would not grudge me ten +minutes.”</p> + +<p>The straight brows rose perceptibly.</p> + +<p>“My lord,” said Christopher earnestly. “I think you owe me this.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe resumed his passage downstairs.</p> + +<p>“It is never wise to take that tone with me,” he remarked.</p> + +<p>Christopher laid a hand on his arm.</p> + +<p>“Sir, I do beg you will speak to me now! I—I cannot wait!”</p> + +<p>The hand was removed.</p> + +<p>“Neither can I,” said his lordship. He went on calmly across the hall.</p> + +<p>“You will not?” cried Christopher. His eyes flashed.</p> + +<p>“I shall be in at three,” replied Roxhythe. The next moment he was gone.</p> + +<p>It was the one thing needed to clinch the matter for ever. If Roxhythe +had acted differently, if he had exerted himself never so slightly to +placate Christopher, love for man might had triumphed. But that was not +Roxhythe’s way.</p> + +<p>Christopher fretted and chafed under the added wrong. By three o’clock +there was no doubt left in his mind which way he should decide.</p> + +<p>He went to the library to wait for my lord.</p> + +<p>Punctual to the minute came Roxhythe. He surveyed his secretary coolly +and laid his hat on the table.</p> + +<p>Christopher came forward. He was holding fast to his decision. At the +sight of Roxhythe it threatened to slip<span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</span> away. No slight that my lord +could inflict would ever destroy the magic of his presence.</p> + +<p>“I—suppose you—you have guessed why I want to speak to you, sir,” +said Christopher unsteadily.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe drew off his gloves.</p> + +<p>“No. May I ask why you were not present last night?”</p> + +<p>The old flush rose to Christopher’s cheeks.</p> + +<p>“I—could not. I was in no mood for it.”</p> + +<p>“I am sorry,” said Roxhythe. “Perhaps you will inform me next time you +feel like that.”</p> + +<p>“There will be no next time,” answered Christopher very quietly.</p> + +<p>“I am relieved to hear you say so.”</p> + +<p>“You do not take my meaning, sir. I desire to—to offer you my +resignation.” His voice trembled in spite of all his efforts to control +it.</p> + +<p>There was a long silence.</p> + +<p>“Oh!” said Roxhythe. “Very well.”</p> + +<p>So this was the end. Christopher walked slowly to the door. There was +a buzzing in his ears, his feet were like lead. He put out his hand +to draw back the curtain. He must hold his head high; he must not let +Roxhythe see his misery.</p> + +<p>“Chris?”</p> + +<p>The drawling voice reached him, full of caress. He wheeled about, saw +my lord’s outstretched hand, and stumbled back to where he stood, +falling on his knees beside him, the hand pressed to his lips. There +was a choking lump in his throat; desperately he clung to that strong, +white hand. The fingers closed on his.</p> + +<p>“So you’ll leave me, Chris?”</p> + +<p>“I must, I must! My lord, how can I stay after—after—” he broke off +hopelessly.</p> + +<p>“I see no reason why you should not.”</p> + +<p>“It—is impossible. I could—never—trust you again. If you went on +King Charles his business—I should know, and—feel that I was helping +to plot against my country.”</p> + +<p>“You rate yourself high,” said that even voice. “And I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</span> thought I told +you that it is France, not England that we trick?”</p> + +<p>“It is almost as bad. Oh, my lord, I have been taught to act honestly +always—heaven knows I am wavering—but it is no honourable thing to +trick any man by fair words! I cannot, cannot remain with you! There +would always be suspicion; I should be of no further use to you, and—I +should be wretched!”</p> + +<p>“Where is your vaunted love for me?” asked my lord sadly.</p> + +<p>Christopher kissed his hand.</p> + +<p>“It will always be there sir! Nothing could kill it—I—I would give my +life for you.”</p> + +<p>“Yet when I ask you to stay with me you refuse.”</p> + +<p>“Do not—oh, do not! It means—sacrificing my honour—my pride—I—oh, +cannot you see that it is impossible?”</p> + +<p>“Honour and pride count for more than Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“Sir, it is right against wrong! You might persuade me to remain with +you, but always I should know that I was doing wrong. I—it is—oh, do +you think it is not breaking my heart to leave you?”</p> + +<p>“Chris, try to look at the matter in a more sensible light. You assume +that I am the greatest villain unhanged. In fact, you are melodramatic.”</p> + +<p>“I cannot look at it in what you call a sensible light. I can only see +that you intrigue for His Majesty’s private ends, breaking treaties, +selling England—and—I—I cannot be privy to it!”</p> + +<p>“Have I asked you to be privy to it?”</p> + +<p>“I have eyes, sir. I should know when you went to France what was your +mission. I—could not—shield you from suspicion. People have always +tried to squeeze me concerning you. How could I re-assure them, knowing +the truth?” He did not look up; he dared not.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you are right,” said Roxhythe. He sighed. “I am sorry.”</p> + +<p>“I—I cannot make evasive replies; I cannot counterfeit. It might even +be that I should—all unwittingly—betray you.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</span></p> + +<p>“You could not do that. I am not a clumsy intriguer. But I suppose you +must have your own way.” Again he sighed. “We tread different paths.”</p> + +<p>“Yes—sir. You choose to follow King; I—I cleave to—Country.”</p> + +<p>“But mine, Chris, is the better part.”</p> + +<p>“No, sir, no. Yours is the—tempting part—but I believe that mine is +the right.”</p> + +<p>“We shall not agree on that score,” answered Roxhythe. He looked round +the room. “Oddsblood, I shall miss you, Chris. You have been with me +for so long.”</p> + +<p>“Nine—years,” said Christopher, little above a whisper. “I, oh, my +dear lord, why did you do it? Why did you trick me? I had never found +out else! Why, why did you do it?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“Is that the way the wind blows? I believe I could persuade you very +easily if I tried.”</p> + +<p>Christopher shook his head.</p> + +<p>“No—do not try!”</p> + +<p>“I shall not. I’ll not have you here against your will. Nine years! You +must have become a habit, Christopher.”</p> + +<p>“Yes—that is all. You will not—miss me for long. You will have +another—secretary—you will forget that there ever was—a Christopher. +’Tis I who—shall not forget.”</p> + +<p>“Another secretary.... It seems strange.”</p> + +<p>Christopher’s hold on his hand tightened.</p> + +<p>“Don’t speak of it, sir! I—can’t—bear it!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bent over him.</p> + +<p>“Look at me, Chris!”</p> + +<p>The grey, almost blue eyes met his.</p> + +<p>“You mean it, Chris? You’ll leave me?”</p> + +<p>Christopher tried to wrench his gaze away but the steady brown eyes +held his. He drew a deep breath.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. I—must.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe straightened. He drew his hand away.</p> + +<p>“I thought I could bend you to my will, Chris,” he said. “It seems I +was wrong. Well, what now?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</span></p> + +<p>Christopher rose.</p> + +<p>“I shall stay until you have—found a—secretary, sir—of course.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you. And then?”</p> + +<p>“Then—I do not know. I cannot think of the future—as yet.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked at him thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“One thing, Chris, I want you to remember always. Whatever happens, +whenever you will, you may return to me. Don’t forget it, child. I +shall welcome you back no matter when you come. And if you ever want +help, call upon me.”</p> + +<p>“You—are very good, sir. I—will—remember.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe nodded. He watched Christopher go out of the room. Then he +picked up his hat and gloves.</p> + +<p>“So ends the one friendship,” he said aloud. “I wonder—is it worth +it?”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="Book_IV"><span class="allsmcap">BOOK IV</span><br> +THE ONE PART</h2> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Id">CHAPTER I<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE NEW MASTER</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>IN April of 1677 Christopher left Roxhythe after nine long years +and took rooms in Cheapside. After the first struggle he seemed to +sink into a state of apathy. He hardly stirred from his rooms and he +received no one. At present he was living in some horrible nightmare; +he could not even now realise all that had happened.</p> + +<p>In May of the same year Lady Frances returned from Scotland where she +had been staying. She made her curtsey to the King at Whitehall and +stayed by his side for some time, laughing and talking with him in +a reminiscent vein. After that she exchanged frivolities with Lord +Buckhurst. It was at that moment that Roxhythe appeared on the scene.</p> + +<p>He stood for some while by the King, but presently he perceived his +cousin and came across the room towards her.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances gave him her hand.</p> + +<p>“Well, David!” She eyed Lord Buckhurst with her head on one side. “Dear +me, Charles, I believe Lady Finchley wants you!”</p> + +<p>He laughed in answer to her twinkling glance.</p> + +<p>“Which means that you do not? Very well! I’ll go!” He strolled off to +join Killigrew.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances smiled up at Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Charles is very charming, is he not?” she said. “Sit down, David. How +are you?”</p> + +<p>“The same as ever,” he answered. “And you?”</p> + +<p>“How do I look?” she parried.</p> + +<p>“Marvellous!” he said lazily.</p> + +<p>“Then that is how I feel. How is Chris?”</p> + +<p>My lord regarded the rosettes on his shoes.</p> + +<p>“I really don’t know. He has left me.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances gasped.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</span></p> + +<p>“Left you? Christopher? Good gracious, Roxhythe, what has happened?”</p> + +<p>“We had a difference of opinion and he decided that our ways lay apart.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances to some extent recovered her composure. She laid a +compelling hand on his arm.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, you must have shown yourself very vile! I insist on knowing +everything!”</p> + +<p>“I am sorry to have to disappoint you, my dear. Suffice it that we +agreed to part.”</p> + +<p>“It does not suffice! Something terrible must have happened to induce +Chris to leave you.”</p> + +<p>“No, not at all.”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, do not play with me! He is—disillusioned?”</p> + +<p>“Thoroughly.”</p> + +<p>“He knows that you are not—so idle?”</p> + +<p>My lord raised his brows.</p> + +<p>“Oh, pho! You know very well that I see through your pose! Others may +be blind, but I am not. You are the King his man.”</p> + +<p>“Is not this a rather public spot wherein to discuss such matters?”</p> + +<p>“Has Chris found out?”</p> + +<p>“Why not ask him?”</p> + +<p>“I shall! Have no fear of that! But I want it from your lips. Oh, come, +David! I too have lived in intrigue; I am not blameless myself. Chris +discovered that you were plotting?”</p> + +<p>“Something of the sort!”</p> + +<p>“And so he left you? No, that is not enough. You used him?”</p> + +<p>“You should have been born a man, my dear.”</p> + +<p>“My mother knew better. Did you use Christopher?”</p> + +<p>“You weary me,” said Roxhythe. “You were never wont to do that. I did +use him.”</p> + +<p>“Then you are utterly without a heart, without shame! You are +loathsome!” said my lady vehemently.</p> + +<p>“You always knew that I had no heart. Shame is an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</span> unknown quantity. +But as to loathsome ... h’m!”</p> + +<p>“It is true. Oh, David, why did you do it?”</p> + +<p>“I forget. There was a reason.”</p> + +<p>“For heaven’s sake don’t be flippant!” she snapped. “Where is +Christopher?”</p> + +<p>“In rooms. 94, Cheapside.”</p> + +<p>“I shall tell him to visit me. Perhaps he will be more explicit!”</p> + +<p>“I doubt it.” My lord smiled insufferably.</p> + +<p>“We shall see. I suppose you have killed his love for you?”</p> + +<p>“On the contrary.”</p> + +<p>“Do you mean to say that Christopher still adores you?”</p> + +<p>“I believe so.”</p> + +<p>“And you sit there and tell me that in that calm, disinterested way! +Roxhythe, I have never found you less to my taste!”</p> + +<p>He looked into her flashing eyes. She was sitting very straight.</p> + +<p>“Well, my dear, there is a remedy.” He rose. “Pray give me leave!”</p> + +<p>She nodded angrily. My lord strolled back to the King.</p> + +<p>Next day a note was brought to Christopher. The serving-maid bore it up +to his room.</p> + +<p>Christopher was trying to write to his brother. The task was a +difficult one. It was hard to acknowledge himself to have been in the +wrong throughout.</p> + +<p>The serving-maid gave a sniff and proffered the note. When he saw Lady +Frances’ handwriting a little colour came to Christopher’s pale cheeks +and he tore the letter open. It was very short.</p> + +<p>“Deare Chris.—Come and See me this After Noon.—F.M.”</p> + +<p>“Do they await an answer?” asked Christopher.</p> + +<p>“No, sir.” The girl twisted her apron between her fingers and giggled +a little for no better reason than that she admired him. “The footman +went away at once.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you.”</p> + +<p>The maid departed, clattering across the floor in shoes<span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</span> two sizes too +large for her. She was something of a contrast to the well-trained +lackeys at Bevan House.</p> + +<p>That afternoon Christopher surveyed his many suits deliberately. If he +was to wait on Lady Fanny he must be carefully dressed. At the back +of the cupboard hung a brown velvet suit, heavily laced with gold. +Christopher fingered it dreamily. He had worn this coat last when he +had returned from Flanders.... Then there was the blue cloth with +its cream facings. That had been bought for a garden-party at Lady +Pommeroy’s house. Roxhythe had worn apricot velvet.... He put it back +slowly. The lilac velvet? No.... That had been his summer suit down at +Bevan last year.... The grey cloth with the pale blue ribands?... Not +that. Roxhythe had approved of that dress. What was it he had said?... +Almost roughly Christopher thrust it back into the cupboard. From its +depths he drew a green coat laced with silver. He had seldom worn this, +thinking it ugly. Well, it should be worn now. He shut the cupboard.</p> + +<p>An hour later he was ushered into Lady Fanny’s boudoir.</p> + +<p>Frances looked up quickly, scanning his face as he made his leg. She +was shocked at the change that had taken place. There was no sparkle in +his eyes, no colour in his face. He had aged extraordinarily since last +she had seen him.</p> + +<p>“My very dear Chris!” She came forward, hands outstretched.</p> + +<p>He took them in his.</p> + +<p>“How kind of you to invite me, Lady Frances! I did not know you were in +town.” His voice was graver than of old.</p> + +<p>“Dear boy, it was more of a summons!” she smiled. “Now come and sit +down beside me and tell me everything.” She drew him to a couch.</p> + +<p>“I don’t think that there is much to tell,” said Christopher, trying +hard to sound unconcerned. “You heard that I have left Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Chris. Tell me all about it.” She patted his hand as she spoke. +“You know that I can be discreet.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</span></p> + +<p>“It’s nothing, Lady Fanny. I found that I wanted to leave—so I—left.” +He spoke with would-be lightness.</p> + +<p>“Chris, that is not enough. I have seen Roxhythe, and I know that +something has happened.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, no! I was tired of playing secretary. I am a man of leisure now!”</p> + +<p>“And do you like it, Chris?”</p> + +<p>He looked away.</p> + +<p>“Tell me, dear boy....”</p> + +<p>“I can’t!”</p> + +<p>“You can. Roxhythe has treated you shamefully I know.”</p> + +<p>A wry smile twisted his lips.</p> + +<p>“Don’t say you warned me!”</p> + +<p>“Of course I shall not! He used you in some way? tricked you?”</p> + +<p>“That I cannot tell you. But you will be glad to know—that my eyes are +open—at last.”</p> + +<p>“I am not glad, dear. I am very, very sorry. You thought he was——”</p> + +<p>“I thought he was the soul of honour and truth. Well, I was mistaken.”</p> + +<p>“He has hurt you badly, then. It was bound to happen. He lives only for +the King. It is his one good point.”</p> + +<p>“Not at all. He has many good points. Don’t think that I have ceased +to care for him! I love him as much as before—but I—cannot live with +him. Shall we talk of something else?” His eyes pleaded.</p> + +<p>“Yes, Chris. We will talk of what you contemplate doing.”</p> + +<p>“I hardly know. I thought I would continue to be a man of leisure. I +find I must have some occupation.”</p> + +<p>“Quite right. What have you thought of?”</p> + +<p>“A secretaryship, I suppose.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances nodded briskly.</p> + +<p>“You’ve someone in mind?”</p> + +<p>“Not yet.”</p> + +<p>“Then I know the very thing for you!”</p> + +<p>Christopher looked apprehensive.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</span></p> + +<p>“What is it, Lady Frances?”</p> + +<p>“Do you know Sir Richard Worth?”</p> + +<p>“One of the Country Party?”</p> + +<p>“Yes; under Cavendish.”</p> + +<p>“I believe I have seen him. I do not know him.”</p> + +<p>“It so happens that he is in need of a secretary. Jasper knows him. You +must apply for the post.”</p> + +<p>“Oh—oh—I do not think so!”</p> + +<p>“Indeed yes! It is the very thing for you. You want occupation, and it +had best be with a man very different from Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“But I doubt—I am not fitted for—public work.”</p> + +<p>“You will learn. Your name stands in your favour——”</p> + +<p>“And my nine years’ service to Roxhythe stands well against me.”</p> + +<p>“That is true, of course. However, I shall see what can be done. I have +bidden Sir Richard to dinner to-night. I shall talk gently to him.”</p> + +<p>“Please do not, Lady Frances! Indeed, I do not think that I want to be +his secretary!”</p> + +<p>“Whose then?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know—I——”</p> + +<p>“Very well then! No, you must not argue! You do not want to do anything +but mope at home. And I say you are not to. Have you any objection to +Worth?”</p> + +<p>“No. I know nothing about him.”</p> + +<p>“Then apply for the post. Ah, Chris, please!”</p> + +<p>“It’s very kind of you, Lady Fanny. I’ll apply for it. After all, what +odds does it make whom I serve?”</p> + +<p>“There! I knew you would be sensible. And you’ll wait on him to-morrow?”</p> + +<p>“If you like.”</p> + +<p>“I do like. And Chris—don’t wear that dress! Indeed, green becomes you +not.”</p> + +<p>He smiled.</p> + +<p>“I’ll go clad in sober black.”</p> + +<p>“No, nor that either. Wear that nice blue coat worked with cream.”</p> + +<p>There was a slight pause.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</span></p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Christopher.</p> + +<p>He did go, although against his inclination. When he arrived at Worth’s +house he was ushered into the study, which was severely furnished and +dark, and which looked out on to the backs of houses. Christopher +shivered. A single ray of sunlight contrived to squeeze in at the +window and showed a million specks of dust.</p> + +<p>The door opened. A short, middle-aged man came into the room, +Christopher’s card in his hand.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Dart?” The voice was fussy, slightly peevish.</p> + +<p>Christopher bowed.</p> + +<p>Sir Richard clasped his hand.</p> + +<p>“Yours is an old name. I knew your father. A most noble gentleman.”</p> + +<p>Again Christopher bowed.</p> + +<p>“Yes. Well, will you be seated? Oh, there are papers on the chair! +Allow me!” He cleared the documents on to the table. Christopher +thanked him.</p> + +<p>Worth sat down at the writing-table and rested his arms on it.</p> + +<p>“Lady Frances Montgomery advised me of your coming to-day. A charming +lady! Charming!”</p> + +<p>Christopher suppressed a smile. Evidently Fanny had exerted herself to +captivate Sir Richard.</p> + +<p>Worth came back to earth.</p> + +<p>“Charming, yes. I understand you have been secretary to my Lord +Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“I have had that honour, Sir Richard, for nine years.”</p> + +<p>“Well, well! May I ask why you left him? Do not think me impertinent! +But it is just as well to know everything, is it not?”</p> + +<p>This was almost amusing. Worth was indeed a contrast to Roxhythe. +Christopher found himself thinking of another interview that had taken +place at eleven at night in rooms over-looking the river. How typical +of my lord that was!</p> + +<p>“Er—certainly, sir. I left because I wanted a change. He will speak +for me, I know.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, yes, yes, of course! That is excellent. You understand<span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</span> that this +is rather different work from what you have been accustomed to?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t think that I mean to infer that you are not capable of +undertaking it! But I think it would be a great change. Is that not so?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. I have done little save manage the affairs of my lord’s +estate.”</p> + +<p>“Just as I thought. Exactly. No matter. Of course I need hardly say +this to James Dart his son, but great discretion would be required of +you an you worked for me. Here we handle State affairs which must not +be talked of.”</p> + +<p>“I understand that, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, yes, yes, naturally. I am sure that you would prove discreet. You +said, I think, that Lord Roxhythe would speak for you?”</p> + +<p>“I did.”</p> + +<p>“Yes. You’ll forgive me, Mr. Dart, but I marvel that you stayed so long +in his service.”</p> + +<p>Christopher stiffened.</p> + +<p>“Indeed, sir?”</p> + +<p>“I had thought that James Dart his son would not have been in the +company of such as Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“Sir, I think it as well to tell you that Lord Roxhythe commands my +highest regards.”</p> + +<p>“Dear, dear! Of course he has great fascination. I have heard of it. A +powerful man.”</p> + +<p>“Very,” said Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Forgive me again, but do you realize that the atmosphere of my house +is very different from Lord Roxhythe’s?”</p> + +<p>Christopher glanced round the untidy room.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” he said. The faintest of smiles flickered across his mouth.</p> + +<p>“I live very quietly. I fear I am no brilliant courtier. I am but a +patriot. I do trust you are not imbued with Lord Roxhythe his views.”</p> + +<p>“I regret, sir, I cannot tell you what are his views.”</p> + +<p>“That is very well, very well. And so you desire to fill the post of +secretary to me?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</span></p> + +<p>Christopher sighed.</p> + +<p>“That is my desire, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Yes. Well, Mr. Dart, I will not disguise the fact that good—above +all discreet—secretaries are not easily come by these days. Your name +stands greatly in your favour. And of course Sir Jasper Montgomery’s +recommendation is sufficient. With your permission I will write to Lord +Roxhythe. And then, if you are agreeable, I should suggest a week’s +trial.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, Sir Richard. I shall try to satisfy you.”</p> + +<p>“Of course, of course! Let me see—have you not an elder brother?”</p> + +<p>“Roderick, sir. He is with the Prince of Orange.”</p> + +<p>“Is that so? Very interesting to be sure. Though we cannot afford to +lose good patriots in these times.”</p> + +<p>Christopher rose.</p> + +<p>“Roderick has been with the Prince for many years, sir. He is very +devoted.”</p> + +<p>“Ah yes, naturally. A remarkable young man, is he not? Remarkable.” He +ushered his visitor out.</p> + +<p>Christopher walked slowly down Bishopsgate Street. Suddenly he laughed +mirthlessly, and his hand clenched on his glove. What a fool he was +not to return to Roxhythe! Why should he enter the service of this +uncongenial man? Why should he not go to his master and beg to be +allowed to come back? But he knew that he would never do that. A fool +he might be, but he knew that he was acting rightly. He thought how +Roxhythe would have enjoyed the interview with Worth, and laughed +again. There swept over him an overwhelming longing to see that tall, +graceful figure again, to hear the lazy voice, to feel the pressure of +those tapering fingers. He walked on, biting his lip.</p> + +<p>Two days later came a letter from Roxhythe. Christopher’s hands +trembled as he broke the seal.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“<span class="allsmcap">MY DEARE CHRIS.</span>—Who in God’s Name is Worth? Some +Psalm-singing Puritan, I’ll be bound. Eschew his Company. I spoke of +you Very Highly, though I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</span> was minded to Malign you when I saw who +your Future Master was to be.</p> + +<p>“My secretary is a Fool. I implore you to take Pity on me. Or if Ye +will not, at least Visitt me Some Day.—<span class="allsmcap">ROXHYTHE.</span>”</p> +</div> + +<p>Christopher folded the missive tenderly and slipped it into his pocket. +Every nerve urged him to go to Roxhythe who wanted him, but his will +held him back. Once in my lord’s presence the spell would be cast over +him again, and all the old agony would return.</p> + +<p>He answered the letter at length, and told my lord that as yet he could +not face an interview. He assured Roxhythe of his undying affection. It +was a pathetic, wistful letter that tried hard to be cheerful.</p> + +<p>My lord read it and laid it aside.</p> + +<p>“A pity,” he reflected. “He was so much more restful than this dolt.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IId">CHAPTER II<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE COMING OF WILLIAM</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>“MY dear David, it is a marvellous scheme.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned his hand so that the rings on it flashed in the +sunlight.</p> + +<p>“It seems very well. But what says the Prince?”</p> + +<p>He was walking with the King in the Privy Gardens at Whitehall.</p> + +<p>Charles shrugged.</p> + +<p>“He has refused hitherto, but this time I think he will consent.”</p> + +<p>“Oh. And what says the Lady Mary?”</p> + +<p>“She’s a child. Therefore foolish.”</p> + +<p>My lord smiled.</p> + +<p>“I thought so. And the Duke?”</p> + +<p>“David, there are moments when ye would try the patience of a saint! Do +you expect me to listen to James his plaints?”</p> + +<p>“After all, she is his daughter,” murmured Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“He should not count her above the nation,” returned Charles piously.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s shoulders shook.</p> + +<p>“Oh, lud!”</p> + +<p>Charles bit his lip. Then he too burst out laughing.</p> + +<p>“Fie on you, David! This time I have the nation’s good at heart.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, Sir. So the Lady Mary must be sacrificed.”</p> + +<p>“Sacrificed!”</p> + +<p>“Sire, you have had but a fleeting glance of your nephew. And that was +seven years ago. You have not seen your nephew’s court.”</p> + +<p>“No. Is it still so dreary?”</p> + +<p>“Ineffably. I do pity the Lady Mary.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</span></p> + +<p>“She will grow accustomed to it,” said Charles comfortably. “At all +events the thing must be done.”</p> + +<p>“It is wise, I grant you. But you were never so set on it until now. Do +I see the hand of Danby?”</p> + +<p>“Partly. He is mad for it. I think he is suffering from an attack of +patriotism. He is subject to them.”</p> + +<p>“Sir, Danby is a waverer. He is greatly disliked.”</p> + +<p>“He will last a little longer. He has his uses.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe frowned.</p> + +<p>“True. But not much longer. When does the Prince land?”</p> + +<p>Charles plucked a rose and twirled it between his fingers.</p> + +<p>“Next week. Odds, I am anxious to see him again.”</p> + +<p>“Does he know for what he is invited?”</p> + +<p>“I suppose so. You say he is no fool.”</p> + +<p>“No. Therefore I expect him to comply very readily with your desires. I +never understood why he refused before. He is very secret.”</p> + +<p>Charles nodded. They pursued their way along the ordered walks. +Presently the King waved his hand towards the south side of the gardens +where were the Duchess of Cleveland’s apartments.</p> + +<p>“Bab swears she is for Paris,” he remarked.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“I gather her Grace of Portsmouth has annoyed her?”</p> + +<p>“Bab was ever a termagant. I hope she will return, though I have been +worn to a shred by her passions. Mine is a hard lot.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked inquiringly.</p> + +<p>“Why? Because two women quarrel?”</p> + +<p>“Oons, no! I was thinking of this marriage.”</p> + +<p>“I thought you were so eager for it?”</p> + +<p>“On the one side I am; Louis is coming too close. But on the other side +I do not wish to offend him. He’ll take this very ill. However, I hope +for peace.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was amused.</p> + +<p>“What! Do you think that the dreary argufyers at Nimeguen will have +done at last?”</p> + +<p>“I do trust so. I count on it.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</span></p> + +<p>“You are grown sanguine, Sir,” said Roxhythe drily.</p> + +<p>Across the lawn came Danby, hurrying. He bowed to the King.</p> + +<p>“Sire, the latest news is that Buckingham, Salisbury, and Wharton +humbly submit, and plead your mercy.”</p> + +<p>The King looked at his favourite.</p> + +<p>“Very proper,” said my lord. “And Ashley?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, Shaftesbury is obdurate, sir! He appeals to the law.”</p> + +<p>“Does he so?” said Charles, amused. “What good does he think will come +of it?”</p> + +<p>“Heaven knows, Sir! I think he hopes to raise an outcry.”</p> + +<p>“Very likely. Well, let him appeal. He is out of harm’s way. What of +the others, Davy?”</p> + +<p>“I should release them, Sir, an they are properly repentant.”</p> + +<p>“You hear, Danby?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir. Will you sign the orders?”</p> + +<p>“Not now. Some other time.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, Sir.” Danby bowed and walked away.</p> + +<p>“Vengeance is satisfied, Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“Amply, Sir. He’ll not annoy me again.”</p> + +<p>“If he knows whom he has to thank for his imprisonment.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, he knows!” replied my lord. “He probably realizes the futility of +fighting against it.”</p> + +<p>“I am glad that you are not my enemy,” grimaced Charles.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>Next week, on the day of the Prince’s arrival, the great hall at the +Palace was crowded. The King stood by Lord Danby, talking gaily; a +little to his left sat the Queen, Roxhythe at her elbow, the Ladies +Mary and Anne behind her. Lord Dorset was near the door, in a knot of +courtiers; Killigrew stood by the window, one of another group. Near +the King was the Duke of York; his wife, Mary, sat beside the Queen.</p> + +<p>The room was a riot of colour, and over all was a buzz<span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</span> of +conversation. Then, suddenly, fell a hush. The great curtain at one end +was swung back; into the hall came a slight, plainly dressed young man +with auburn curls falling about his hawk face. In his wake were some +half a dozen gentlemen.</p> + +<p>The King stepped forward. As he moved his silks and velvets rustled.</p> + +<p>“My dear nephew! We do give you welcome!”</p> + +<p>Everyone was craning to see the Prince. Many remembered him, but there +were many who had never till this moment set eyes on him.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe noticed very little difference in William. He had aged +somewhat; his face was keener and more lined. He dressed as soberly as +ever, and his manner lacked the courtier’s polish. He seemed strangely +out of place in the midst of this gay throng.</p> + +<p>William bent the knee, kissing the King’s hand.</p> + +<p>“I am honoured to be invited once more to Whitehall, Sir,” he said. He +spoke English well, but with a Dutch accent.</p> + +<p>Charles patted his shoulder.</p> + +<p>“’Tis we who are honoured,” he said. “Come, let me present you to Her +Majesty!” He led William forward. “You remember Prince William, madame?”</p> + +<p>Catherine smiled lifelessly, extending her plump white hand.</p> + +<p>The King’s eye roved round the room.</p> + +<p>“I think you know most of us, William. I’ll not weary you with +introductions!” He bowed to the Duchess of York. “Permit me to present +to you Prince William, madame.”</p> + +<p>Mary bent her head.</p> + +<p>The King smiled at the fair, mischievous girl behind her.</p> + +<p>“Come child!”</p> + +<p>The younger Mary came to him, swaying her brocades. The King took her +hand.</p> + +<p>“You have already met our niece, William.”</p> + +<p>William looked at her searchingly as he bowed. The full lips pouted a +little, the big eyes were downcast. Mary curtseyed.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</span></p> + +<p>“Then we have your uncle, William. James, where are you?”</p> + +<p>The Duke came forward and took the Prince’s hand.</p> + +<p>“We give you welcome, William.”</p> + +<p>Again the King looked round.</p> + +<p>“I’ll not fatigue you, my poor nephew, with needless presentations. +Suffice it is that there stands Lord Dorset, whom you know; over there, +Lord Danby, whom you do not know; beside him, Killigrew; a little to +the right, our good Sedley. A worthless set, I assure you.”</p> + +<p>A shout of laughter went up.</p> + +<p>“They set me at naught,” complained the King, twinkling.</p> + +<p>William smiled mechanically. He never approved of his uncle’s lack of +formality.</p> + +<p>Charles beckoned to Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“David!... There is one here, William, whom you know better than us +all. Our very dear Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>William turned sharply. Roxhythe made his profoundest leg.</p> + +<p>“I am delighted to see Your Highness in England again,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Thank you, milor’. I too am delighted to be here. Sire” ... he made a +sign to his suite. “May I present my friend Bentinck?”</p> + +<p>The King was graciously pleased to extend his hand. One by one William +presented his little court. Charles had some good-humoured word for +each. When Roderick made his bow, he detained him.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Dart? We are very pleased to meet you. We do know your brother.”</p> + +<p>Roderick bowed again, flushing. He disapproved of Charles most +strongly, but there did not live the man who could resist his +fascination.</p> + +<p>Charles addressed himself to William.</p> + +<p>“We grudge you our countrymen,” he smiled. “We can ill spare our +patriots.” His glance took in Mynheer Heenvliet. He drew William to a +couch and waved his hand to the rest of the room.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</span></p> + +<p>“You may all continue your conversations!”</p> + +<p>He kept the Prince beside him for some moments, and then he suggested +that William might like to retire. William assented thankfully. He went +out, escorted by his suite.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe strolled up to the King. Arm in arm they walked to one of the +windows.</p> + +<p>“He has not changed much,” said my lord.</p> + +<p>The King shivered.</p> + +<p>“Still the iceberg, only that now he is more icy. I had forgotten his +eyes.”</p> + +<p>“They are rather wonderful, are they not, Sir? And you have not seen +them flash.”</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>William surveyed his bedchamber silently. Everything was very gorgeous, +very rich. He turned to the three men who were with him.</p> + +<p>“I am tired,” he said. “The journey was very tedious. What have we +to-night?”</p> + +<p>Heenvliet answered him.</p> + +<p>“A State dinner, Sir. You would do well to rest.”</p> + +<p>William nodded.</p> + +<p>“Yes. How close it is in here! Dart, will you open me that window? And +then I will be alone for a while. Bentinck, stay with me.”</p> + +<p>The two other men went out. William sank into a chair.</p> + +<p>“What an atmosphere! What splendour!”</p> + +<p>Bentinck sat down.</p> + +<p>“It is a marvellously well appointed palace, Sir. His Majesty was very +gracious.”</p> + +<p>“Yes. I had forgotten that this was your first visit. You see that my +uncle commands great respect for all his lack of etiquette.”</p> + +<p>“A curious people these English,” commented Bentinck. “But King Charles +is very royal for all his joviality.”</p> + +<p>“I have always observed it. You saw my bride to be?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir. She is comely enough.”</p> + +<p>“And pert.” William sighed. “I suppose it must be.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</span></p> + +<p>“She is very young, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“But she has been bred in this atmosphere of luxury and vice. And her +father is a Catholic. God knows how it will end.”</p> + +<p>Bentinck spoke soothingly.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness is despondent to-day. So young a girl should not be +difficult to influence.”</p> + +<p>“Mayhap. Did you remark Lord Roxhyt’e?”</p> + +<p>“I did, Sir. It was my first sight of him. He is very high with the +King, I am told.”</p> + +<p>William looked up.</p> + +<p>“Oh? You have had speech with one of them?”</p> + +<p>“With one Digby, Sir, while you were with the King. It seems that this +Roxhyt’e is very powerful.”</p> + +<p>“I know. I mislike him, and yet—” he broke off, closing his eyes. +Presently he opened them again. “A State dinner, you said?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir. In your honour. Shall I tell Jan to put out your dress?”</p> + +<p>“Thank you.”</p> + +<p>Bentinck left the room. When he returned the Prince was frowning +slightly.</p> + +<p>“William, did you tell him the orange satin?”</p> + +<p>“No, Sir. Do you wish to wear it?”</p> + +<p>“I think so. We’ll not appear shabby before these English.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, Sir.” Again Bentinck went out.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>It was not until next evening that Roderick visited his brother. He +found him in, and was taken at once to his room.</p> + +<p>Christopher came forward.</p> + +<p>“Well, Dick!”</p> + +<p>They clasped hands.</p> + +<p>“I expected you,” said Christopher. He drew a chair away from the +window. “Sit down. I have ordered dinner.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</span></p> + +<p>“You were very sure of me,” smiled Dart. “As it happened it was hard to +leave His Highness. They feast him again to-night.”</p> + +<p>“Yes? I thought you would come, though.” He moved to the door. “Excuse +me one moment.”</p> + +<p>Roderick heard him call to the serving-maid. This new Christopher was +almost a stranger to him.</p> + +<p>“Well, Chris! After seven long years!”</p> + +<p>“So it is! I’faith, it does not seem as much. Did you arrive without +mishap?”</p> + +<p>“A fairly smooth passage. It is good to be in England again.”</p> + +<p>“It must be. How have you fared since I saw you?”</p> + +<p>“Very well. I have been at the Prince his side throughout.”</p> + +<p>“Then you have seen much. How is the Prince?”</p> + +<p>“Tired after the gaieties of last night. We are ill-used to such late +hours. We live very quietly when we are not in camp.”</p> + +<p>“Yes? I suppose there were many people present yesterday?”</p> + +<p>“The room was crowded. I saw some familiar faces, but there were many +whom I did not know at all. Lord Danby for one.”</p> + +<p>Christopher smiled.</p> + +<p>“Oh, we have suffered Danby for some time now. An elegant gentleman, is +he not? Quite amusing when he likes.”</p> + +<p>“You know him?”</p> + +<p>“I have met him several times at Bevan House. Was Roxhythe there last +night?”</p> + +<p>Roderick looked at him narrowly.</p> + +<p>“Yes. My Lord was in high good spirits. He had us all a-laughing many +times.”</p> + +<p>“I expect so. And Sedley?”</p> + +<p>“Yes. Chris, I was very pleased to hear that you had left Roxhythe.” So +he blundered tactlessly on to the raw.</p> + +<p>“Were you?”</p> + +<p>“You saw the truth of what I said?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</span></p> + +<p>A little of my lord’s famous manner entered into Christopher. Quite +unconsciously he adopted that soft drawl.</p> + +<p>“I really forget what you did say. I left Roxhythe for private reasons.”</p> + +<p>Roderick stared at him. Then he smiled.</p> + +<p>“Very well, we’ll leave it at that.”</p> + +<p>Christopher opened his eyes rather wide.</p> + +<p>“Certainly we shall leave it at that. Oh, I have an invitation for you!”</p> + +<p>“For me?”</p> + +<p>“A very dear friend of mine wants to meet you. Lady Frances Montgomery.”</p> + +<p>“Not the Duke of Rochefort’s daughter?”</p> + +<p>“That is right. Wife of Sir Jasper Montgomery. She is my lord’s cousin +and the sweetest, kindest lady I have ever met.”</p> + +<p>“So! Well I shall be delighted to see her. When are we invited?”</p> + +<p>“When we like. She is always at home in the afternoon. I’ll take you +whenever you are at liberty.”</p> + +<p>“That will be best. I cannot say as yet, as I do not know what commands +His Highness may have for me.”</p> + +<p>Dinner arrived noisily. The serving-maid, conscious of responsibility, +breathed hard through her nostrils as she laid the places.</p> + +<p>Christopher had ordered a very <i>recherché</i> dinner. Life with +Roxhythe had taught him much in this respect. Roderick prepared to +enjoy himself.</p> + +<p>Christopher started to carve a fat partridge.</p> + +<p>“You have heard my latest news?”</p> + +<p>“No. What is it?”</p> + +<p>“Why, I am secretary to the dullest dog in town! Richard Worth.”</p> + +<p>“I do not think I know him. Who is he?”</p> + +<p>“He belongs to what Roxhythe calls ‘our respected Country Party.’ He +seems to have known my father. In fact he never refers to me other than +as ‘the son of James Dart.’ He lives in an atmosphere of fuss and dust.”</p> + +<p>Roderick laughed, accepting the partridge.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</span></p> + +<p>“Really? Why the fuss?”</p> + +<p>“Heaven knows! He is perpetually worried, and conceives that the cares +of the nation rest on his shoulders alone. He gives every order twice, +imagining that by so doing he shows himself a very sharp man. He is +most wearisome.”</p> + +<p>“He must be. A contrast to Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>Christopher ground his teeth.</p> + +<p>“Quite. My lord implores me to eschew his company.”</p> + +<p>“Oh—! You still visit Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“I have not done so as yet. He wrote to me.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed! Chris, why are you so secret? I want to know how matters stand +between you and Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>Christopher laid down his fork.</p> + +<p>“My lord commands my love and loyalty,” he said deliberately.</p> + +<p>Roderick was puzzled.</p> + +<p>“Still?”</p> + +<p>“Always. I told you many years ago that I should continue to love him +in spite of all your prognostications. Well, I have. He is the kindest +master ever a man had.”</p> + +<p>“Ah? And you trusted in him as you swore you would?”</p> + +<p>Christopher passed him the wine.</p> + +<p>“Of course.”</p> + +<p>“And your trust was betrayed?”</p> + +<p>“No. Why should it have been?”</p> + +<p>“Do you forget that I know that you were in Flanders last year?”</p> + +<p>Christopher flung back his head. As he laughed he showed all his white +teeth.</p> + +<p>“Oh, lud! Roderick you were on the wrong track then! I went to Flanders +for my own pleasure! Odds, but I was amused when I read your letter!”</p> + +<p>“May I ask why you went to Cherrywood?”</p> + +<p>“Of course you may ask. I went to gain a permit to visit the camp.”</p> + +<p>“Oh.... But why Cherrywood?”</p> + +<p>“He happened to be one of the few in town that day. The Duke and his +suite were out chasing.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</span></p> + +<p>“Chris, is that the truth?”</p> + +<p>“The truth? What in God’s name do you suppose? Is it likely that I +should bear secret dispatches to Monmouth?”</p> + +<p>“I confess I hardly thought so. And yet—”</p> + +<p>“You are of a suspicious turn of mind, Dick. I am not the man to go on +a secret errand.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you were tricked into it?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps I was. So tricked that I have no memory of delivering any +documents at all. Perhaps I went to Flanders in a trance; perhaps I was +drugged and the papers foisted upon me!”</p> + +<p>“There is no need to mock me,” said Roderick stiffly. “Of course I +believe your word.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you.” Christopher pushed his chair back. He was very pale.</p> + +<p>“No Dart ever acted treacherously towards his Country,” went on +Roderick. He eyed a pasty favourably. “No Dart ever lied. Naturally I +believe you.”</p> + +<p>Christopher got up and flung the window open.</p> + +<p>“How close it is in here! Let me—recommend that—pasty, Dick. A little +more wine?”</p> + +<p>“Thank you. Dear me, you fare well, Chris.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Christopher. He shut the window and glanced round the room. +“I fare well, as you say.” He smiled, but it was not a happy smile.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IIId">CHAPTER III<br> +<span class="allsmcap">LA KEROUALLE</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>MY Lord Roxhythe escorted His Highness round the Privy Gardens. William +surveyed the scene interestedly.</p> + +<p>“It is almost—Holland!” he said.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“His Majesty is very proud of the garden. He copies the Dutch style as +you see.”</p> + +<p>“It is very beautiful,” said William. “I am glad that you brought me +here.”</p> + +<p>“I thought Your Highness would appreciate the place. Will you walk a +little? There are some very fine trees round the corner.”</p> + +<p>“I should like to.” For the first time William looked at Roxhythe with +something of friendliness in his eyes.</p> + +<p>“You gauged my tastes correctly, sir!”</p> + +<p>“Why, I am satisfied then!” My lord led the Prince along the neat walk.</p> + +<p>William touched his lips with his handkerchief.</p> + +<p>“You have brought me here for a purpose, of course. I wonder ... can I +divine it?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe knew his man.</p> + +<p>“I am quite sure you can, Sir. I pave the way for Danby.”</p> + +<p>A smile flickered across William’s thin lips.</p> + +<p>“The way needs paving?”</p> + +<p>“They seem to think so. And Danby is so tactless.”</p> + +<p>“Tact ... I am to be approached cautiously?”</p> + +<p>They had come to an arbour. A stone seat presented itself to William’s +notice. He sat down.</p> + +<p>“Highness, we have dealt with one another before. I have too high an +opinion of you to oil my tongue. Once I did so, and you routed me, +horse and foot.”</p> + +<p>“This time you have a different message I take it. Well.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</span></p> + +<p>“As Your Highness knows, I am to request you to marry the Lady Mary.”</p> + +<p>William nodded. His eyes were fixed on a distant peacock.</p> + +<p>“I need hardly say that the alliance will prove greatly to your +advantage, Sir.”</p> + +<p>The hazel eyes rested on his face.</p> + +<p>“Will prove...?”</p> + +<p>“Why not, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“You take too much for granted, milor’”</p> + +<p>“No. Your Highness admitted that you knew my errand before I spoke. I +take it you knew before you came to England. And you are here.”</p> + +<p>“I see. There is really nothing to be said, is there?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing, Highness.”</p> + +<p>William continued to watch the peacock.</p> + +<p>“Tell me one thing, milor’. Of what Faith is the Princess?”</p> + +<p>“Of your own, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Ah? That is the truth?”</p> + +<p>“Why should I seek to deceive you? ’Twere to no purpose.”</p> + +<p>William said nothing. The peacock strutted behind the tree.</p> + +<p>“What does King Charles want of me?” asked William at length.</p> + +<p>“Naught but this alliance, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“No compact? no treaty?”</p> + +<p>“None that Your Highness does not desire.”</p> + +<p>“Always the smooth answer. There are no conditions attached to the +marriage?”</p> + +<p>“None, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Then he hopes that I shall consider myself beholden unto him. Yet I do +not greatly desire the marriage.”</p> + +<p>“King Charles considers it politic, Sir. Louis grows too arrogant.”</p> + +<p>“And the English too uneasy. Am I to understand that my uncle seeks to +throw off the French yoke? Does he stand by me?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</span></p> + +<p>“His Majesty has always wished to stand by you, Sir.”</p> + +<p>The thin lips sneered.</p> + +<p>“He blows hot and cold,” said William. “I have learnt how far he may be +trusted.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe snapped off a dried twig.</p> + +<p>“Permit me to say, Highness, that you do not as yet understand my +master.”</p> + +<p>William raised his eyes. There was a disconcerting gleam in their +depths.</p> + +<p>“Milor’, if you think that you do not know me.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed.</p> + +<p>“Then I have still something to learn, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“I think that you have many things to learn, milor’. Among them that it +is not wise never to act honestly by any man.”</p> + +<p>“Highness, when have I acted dishonestly by you?”</p> + +<p>William smiled sadly.</p> + +<p>“Long ago, milor’, you came to me with an infamous proposal. I rejected +it. So you trafficked in the name of your master with the French King. +Later you came to me again, giving me lies and fair words. Again I +rejected your proposals. So once more you went to Louis. What faith +shall men have in you?”</p> + +<p>My lord opened his comfit-box.</p> + +<p>“Sir, it seems that you do not know me. Roxhythe cares for no man’s +opinion.”</p> + +<p>“It’s very bravely spoken, milor’, but there comes a time in every +man’s life when the good opinion of others counts for much.”</p> + +<p>My lord hesitated between a pink and a mauve sweetmeat. Finally he +chose the pink.</p> + +<p>“I am conceited enough to think that I can stand alone, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“You do not stand alone,” said William unexpectedly. “You have the King +behind you. But there will come a time when you will wish that you had +not destroyed all men’s faith in you.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe put away the comfit-box.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</span></p> + +<p>“Your Highness appears to have great knowledge of my affairs,” he said. +He was faintly amused.</p> + +<p>“I do but know what everyone knows, milor’. You count no cost. You +ruined Falmouth for your pleasure; you thwarted Cavendish the same. You +tricked the Country Party some years ago. You have sacrificed all for +one man.”</p> + +<p>“All?”</p> + +<p>“Honour, friendship, loyalty. What will come of it, milor’?”</p> + +<p>“It remains to be seen, Sir. I am surprised that you take such an +interest in one so debased.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps it is because I admire brain in any man. Perhaps because I +realize what you might be, milor’. In a good cause you were invaluable. +But you are inconsistent. Like the wind, you veer first one way in your +policy, and then the other. I know that you possess great influence +over my uncle. Yet you do not exert it in any way for the good. It is a +thousand pities. And they tell me you were a soldier.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe seemed to sigh.</p> + +<p>“That is long, long ago, Highness.”</p> + +<p>William did not answer. Down the gravel walk was coming the King with +the Duchess of Portsmouth on his arm. He was listening to something she +had to say, his dark head bent slightly over hers. Then he laughed and +patted her cheek. So they came to where the Prince was seated, Madame’s +fine eyes glowing with merriment.</p> + +<p>William rose.</p> + +<p>“I have admired your gardens, Sir. Milor’ Roxhyt’e showed them to me.”</p> + +<p>The King cast a contented glance round.</p> + +<p>“I am pleased that you like them, William. I was at pains to design +them after the Dutch fashion. You in Holland understand the art.”</p> + +<p>“But no tulips!” said William, smiling.</p> + +<p>“The season for them is over. We had a gay show in the spring. Has +Roxhythe shown you the little lake?”</p> + +<p>“No, Sir. Not yet.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</span></p> + +<p>“Oh, you must see that!” He bore his nephew off.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was left with the Duchess. She sat down in William’s lately +vacated seat. She was very beautiful to look on, framed by the roses in +the arbour.</p> + +<p>“Milor’, sit down!” Always she spoke French with Roxhythe. “Yes. So +here is our little Prince.”</p> + +<p>“Is it the first time you have seen him since he arrived, Madame?”</p> + +<p>“No. But it is the first time that I have seen you since then. I have +had speech with Barillon.”</p> + +<p>“Have you? I find that Barillon palls on one.”</p> + +<p>“Assuredly!” The slow, fascinating smile dawned. “He is so worthy. And +he does not like to see the Prince in England.”</p> + +<p>“If only he had told us sooner....” deplored Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“He is uneasy in his mind, <i>le pauvre</i>!”</p> + +<p>“He usually is uneasy,” sighed my lord.</p> + +<p>“Without cause, <i>hein</i>? But this time he has cause. He listens +with both ears to rumour.”</p> + +<p>“How unwise!”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps. He thinks the Prince has come to wed the Lady Mary.”</p> + +<p>“And you?”</p> + +<p>“Me, I think so too. I know more than <i>ce cher</i> Barillon. It is +true, I am assured. The King has said as much. But what of King Louis?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe fixed a rose in her hair. Its soft gold tint harmonized with +her gown.</p> + +<p>“You should always wear flowers, madame. So few women can.”</p> + +<p>“Aha! <i>C’est joli?</i>”</p> + +<p>“<i>C’est merveilleux.</i>”</p> + +<p>“Another here you think?” She touched her breast.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe considered it.</p> + +<p>“Yes. That is perfect.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, for a mirror!” she sighed.</p> + +<p>“You will never make me believe you have not one, madame.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</span></p> + +<p>“Yes. You know us, <i>n’est ce pas</i>?” She regarded him gravely.</p> + +<p>“I have had experience, you see,” said my lord.</p> + +<p>“You know how to lead us away from the point; how to turn our minds +from main issues. <i>La-la!</i> How weak is woman! But me, I am <i>la +Kéroualle</i>.”</p> + +<p>“And I am—Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“In fact we are well-matched. What of Louis?”</p> + +<p>“It is a question you best can answer, madame.”</p> + +<p>“I can answer, yes. When you have answered.”</p> + +<p>“What is it you would have me say?”</p> + +<p>“I would have you tell me what it is that Charles means to do.”</p> + +<p>“Do you admit ignorance, madame?”</p> + +<p>“Part ignorance, Roxhyt’e.”</p> + +<p>“Then who am I to know more than you?”</p> + +<p>“You have said—Roxhyt’e. You have the King’s whole confidence; I have +but half.”</p> + +<p>“I had thought that what you lacked in plain speaking your wit would +have supplied.”</p> + +<p>“Sometimes. And sometimes my surmises need confirmation. Will Charles +break faith with Louis?”</p> + +<p>“Because of this marriage?”</p> + +<p>She nodded, watching him.</p> + +<p>“It seems a slender excuse,” said Roxhythe imperturbably.</p> + +<p>“Does he require an excuse?”</p> + +<p>“If Louis grew too arrogant he might be glad of one.”</p> + +<p>“And if he does not?”</p> + +<p>“Then the marriage is too slender an excuse.”</p> + +<p>“So I thought. A warning.”</p> + +<p>“A concession to uneasy Puritan spirits.”</p> + +<p>“That also. I may take it that Charles wishes Louis no ill?”</p> + +<p>“Madame, His Majesty is far too good-natured to wish any man ill.”</p> + +<p>“Evasive. Well, milor’, one thing I will tell you: King Louis will be +furious at the marriage.”</p> + +<p>“It is to be deplored.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</span></p> + +<p>“I think he will not readily unite with Charles again.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“No?”</p> + +<p>“No. And you, milor’: Louis thought you at one with him. He trusts +still to your influence. You said once that it would be exerted in his +favour. On which side do you stand?”</p> + +<p>“On neither, madame.”</p> + +<p>“That is bold, Roxhyt’e. You seek to offend King Louis?”</p> + +<p>“By no means. I work for Charles. If another French alliance is +possible it has my support.”</p> + +<p>“Safe words, Roxhyt’e. You are not privy to this marriage?”</p> + +<p>“I am privy to nothing save my master’s interests.”</p> + +<p>“Which do lie in France. Is that what you would have me understand?”</p> + +<p>“You have said it, madame.”</p> + +<p>“And I may say it to Louis? You work for him still?”</p> + +<p>“Have I ever worked for him?” parried my lord.</p> + +<p>“You have furthered France’s cause with your King. We have great faith +in your influence.”</p> + +<p>“So it seems. You may tell King Louis that I am of the same mind as +ever.”</p> + +<p>Madame bent her head to smell the rose at her breast.</p> + +<p>“Which means that Charles is too. Well.”</p> + +<p>“David, you have been charming Louise away from me!” cried a gay voice. +The King was coming towards them, the Prince at his side. “And who +arranged the rose in your hair, sweet?”</p> + +<p>The Duchess lifted her face to his.</p> + +<p>“You like it, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“’Tis admirable. Roxhythe his work?”</p> + +<p>“In truth he is a flatterer,” said madame. A smile trembled at the +corners of her mouth.</p> + +<p>“A rogue,” amended Charles. “William, here be two rogues!”</p> + +<p>“But one is too lovely for such a title,” said the Prince.</p> + +<p>Madame’s eyelids fluttered in momentary surprise. She threw out her +hands.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</span></p> + +<p>“Now which of us does he mean?”</p> + +<p>“Can there be doubt?” smiled William. But his eyes were hard.</p> + +<p>“La-la! Your Highness will offend one of us! Now, which is it to be?”</p> + +<p>“I’ll say that you are both beyond comparison. You make a well-matched +pair.” There was a glitter in the hazel eyes now. The thin lips still +smiled.</p> + +<p>“Soho!” said madame, and nodded at Roxhythe. “What did I say?”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IVd">CHAPTER IV<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE MEETING</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>LADY Frances received the Darts very cordially. She succeeded in +captivating Roderick, no easy task, and he afterwards told his brother +that she was the most charming woman he had ever met.</p> + +<p>Fanny was anxious to know how Christopher liked his new master. She +was much entertained by his description of Worth’s vagaries, and she +thought that Christopher must be recovering from his awful depression. +She realised, however, that his engagement with Worth would not last +long. She had never thought that it would, but it served to distract +his mind for the time.</p> + +<p>Montgomery appeared for a few minutes, especially to see Christopher. +He, too, wanted to hear the boy’s opinion of Worth. They retired to a +couch together.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances drew Roderick to the window-seat, a little apart.</p> + +<p>“So you have not seen Chris for seven years, Mr. Dart? It is a long +time.”</p> + +<p>“Too long,” said Roderick. “I wish I could induce him to come back to +Holland with me in the Prince his suite.”</p> + +<p>“Oh!” Lady Frances nibbled her finger-tip. “I don’t think so. We cannot +spare him.”</p> + +<p>Roderick hesitated. Then he leaned forward.</p> + +<p>“Lady Frances, I know you have been very good to Chris. May I speak +plainly?”</p> + +<p>“Please do!”</p> + +<p>“Then, I can see that the boy is unhappy.”</p> + +<p>“At present, yes. I think he will recover.”</p> + +<p>“Not here. Forgive me if I am impertinent, but Roxhythe is too close. +He preys on Christopher’s mind. He should go away.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances was silent for a moment.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</span></p> + +<p>“Perhaps you are right. But I do not think that he will.”</p> + +<p>“I am afraid not. In spite of himself he is clinging to Roxhythe. Lady +Frances, what has happened I do not know, but I can guess. It has +been a terrible blow to Chris. He must have cared for Roxhythe quite +absurdly.”</p> + +<p>“He still cares for him. Roxhythe has the power to endear everyone to +him—when he chooses. Believe me, up till a short time ago, he has been +more than good to Christopher. It even surprised me who have known him +from the cradle. In his way he is very fond of Chris. But only in his +way.”</p> + +<p>“Madame, he evidently treated him very badly at the end. Chris would +not have left him for a whim.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I agree! Roxhythe can be a devil. I warned your brother years ago.”</p> + +<p>“And I. He was obstinate. And it has broken him.”</p> + +<p>“Nonsense! He is young. He will recover.”</p> + +<p>“It has broken his faith in mankind. No, do not shake your head, Lady +Frances, I speak of what I know. Christopher, before he entered that +man’s service, was the most innocent-minded youngster possible. He +believed in the goodness of man. Now he does not. He is bitter.”</p> + +<p>“Oh no!” she protested. “Chris could not be.”</p> + +<p>“Very faintly, I admit. But the bitterness is there. He has had a rude +awakening, and it has quite changed him. He will never again be the +same joyous Chris.”</p> + +<p>“He is quieter, of course, and more repressed—”</p> + +<p>“And less frank.”</p> + +<p>“Oh—do you think so?”</p> + +<p>“I am sure of it. He fences when I question him; he has become almost +impenetrable. Once I could read him like an open book.”</p> + +<p>“You don’t make enough allowance for his increasing years, Mr. Dart. +Remember, when you last saw him he was growing up. Now he has grown. +The boy is a man.”</p> + +<p>“It is not only that.” Roderick stared moodily across the room. “How I +wish that he had never met Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>“No. Roxhythe has matured him.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</span></p> + +<p>“Matured him wrongly. He has given him the courtier’s manner, the +intriguer’s speech, the cynic’s heart.”</p> + +<p>“Fiddle!” said Lady Frances emphatically. “Fiddle!”</p> + +<p>Sir Jasper came towards them.</p> + +<p>“I am very churlish,” he smiled. “But I must go. These are busy times, +Mr. Dart. Fanny, will you excuse me?”</p> + +<p>“How tiresome of you!” sighed my lady. “I suppose I must.” She watched +him leave the room. “He is very hard-worked,” she said.</p> + +<p>Private conversation with Roderick was at an end, so Lady Frances +induced him to recount some of his life abroad.</p> + +<p>Christopher found that his brother could be quite interesting when +drawn out of his shell. In the middle of the recital the door was flung +open.</p> + +<p>“The Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe!” announced the footman +portentously.</p> + +<p>Roderick broke off. Lady Frances cast an agitated glance around.</p> + +<p>“I do not receive,” she said.</p> + +<p>The footman became flustered. It was evident that Roxhythe was close.</p> + +<p>Christopher had risen. He was rather white, but quite composed. A small +pulse was throbbing in his throat.</p> + +<p>A leisurely footfall sounded. My lord had followed the lackey. He came +into the room, typically languid.</p> + +<p>The footman cast his mistress an apologetic glance, and vanished.</p> + +<p>My lord bent over his cousin’s hand.</p> + +<p>“My fair Frances, I felicitate you.”</p> + +<p>“Why?” she asked, a trifle peevishly.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe waved his hand to the blue hangings of the room.</p> + +<p>“The admirable setting,” he answered. He bowed to Roderick. “Well met, +Mr. Dart.” Then he looked at Christopher, and smiled, holding out his +hand. “My dear Chris!”</p> + +<p>Christopher went to him quickly. He carried my lord’s hand to his lips +and held it there for a moment.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</span></p> + +<p>“What a charming reunion!” remarked Roxhythe blandly. “I am come at a +lucky moment.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances fanned herself slowly.</p> + +<p>“Pray sit down, David! You are so large.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe chose a high-backed chair with arms. He turned to Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Tell me, Chris, how is your Worth?”</p> + +<p>Christopher smiled. His heart was leaping within him, but an apathetic +calm seemed to have settled above it.</p> + +<p>“He is a sore trial, sir. He asks me the same question three times +within the hour, and he is most unrestful.”</p> + +<p>My lord was pained.</p> + +<p>“Are you gibing at me, Chris?”</p> + +<p>“I wonder!” said Christopher, and laughed.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned to Roderick.</p> + +<p>“Christopher long since discovered that it was my foible that I could +not have an unrestful companion. He has never ceased to poke fun at me +on that score.”</p> + +<p>Roderick answered perfunctorily.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances stopped fanning herself and entered into the conversation.</p> + +<p>Presently Roderick looked across at his brother. He stood up.</p> + +<p>“Oh—already?” asked her ladyship.</p> + +<p>“We have trespassed too long,” said Christopher. “Why, we have been +here an hour!”</p> + +<p>“You were not wont to be so polite,” pouted Fanny. “But I’ll not press +you to stay. Mr. Dart, I hope you will visit me again. You may bring +Chris!”</p> + +<p>“You are very kind,” bowed Roderick. “I shall avail myself of that +permission.”</p> + +<p>As Christopher bent over her hand Frances whispered hurriedly.</p> + +<p>“I am sorry, Chris! Indeed, I had no idea—”</p> + +<p>“Why it’s nothing,” he answered. “Sooner or later it had to be.” He +kissed her fingers again. Then he went to Roxhythe, who was talking +inanely to Roderick. “My lord—”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</span></p> + +<p>“Are you going, Chris? When do you intend to honour me?” The brown eyes +were almost pleading.</p> + +<p>“Some day,” said Christopher. “Not—quite—yet.”</p> + +<p>My lord’s fingers held his firmly.</p> + +<p>“Don’t let it be too long, child. I miss you.”</p> + +<p>The young mouth set tightly. Christopher did not look at him.</p> + +<p>When they were gone, her ladyship looked straight into Roxhythe’s eyes.</p> + +<p>“Are you a devil?” she asked, deadly quiet.</p> + +<p>“I had not thought so, but what an amusing notion! Perhaps I am.”</p> + +<p>“You knew that Chris was to be here to-day!”</p> + +<p>“Did I?”</p> + +<p>“I’ll vow you did! Or you found out of my footman. Why did you come?”</p> + +<p>“I wanted to see him.”</p> + +<p>“Why? To keep the wound open?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose you wish now that you had not destroyed his faith in you. +You want him back. I can tell you that he will never return to you.”</p> + +<p>“Can you? We shall see.”</p> + +<p>“I shall try to induce him to go away!”</p> + +<p>“Certainly. I shall not worry myself unduly. I only wanted to see him.”</p> + +<p>“Then it was hateful of you! You might have known that it would be +worse for him after seeing you! You are vile!”</p> + +<p>“No. Only human.”</p> + +<p>“Inhuman!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe laughed.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances sank back against the cushions. She gave a tiny sigh.</p> + +<p>“No. I suppose you are just Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“A new species, my dear.”</p> + +<p>“Sometimes so dear; mostly so cruel.”</p> + +<p>“Fanny, you are morbid! Confess, you have a great kindness for me?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</span></p> + +<p>“Alas, yes.”</p> + +<p>“This is most harrowing,” said my lord. “Why alas? We have always been +very good friends.”</p> + +<p>“I know. I have nothing personal against you. But, oh, David! leave +Christopher in peace! You have broken him; don’t try to make it worse.”</p> + +<p>“It was not my intention.”</p> + +<p>“It is what you are doing. You are trying to get him beneath your sway +again! You will not do it, but it is cruel!”</p> + +<p>“Then if I shall not do it, why worry?” said my lord.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Vd">CHAPTER V<br> +<span class="allsmcap">DISCORD</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>WHEN William of Orange was wedded to the Lady Mary, in November, +England rejoiced. On the eve of the wedding-day the streets of London +were packed with jubilant citizens who made bonfires, and cheered +lustily the King, the Lady Mary, and the Prince of Orange. They even +cheered, though faintly, the Duke of York, who having at last consented +to the marriage, was now putting a good face upon it. Enthusiasm, +therefore, waxed great. Protestant successors were ensured to the +throne, and the alliance undoubtedly pointed to a lasting split between +Charles and the hated Louis.</p> + +<p>Amid the festivities there was one who rejoiced not at all. This one +was the French Ambassador, M. Barillon, who had received disquieting +tidings from his royal master concerning the marriage, and knew that he +was like to receive more. Nor was he mistaken in his conviction, for +when my Lord Danby set before Louis tentative proposals for peace with +the United Provinces, his Most Christian Majesty rejected them in no +mean terms. He was very angry, and he recalled the harassed M. Barillon +so soon as my Lord Danby showed signs of taking a firm stand against +France.</p> + +<p>In his position as secretary to Worth, Christopher was closely in touch +with all these proceedings. His interest in them grew steadily. Through +bitter experience had he learnt to mistrust the King, and at first +he viewed Charles’ patriotic spasm with a sneer. But when supplies +were voted for an army to go into Holland against France, some of his +mistrust died. When troops were indeed sent to Holland, it faded almost +entirely. He threw himself into his work with renewed fervour, feeling +that at last he was working for the one incorruptible party.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</span></p> + +<p>Then came dissension, and he was puzzled. He was present at many +turbulent discussions, and he listened in growing amazement to my Lords +Russell and Roberts, who were of a sudden seized by a fear that the +troops were being raised, not for war on France, but for the King’s +private ends. Hot arguments ensued, some men denying the implication, +others defending it, and a few holding themselves neutral. Chaos +followed, and the nation, catching the panic which had spread from the +Country Party to the Commons, cried aloud to have the army disbanded. +It was then that Christopher discovered something that increased +tenfold the load on his mind. These men whom he deemed so upright were, +unwittingly or not, playing directly into the French King’s hands. Even +Lord Russell, patriot that he was, was communicating through Barillon +against the throne.</p> + +<p>From his position as onlooker, Christopher saw clearly how Louis was +fanning the flame of mistrust for Charles in the Country Party. When +he realized that Louis and the Country Party were virtually in league +against England, he was at first staggered by the shock. That the +Country Party did not themselves realize this he fully acknowledged, +but the fact that they should descend to communication with an openly +enemy country against their own King filled him with sick disgust. +Another ideal was shattered and lay in the dust at his feet; once again +he had followed a path which he believed to be right, and which had +proved to be wrong.</p> + +<p>He handed his resignation to Worth; he could not be implicated in such +negotiations.</p> + +<p>Again he stood by himself, filled with a great loneliness, and an +overwhelming sense of his own puniness. Back came the old longings, +the old struggle. If only he could return to Roxhythe! Roxhythe, who +did not vacillate, who saw clearly, who worked calmly for one end. +After all, was not his the better part? The Country Party were no more +honest than was he, and they were dishonest not that they might the +more successfully serve a definite object. They wavered and played +false in their search for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</span> what Christopher was gradually coming to +think a vague ideal. They were divided against themselves; they knew no +set purpose; they were swayed this way and that. But Roxhythe knew no +wavering; he was unflurried; he stood firm.</p> + +<p>In the face of his present difficulties and uncertainties Christopher’s +need of him was greater than ever it had been before. His whole soul +was yearning for Roxhythe; only his sense of right prevented him +from going back. Then came days and nights of unceasing struggle, of +hopeless unhappiness. Until now Christopher’s life had been placid and +well ordered, filled with a great love. All this had been torn suddenly +from him. Roxhythe had been his anchor; he had leant on him more than +he knew. Now the support was gone, and he stood alone. He had thought +to find peace with Worth, working for his country. That too was swept +away. Life seemed to him a giant discord; a mass of complexities and +unhappiness. There was no truth in mankind, only lust for power and +money.</p> + +<p>Two words thrummed in his brain: my lord. How many times had he +repeated them, an ache in his throat, a mist before his eyes! To no +purpose. It was all at an end: the happiness, the trust, the blissful +years of companionship. Only the love remained, the love that nothing +could kill; and the memories, bitter-sweet. Nothing else was left....</p> + +<p>At Court Charles was busy. Since Louis was angry, Louis must be +placated. He sent Roxhythe to Paris with assurances of good faith. +Roxhythe had a stormy interview with Louis. Louis plainly intimated +that he would have no dealings with my lord. He had learnt that +Roxhythe was without scruples; he had been informed that my lord had +furthered the royal marriage, even taken part in the negotiations; he +had trusted that my lord would exert all his influence to prevent it, +and to promote France’s interests; he had understood that my lord was +working for him in England; he now saw how empty were my lord’s fair +words.</p> + +<p>His Majesty was most incensed. He strutted in his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</span> wrath. Roxhythe +remained as imperturbable as ever. He answered Louis smoothly. The +marriage was necessary; England’s fears had to be set at rest. To +which Louis replied that England’s fears might have been quelled in +some other way, less insulting to his Majestic Person. Roxhythe grew +more and more bored. His Majesty hardly understood the temper of the +English people. Majesty replied that one thing he understood passing +well, and that was the fickle temper of his cousin. Roxhythe became +patient. He assured Louis of King Charles’ unswerving loyalty to his +secret ally. Louis thereupon snapped his august fingers. He, Roxhythe, +still worked for a binding treaty with France; it had been beyond +his poor might to hinder the marriage negotiations. His Majesty had +over-rated his influence. But Majesty retorted that he had over-rated +the weight of his word. Roxhythe had done nothing in England to further +the French cause. He had spoken, years ago, of raising dissension in +the Commons over a possible marriage between William and Mary. Where +had been the dissension? Everything had run as smoothly as it could! +Roxhythe alluded gently to many dissensions raised in the past for +Louis. Louis flung back at him that he had sought to trick his Most +Christian Person into trusting him. He knew now that my lord played +into King Charles’ perfidious hands alone. Roxhythe was pained. His +Majesty grossly misunderstood his attitude—and his master’s. Louis was +a little mollified. He consented to listen to King Charles’ message. +But he would give no answer.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe went back to England knowing that in France his day was done.</p> + +<p>Charles was momentarily cast down by the news that his favourite had +not succeeded in his mission, but his cheery optimism soon came to the +fore, and once again he set his brains to work. Through Danby he wrote +to Louis, demanding a fresh pension in return for his good offices. Yet +another secret bargain was sealed. Charles withdrew his troops from +Holland on the understanding that Louis would make peace with that +country. But no sooner had<span class="pagenum" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</span> the English army left the Dutch shores than +Louis culled a leaf from his faithless cousin’s book by taking back his +peace-offers. Whereat the irrepressible Charles was much amused, and +retired into the background to allow the foreign powers to fight out +their quarrel alone. He was not at all perturbed by the turn affairs +had taken, but rather pleased, as he was left with a large force at his +disposal, never having declared war at all.</p> + +<p>And so at length the Peace was signed, without English intervention. +Mostly it was to Louis’ advantage, but on one point it thwarted him: +Holland remained inviolate. William had triumphed, if not wholly, at +least partially.</p> + +<p>“So the little Orange wins!” said Charles. “That boy!”</p> + +<p>“I told you he was a youth of parts, Sir,” answered Roxhythe placidly.</p> + +<p>It was at this time that Christopher found a new master. My Lord +Shaftesbury came to him, offering him a post as secretary to himself. +He was but lately released from the Tower, and was burning with +indignation and a fierce hatred for the King.</p> + +<p>Christopher entered his service willingly, almost joyfully. Ashley had +been his father’s friend; Ashley at least was honest. He settled down +to work for him with a quieter mind, feeling that in this patriot he +would find a friend as well as a master. His old resentment against +Ashley was nearly dead, for all that Ashley had said against Roxhythe +was true. Now they never spoke of my lord, for on the one occasion when +Ashley had mentioned his name slightingly Christopher was up in arms at +once. Not wishing again to alienate the young man from himself, Ashley +thereafter eschewed the subject.</p> + +<p>For a time all went smoothly. Christopher had much work to do, but in +constant occupation he found mental relief, and he never grumbled at +the ever-increasing load thrust on to his weary shoulders. Then, like +a thunderbolt on the land, came the Titus Oates plot, and England was +once more plunged into a ferment. The tale of the coming insurrection +of the Catholics was swallowed avidly, although the King treated the +whole plot with contumely,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</span> and its exposers with stern disapproval. At +the best, the evidence brought forward by Oates and his confederates +was absurd, and provedly inaccurate. When the interest and incredulity +in the plot showed signs of waning, it was fanned to fresh flame by new +depositions, made by Oates, more gruesome and improbable than ever.</p> + +<p>To Christopher’s surprise, Shaftesbury credited the tale, and went +into it thoroughly. Once Christopher expostulated with him, asking if +it could be possible that Ashley believed Oates’ lies. Ashley shot him +a side-long glance and answered that it was indeed possible. Then he +broke into an impassioned harangue against the Duke of York, who, he +was convinced, was at the head of the plot. Christopher, knowing that +his constant ill-health made Shaftesbury nervous and uncontrolled, +thought little of this outburst. He was sorry that his master should +be so led astray, but he trusted that in time he would return to his +senses. But soon it was forcibly brought home to him that Shaftesbury +was behind all the atrocities wreaked on the Catholics, and that it was +Shaftesbury who encouraged the mob’s lust for blood. His last doubts +were dispelled when he was set to work on a bill of Shaftesbury’s own +making, excluding all Catholics from a seat in either House. Dimly he +felt that this was but a stepping-stone to the exclusion of the Duke of +York from the throne, and although he himself dreaded a Papist King he +could not but feel aghast at Shaftesbury’s action in using such a means +to procure the exclusion. He began, slowly, to realize that Shaftesbury +believed in the truth of the plot no more than he did himself, but was +merely feigning belief the better to attain his own ends. Day after day +Catholic priests were infamously tried, and executed; every gaol was +full of so-called suspects. And the King moved neither one way nor the +other.</p> + +<p>Shaftesbury’s bill passed both Houses, but in its chief object it +failed, as it exempted the Duke of York. Interest in the plot died down +again, and again Shaftesbury aroused it, this time by bringing forward +a fresh accomplice of Oates, who embellished the original tale with new +details,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</span> and even accused the Queen of being privy to the whole affair.</p> + +<p>Charles was disdainful, but the Commons seized on the evidence eagerly. +Every Catholic in the realm was ordered to be arrested, and Father +Coleman, agent to the Duke of York, was executed.</p> + +<p>Once more Christopher handed in his resignation. He gave my Lord +Shaftesbury very definite reasons. He realised that my lord was using +the plot as a furtherance for his own ends. He could not and would not +remain in the service of one who allowed, nay, encouraged the murder of +innocent men. He left Shaftesbury in heat.</p> + +<p>There followed a series of executions that drove the blood cold in +Christopher’s veins.</p> + +<p>In vain did the Jesuit Fathers plead innocence and total ignorance of +the plot. Their protestations were over-ruled, jibed at.</p> + +<p>One Hill, employed at Somerset House, was tried, and in spite of all +evidence in his favour, condemned to death. Christopher had much to do +with this man when he had been in Roxhythe’s service. He had transacted +various small businesses for Christopher, and when he had been ill one +winter, Christopher had helped him pecuniarily. When the news of his +sentence reached Christopher he went at once to Bevan House.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe chanced to be in, and Christopher was shown into the library.</p> + +<p>My lord rose and held out his hands.</p> + +<p>“Dear Chris!”</p> + +<p>Christopher clasped them tightly.</p> + +<p>“My lord, I have come on very urgent business!”</p> + +<p>“So?” Roxhythe pressed him into a chair. “What is it?”</p> + +<p>“Sir, do you remember Hill?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roxhythe. “You’ll take some wine, Chris?”</p> + +<p>“No, thank you, sir. Please listen to me! I mean the Hill who was +yesterday condemned to death.”</p> + +<p>“Oh? Was there a Hill tried yesterday?”</p> + +<p>“You must know, sir!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</span></p> + +<p>“My dear boy, I do not interest myself in every little bourgeois who is +indiscreet.”</p> + +<p>“Yet I beg you will interest yourself in this! Perhaps you remember +that silver filigree box that we procured with some difficulty?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I remember that. It was a remarkably fine box. I desired it for +His Majesty.”</p> + +<p>“I thought you would remember. It was I who found it through the agency +of this Hill. Harcourt told me of him, and he got me the box from the +wretched Prance who has been questioned lately. Sir, it is this same +Hill who is to die. I would swear to his innocence! He was a poor meek +creature, not one who would murder a magistrate! This miserable Prance +has accused him of that. Will you not intervene on his behalf?”</p> + +<p>“My dear Chris!” expostulated Roxhythe. “Do you expect me to meddle in +these low matters?”</p> + +<p>“It is in the cause of justice, sir! of right! If you would speak to +His Majesty you could save him.”</p> + +<p>“Maybe. But I certainly shall not worry the King.”</p> + +<p>“My lord, my lord! Is it possible that you can see all these innocent +men foully done to death and not raise one finger to help?”</p> + +<p>“Chris, Chris, you are mad! Why this sudden interest in Hill?”</p> + +<p>“It is not so much the individual as the cause! Enough innocent men +have been murdered already! Why does the King allow it?”</p> + +<p>“The King is not omnipotent, Chris. The public will not be content +unless some blood is shed. If he interferes they will turn on him. His +position is precarious.”</p> + +<p>“So he allows these poor creatures to die without question!”</p> + +<p>“What matter a few bourgeois?”</p> + +<p>“My lord, don’t speak so! It—it is dreadful! That the King should act +thus!”</p> + +<p>“My dear boy, the King dare not interfere. You must not think that he +does not look on all this bloodshed with horror. But he can do naught.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</span></p> + +<p>“Then can you not exert your influence? It is so dastardly!”</p> + +<p>“No doubt I could, but I certainly shall not. It is unwise to tamper +with the people’s will at this point.”</p> + +<p>Christopher sprang up.</p> + +<p>“You believe in these men’s innocence?”</p> + +<p>“I have hardly noticed them. I daresay.”</p> + +<p>“Then you are acting as I never thought it possible for you to act. +Timorously! Cruelly!”</p> + +<p>“Did you come here to quarrel with me?” asked Roxhythe. “Sit down, and +talk of something else.”</p> + +<p>“I came to implore you to help in the cause of right! I see I might as +well talk to a stone!”</p> + +<p>“My good child, you excite yourself over nothing.”</p> + +<p>“Was it nothing that Father Coleman was murdered? That good man!”</p> + +<p>“It was necessary. The King deplored it, but the people would have it.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose you advocated it?” said Christopher bitterly.</p> + +<p>“Certainly. I thought you knew that nothing counts with me save His +Majesty’s safety and peace?”</p> + +<p>“I—I cannot answer you, sir. Oh—oh, heaven, how I wish that I had +never set eyes on you!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stretched out his hand.</p> + +<p>“Chris, dear boy, you are demented. Calm yourself.”</p> + +<p>Christopher ignored his hand.</p> + +<p>“Then ’tis you have driven me so! You did your best to break my +heart—and now you reveal yourself to me—callous, ruthless! It—hurts +damnably, my lord.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned away. He said nothing.</p> + +<p>“I—I can’t rest! I—oh, there’s no truth anywhere! no honour! I +thought Russell and Worth were irreproachable; I thought Shaftesbury +above suspicion! I was wrong, wrong, wrong! I’ve done with Englishmen! +Each works for his own ends and cares not what means he employs to +obtain them. Even you, my lord!”</p> + +<p>“I suppose I should be grateful for the ‘even,’” said Roxhythe wearily.</p> + +<p>Christopher went quickly to his side.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</span></p> + +<p>“Ah, no, sir! I—didn’t mean it! I am distraught—I—never meant to say +those things—to you. Forgive me!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe laid a hand on his shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Chris, you are distraught because you are rudderless. Come back to me!”</p> + +<p>“No—no! I cannot! Less than ever now. I—I think I shall go out of my +mind soon!”</p> + +<p>“Chris, you were happy with me. Come back!”</p> + +<p>“Ah, so happy! It could never be the same again. I must go—right away, +where I shall not see you.”</p> + +<p>“Even though I beg you to stay?”</p> + +<p>“Yes—even then, my lord. Don’t try to persuade me! It is hard enough +as it is.”</p> + +<p>“So you’ll go away? Where?”</p> + +<p>“Holland, sir. To join my brother, I think.”</p> + +<p>“Orange,” said Roxhythe quietly. “That will be the end, Chris.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir—the—end.”</p> + +<p>“And all in search of—what?”</p> + +<p>“In search of honesty and truth. I will not sacrifice my honour for +love of man.”</p> + +<p>“So instead you’ll sacrifice your happiness for that vague thing called +patriotism?”</p> + +<p>“I’ll find happiness in my patriotism!”</p> + +<p>“You are like to be disappointed,” said Roxhythe.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VId">CHAPTER VI<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE DECISION</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>CHRISTOPHER wrote to Roderick, advising him of his coming to the +Hague, and quickly made all his arrangements. Now that he had made his +decision he was almost glad to be going. He longed to leave England +behind him, and with it, all his uncertainties. Two days before his +departure he visited Lady Frances.</p> + +<p>She received him in her drawing-room. She thought she had never seen +him look so old.</p> + +<p>“Well, dear Chris?”</p> + +<p>He sat down beside her, trying to smile.</p> + +<p>“I have come to—say farewell, Lady Fanny.”</p> + +<p>She sat very still.</p> + +<p>“Ah ... Holland.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Holland. You understand that I cannot remain in London?”</p> + +<p>“I suppose so,” she sighed. “Poor Chris!”</p> + +<p>“Don’t—pity me! I can’t bear it. There’s no peace for me in England, +and no work. Always I think of Roxhythe, longing only to see him—to +hear his voice—feel his hand in mine—.” He stopped, biting his lip. +“I am sorry. I have no right to weary you with such—foolishness.”</p> + +<p>She took both his hands.</p> + +<p>“Chris, are we not friends? How could I be wearied? Won’t you—tell me +everything?”</p> + +<p>“You are so kind,” said Christopher. “You’ve always been so +kind—I—oh, to be able to talk to someone!”</p> + +<p>“I know. You won’t go back to Roxhythe?”</p> + +<p>“I cannot. You know what happened. You have heard all the tales +concerning my lord. I should be acting falsely to all that I hold most +sacred if I gave way to my longing to be with him.”</p> + +<p>Again she sighed.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</span></p> + +<p>“And he does not—care as I care. It is not to be expected. Lady +Fanny—I am not—complaining, but—I loved him so greatly! I trusted +him so! And he tricked me. It’s—all over. I’ve to forget it all. I’ve +to forget Roxhythe, and all that he meant to me. I must go right away, +where I shall not be so constantly reminded of him.”</p> + +<p>She stroked his hand gently.</p> + +<p>“So you are for Holland? Perhaps it is best after all. But I shall miss +you sadly, Chris.”</p> + +<p>“Please—don’t speak of it! I’ve so loved your friendship! But I must +go.”</p> + +<p>“I know you must, Chris. And I know how hard it is.”</p> + +<p>“Hard!” he whispered. “It is—tearing my heart out of my body. I—” he +smiled crookedly. “I leave it—with him. I suppose I shall be at peace +again—one day. But I shall always remember these wonderful years—when +I was—so happy. I should—be grateful for them—for the memory of +them. Sometime I shall look back on it all calmly—but just now—I +daren’t let myself think!”</p> + +<p>“Dear boy, I am sorry from the depths of my heart! But you are right; +this great, great ache will fade—you’ll only remember the happiness +and be glad that you were happy. And you’ll be happy again. You have +your brother.”</p> + +<p>“Yes. He—doesn’t count, you know. I—never cared for him greatly, +and since I have been with—Roxhythe—he has had all my love. He +has it still. There will never be another in his place. I’m a weak +fool—but—oh, Lady Frances, I want him so much!”</p> + +<p>She tugged at his bowed shoulders.</p> + +<p>“Don’t, Chris! Ah, don’t! He’s not worth it! Oh, why, why did he catch +you in his net?”</p> + +<p>“God knows. I don’t really regret it. He has been responsible for so +much that was wonderful in my life. And now—I hate all other masters. +I compare them, you see—and they don’t bear comparison. Roxhythe +was—I hardly know—incomparable.”</p> + +<p>“He is just Roxhythe,” said Fanny sadly.</p> + +<p>Christopher caught his breath in a half-sob, half laugh.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</span></p> + +<p>“‘I am Roxhythe’.... I can hear him say it—in that soft voice! So +haughtily! Yes, he is just Roxhythe.” He stood up, biting his lip. “I +leave the day after to-morrow, Lady Frances. You’ll not—quite forget +me?”</p> + +<p>“Forget my Chris? Is it likely? One day you will come back. I am going +to wait till then. You won’t forget me, I hope?”</p> + +<p>He kissed her hands.</p> + +<p>“It were impossible. I shall never forget—all your kindness. You’ll +let me write to you?”</p> + +<p>“You must write,” she said. “I should be so sad if you did not.”</p> + +<p>“I can’t thank you enough—Good-bye, Lady Fanny!”</p> + +<p>My lady put her hands on his shoulders and lifted her face.</p> + +<p>“You may kiss me, Chris. My poor, poor, Chris!”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIId">CHAPTER VII<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE REVENGE</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>IT was very cold. Outside a drizzling rain fell on the bleak gardens. +The gaunt tree branches were wet and shining. Charles sat by the fire +in his room, nursing a spaniel. His dark eyes were brooding, his +fingers restless.</p> + +<p>“You heard what Danby had to say, David?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was gazing out into the rain.</p> + +<p>“Ay. Montague has been elected member for Northamptonshire.”</p> + +<p>“Danby tells me they quarrelled some time ago. God’s life, why must he +quarrel with my French Ambassador of all people?”</p> + +<p>“Does Danby think he means harm?”</p> + +<p>“Ay. He spoke of incriminating documents. You know what that means, +Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“Letters to Louis. I always said it was unwise.”</p> + +<p>The King was peevish.</p> + +<p>“If you had not fallen out of favour with Louis those letters need +never have gone through Montague. Now we shall have Danby impeached.”</p> + +<p>“I think I see the hand of Shaftesbury. Montague is a tool.”</p> + +<p>“Shaftesbury or others. He hates Danby most.”</p> + +<p>“And Danby, being your tool, will turn on you.”</p> + +<p>“Another tax on my ingenuity! Danby intends to strike at Montague +before Montague has time to strike at him.”</p> + +<p>“Better still to dispose of Montague.”</p> + +<p>“No, David! I have had enough blood.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shrugged.</p> + +<p>“How does Danby think to strike at Montague?”</p> + +<p>“Some talk of Montague’s conferring with the Papists without my +knowledge. Danby plans to seize his papers.”</p> + +<p>“Why, that is very well! He is to act in your name?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</span></p> + +<p>“He says so. He is to inform the House of it to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>There was a long silence. Presently the King turned his head.</p> + +<p>“By the way, Davy, the Crewes are in town again.”</p> + +<p>“Crewes?”</p> + +<p>The King smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>“Forgotten already? The man you fell afoul of two years ago.”</p> + +<p>“That man! Yes, I remember. I told him to absent himself for a year.”</p> + +<p>“Well, he has been gone for two. He dared to appear at Whitehall.”</p> + +<p>“Oh? What did you say?”</p> + +<p>“Remembering your request I said nothing. But it was gross presumption +on his part.”</p> + +<p>“What of the wife?”</p> + +<p>“She was there. I believe she has become most devoted.”</p> + +<p>“I thought she would.” Roxhythe came to the fireplace. “King Louis hath +his revenge on me, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles raised his heavy brows.</p> + +<p>“Louis? Why?”</p> + +<p>“He conceived that I had promised to act in his interests. He was +furious with me when you married the Lady Mary to the Prince.”</p> + +<p>“A pity. What is his revenge?”</p> + +<p>“I take it he has warned the Country Party against me.” Roxhythe smiled +rather wearily. “No longer can I intrigue privately.”</p> + +<p>“It’s a plaguey nuisance. Faith, Louis is no gentleman to turn informer +in that fashion!”</p> + +<p>“’Tis unkind of him, I admit. I am the less useful to you, Sir, in +consequence.”</p> + +<p>Charles stretched out his hand quickly.</p> + +<p>“Don’t speak like that, Davy! Always you are my dearest friend!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe went on his knee.</p> + +<p>“Always,” he said, and kissed the King’s hand. “Always.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</span></p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>Danby’s attack on Montague failed, for Montague carefully secreted the +two most important documents in his possession. One of them was the +letter written by Charles’ order before the Peace of Nimeguen. Backed +by the Treasurer’s bitterest enemies he brought charges against Danby. +Impeachment followed. There was fresh uproar in the House.</p> + +<p>Danby narrowly escaped imprisonment, but the majority was small. Public +feeling was against him.</p> + +<p>Then Charles prorogued his unruly Parliament, and in January, scarcely +a month after, dissolved it.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIIId">CHAPTER VIII<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE HAVEN</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>AFTER ten years Christopher returned to Holland. Much of it he had +forgotten, much brought back old memories, poignant in their nearness +to him. He had travelled from Harwich to Rotterdam, spending only a +night in that town. He visited 19, Prinsen Straat, hoping to see de +Staal again. It had been a shock to find the house in other hands and +to hear that de Staal had gone to his rest four years ago. He had +hardly realized how much he wanted to see the old man. He went away +with lagging steps, guided along that very road which they had walked +that evening, now so long ago. He visited the inn at which he had +stayed, and looked up at the window of his room. It was just the same. +Nothing seemed to have changed: not even the fat landlord.</p> + +<p>Christopher wandered into the coffee-room. Here he had seen the spy who +had dogged their steps. He remembered, smiling a little, how excited he +had been, and how placid he had found Roxhythe. My lord had been dozing +in his chair; he had refused to be roused.</p> + +<p>He tore himself away from the inn, knowing that it was foolishness to +have come. It was with relief that he left Rotterdam behind.</p> + +<p>The Hague seemed yet more packed with memories. The Poisson d’Or had +changed no more than the inn at Rotterdam. Christopher looked up at +the window, almost expecting to see Roxhythe standing there with the +inevitable Milward at his elbow.</p> + +<p>It was with an effort that he turned away. He had always remembered the +Hague as a cheerful, happy town. Now it seemed dark, forlorn, a place +of ghosts.</p> + +<p>Roderick had grown kinder, and less harsh. He made no reference to +Roxhythe. He was unfeignedly glad to see Christopher again; he wanted +to present him to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</span> Prince, but Christopher refused. Later he would +go to the Huis ten Bosch, but for the present he wanted to be quiet.</p> + +<p>He bought a horse shortly after his arrival and one day rode out to +Scheveningen. The peaceful fishing-village took his fancy. Nearly every +day he rode there, sometimes talking to the fishermen, mostly sitting +by the sea alone, undisturbed by any uncouth sound, watching the +silver-backed gulls swirling and diving against the intense blue sky.</p> + +<p>Slowly the ache within him died, already it was less acute. Sitting on +the shore, listening to the cry of the gulls and the continuous break +of the waves on the sand, all that had passed during the last year +seemed to fade away to a memory. It was no longer the never-ceasing +pain; it was still there; it was still a great sadness, but it had +softened and was not ever-present.</p> + +<p>Bit by bit he began to take an interest in what went on around him. He +watched the fishermen draw in their hauls, interested in the slippery, +gleaming fish that floundered in the bottom of the net. Once he went +out in a boat, helping the fishermen. He grew stronger, more virile, +less morbid.</p> + +<p>Roderick seldom accompanied him to Scheveningen. Christopher did not +wish it. His brother’s presence disturbed him, disturbed the great +peace of the village. He would spend all the day there, rejoicing in +the vast loneliness, feeling the rough spray on his face, and the +wind blowing strongly about him. At sundown he would ride back to the +Hague, tired and hungry. Sometimes he dined with Roderick, sometimes by +himself.</p> + +<p>After a while he went less often to Scheveningen. Desire for company +was coming to life again. Roderick saw it, and introduced him to +Mynheer Heenvliet and various other members of the Prince’s household. +Other friends Christopher made for himself, all Dutchmen. One of these, +Jan Van den Busch, showed him some of the countryside. Christopher +visited Rijswijk and Loosduinen. It gave him a taste for sight-seeing, +and he went away for a time, travelling north. When he returned, +Roderick was surprised at the change in him. His eyes were brighter, +his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</span> bearing more brisk, his spirits lighter. His laugh still lacked +its old spontaneity, his smile was not so joyous, but it came more +often and less forcedly.</p> + +<p>Roderick realized that Christopher had aged more in one year than in +all the others of his life. He had no youthful illusions, no youthful +impetuosity. He was calmer, more shrewd. He had a knowledge of men and +of the world. Roderick realized that in some ways Christopher was older +than he.</p> + +<p>Once again he broached the question of an introduction to the Prince. +This time Christopher consented.</p> + +<p>So one day the brothers rode out of the Hague through the wood that +led to the Huis ten Bosch. Christopher was rather silent for the most +part but when they reached the gardens of the palace he expressed his +admiration.</p> + +<p>“His Highness will be pleased to hear that you like his flowers,” said +Roderick. “He takes great pride in them.”</p> + +<p>“What does the Princess here?” asked Christopher suddenly. “I had not +thought that the solitude was congenial to her.”</p> + +<p>“At first Her Highness conceived herself very homesick. She is +different now.”</p> + +<p>“Poor Lady Mary! She was such a gay princess! She took such delight in +the life at Whitehall.”</p> + +<p>Roderick spoke stiffly.</p> + +<p>“There is no need to pity her. She is the Prince his wife.”</p> + +<p>“Poor lady!” said Christopher again. “I do pity her.”</p> + +<p>“Her Highness should be happy enough,” replied his brother. “She has +changed.”</p> + +<p>The Prince was not in the house. One of the lackeys had seen him +walking in the gardens not long since. They found him at length on a +terrace, basking in the sunlight.</p> + +<p>Roderick swept him a low bow.</p> + +<p>“Highness, I have brought my brother. May I present him?” It was a +triumphant moment for him. At last Christopher had been brought face to +face with this Prince whom he had affected to despise. At last he could +show Christopher how wonderful was his master.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</span></p> + +<p>William turned. Christopher thought he had never met such a piercing +scrutiny. Then the Prince smiled and rose.</p> + +<p>“I have long desired to make your acquaintance, Mr. Dart. Rodrigue has +often spoken to me of you.” He extended his hand.</p> + +<p>Christopher went on one knee to kiss it.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness is very kind,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Christopher greatly admires the gardens, Sir,” said Roderick.</p> + +<p>William looked pleased.</p> + +<p>“They are beautiful!” said Christopher warmly. “I do indeed admire +them, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“I love them,” answered the Prince. “I could not live without my +flowers.” He waved his hand towards a bed of tulips. “Those are my +flowers.”</p> + +<p>Christopher smiled.</p> + +<p>“Even we in England know which are your favourites, Sir!”</p> + +<p>“So? They are my favourites because they are part of Holland. You do +not grow such flowers in England.”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Christopher. “But we have our roses.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, you have your roses. Rodrigue, he must be shown the west side!”</p> + +<p>So the Prince of Orange showed Mr. Dart the west side of his gardens.</p> + +<p>The visit to the Huis ten Bosch was the first of many. Christopher made +more friends in the Prince’s household, and the Princess desired his +acquaintance.</p> + +<p>He hardly recognized the Lady Mary in the quiet, soberly dressed woman +to whom he was presented. The Mary he knew had sparkling eyes and a +roguish smile. The eyes were calm now, almost sad; the smile was full +of dignity. He thought that she seemed unhappy, and later he found that +there was a coldness between the Prince and his wife.</p> + +<p>Mary was anxious to hear all the London news. More than once +Christopher saw her eyes fill, but the tears did not well over. He +could not tell her much, but she was grateful for very little. She +asked after various people, lingering over their names as over a +pleasant memory.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</span> Christopher pitied her from the bottom of his heart.</p> + +<p>Desire for work was growing apace. The indolent life he was leading had +become irksome. Christopher realized that he must find some occupation.</p> + +<p>The more he saw of William, the more convinced he was that he had found +one who was honest and a patriot. He watched the Stadtholder’s adroit +management of affairs with growing admiration.</p> + +<p>Roderick was surprised that his brother did not fall at the Prince’s +feet, worshipping. He was still more surprised that Christopher should +feel no desire to become one of the Prince’s household. He could not +understand that all Christopher’s love remained with Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“You do not desire to be near the Prince his person?”</p> + +<p>“I would rather join his army,” answered Christopher.</p> + +<p>“Join the army! You had better enter his household.”</p> + +<p>“I do not wish to serve any man—personally.”</p> + +<p>“Odds life! Not even His Highness?”</p> + +<p>“No one.”</p> + +<p>Roderick stared.</p> + +<p>“You are no soldier, Chris!”</p> + +<p>“I can learn.”</p> + +<p>“You were better advised to turn your hand to politics.”</p> + +<p>“Never! I want not to hear the word again!”</p> + +<p>“But that is ridiculous! Because you found Shaftesbury acting +questionably is no reason to think that——”</p> + +<p>“I will not hear of politics. They mean intrigue and covert dealing; +bribing and tricking. I’ll none of it.”</p> + +<p>Roderick shook his head in amazement. But he broached the subject to +his master.</p> + +<p>Thus it came about that Christopher had audience with the Prince one +sunny morning at the Huis ten Bosch.</p> + +<p>William sat at his desk, chin in hand. He regarded Christopher +thoughtfully for some moments.</p> + +<p>“Rodrigue has been speaking to me of you, Mr. Dart. You desire to serve +under my standard?” He spoke in Dutch.</p> + +<p>“If your Highness permits, I ask nothing better.”</p> + +<p>Christopher saw the hazel eyes twinkle suddenly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</span></p> + +<p>“Yet if I offer you a post about my person you will refuse it?”</p> + +<p>There was something disconcerting about the Prince. Christopher +stammered a little.</p> + +<p>“I hope—Your Highness—will not—offer that.”</p> + +<p>“Sit down,” said William. “Why do you hope that?”</p> + +<p>“Sir, I desire to serve no man personally. I want to serve as a +soldier.”</p> + +<p>William smiled.</p> + +<p>“You want to serve an ideal, <i>hein</i>?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps that is true, Sir. I do not want to serve—a man.”</p> + +<p>“Are you afraid that I should betray your trust?”</p> + +<p>The swiftness of the attack got behind Christopher’s guard.</p> + +<p>“I—don’t understand, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“I think you do. Am I the man to betray a trust?”</p> + +<p>“No, Sir. Why do you ask?”</p> + +<p>“Because I will not be served by any man who does not place in me his +whole confidence.”</p> + +<p>Christopher hesitated.</p> + +<p>“I believe that you at least are honest, Sir,” he said at last.</p> + +<p>“But you will not accept a post about my person.”</p> + +<p>Christopher grew hot under the steady scrutiny.</p> + +<p>“No, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Why not?”</p> + +<p>For a moment Christopher did not answer.</p> + +<p>“Highness, if you must know, it is this:—For nine years I have served +my Lord Roxhythe. He has all my love, all my devotion. I cannot serve +another man in the same way. I have tried and failed. Twice failed.”</p> + +<p>“Mr. Dart, you say that Roxhyt’e has your love and your devotion. What +then have you to offer me?”</p> + +<p>“Faithful service, Sir, and loyalty.”</p> + +<p>“So!” William tapped his fingers lightly on a sheet of parchment. His +face grew harsh. “We will have plain speaking, if you please, Mr. Dart. +I have some knowledge of milor’ Roxhyt’e’s life, and of his dealings. +How am I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</span> to know that you are not imbued with his morals—or lack of +morals?”</p> + +<p>Christopher straightened.</p> + +<p>“Highness, may we leave Roxhythe out of the discussion? I trust my +morals are above reproach.”</p> + +<p>“I trust so, Mr. Dart. Yet in ’77 there was some question of that.”</p> + +<p>“Will your Highness explain?”</p> + +<p>“It is necessary? In ’77 you bore letters to Cherrywood; letters that +we believe to have been addressed to the French King from King Charles. +You will admit that gives food for thought, Mr. Dart.”</p> + +<p>Christopher met his eyes bravely.</p> + +<p>“I give Your Highness my word that if that was so I knew nothing of it +when I did take the letters. I thought them innocent dispatches to His +Grace of Monmouth.”</p> + +<p>“So your brother assures me. He tells me you were tricked. It is +because you fear that I might trick you that you will not enter +my—personal—service?”</p> + +<p>“N-no, Sir. I think not. It is because I could not serve you with +whole-hearted affection. It is true that I have grown suspicious of +late, but I believe that I do trust Your Highness.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you. That is your only reason?”</p> + +<p>Again Christopher hesitated.</p> + +<p>“No, Sir, there is another. However honest you be there must always be +intrigue. I desire to know nothing of intrigue. I want to—be outside +all the inner workings of politics. I want to—forget everything.”</p> + +<p>William coughed a little.</p> + +<p>“Then I think you would be better advised to seek employment with +someone who lives not a public life.”</p> + +<p>“I have thought of that, Sir, but it does not appeal to me.”</p> + +<p>“In truth, Mr. Dart, you do not know what you want.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed, Sir, I do! I want to fight France—our common enemy.”</p> + +<p>“I do not fight France. There is peace.”</p> + +<p>Christopher looked at him strangely.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</span></p> + +<p>“Your Highness will not always be content with this peace.”</p> + +<p>William’s brows rose perceptibly.</p> + +<p>“Oh! So you will join the army—and wait? Dull work, Mr. Dart.”</p> + +<p>“I have yet to learn a soldier’s duties, Sir.”</p> + +<p>The Prince tapped the parchment again.</p> + +<p>“Well.... Perhaps I can find employment for you. We shall see.”</p> + +<p>He took up a quill. For some moments he wrote swiftly. Then he dusted +the parchment and folded it.</p> + +<p>“You are quite sure that you wish to serve the Orange? Remember that +you are an Englishman; remember that once you have entered the army you +cannot leave it at will.”</p> + +<p>“I have considered all that, Sir. It is no hasty decision that I +have made. I have thought long, and—pardon me—I have observed Your +Highness closely. I believe that at last I have found a master who is +above bribes; who does not work for himself but for his country.”</p> + +<p>William bowed.</p> + +<p>“I admire plain speaking, sir. In my turn I believe that you too are +honest. I doubted it at one time, but when I was told that you had +quitted Lord Roxhyt’e I concluded that I was wrong.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, Sir. I may enter your service?”</p> + +<p>William handed him the parchment.</p> + +<p>“You will convey that to Bentinck. Rodrigue will direct you. Bentinck +will give you a commission, and it will remain for you to prove +yourself.”</p> + +<p>Christopher went down on one knee.</p> + +<p>“I will serve Your Highness faithfully,” he said. “I have to thank you +for your kindness.”</p> + +<p>William held out his hand.</p> + +<p>“That is very well,” he said.</p> + +<p>Christopher went quietly out of the room. Roderick was awaiting him, +all eagerness.</p> + +<p>“Well, Chris?”</p> + +<p>“I am to go to General Bentinck.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</span></p> + +<p>Roderick was disappointed.</p> + +<p>“I had thought—that when you had spoken with His Highness—you would +have desired to be always at his side.”</p> + +<p>Christopher smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>“I am no longer twenty-one, Dick. The age of illusions is past.”</p> + +<p>“Have you no enthusiasms?”</p> + +<p>Christopher sighed.</p> + +<p>“I hardly know. Perhaps. But not for man.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t understand you, Chris. I had thought that the Prince would +have captured your devotion.”</p> + +<p>“You have yet to realize, Dick, that my devotion lies elsewhere.”</p> + +<p>“Still?” Roderick was incredulous.</p> + +<p>“Always.”</p> + +<p>“But after all that has happened! after his treatment of you——”</p> + +<p>“If you think that any harm done to me could kill my love for Roxhythe, +you do not understand love.”</p> + +<p>“You are infatuated! Pray heaven it will pass!”</p> + +<p>“For my peace of mind I hope it will. You’ll dine with me to-night? I +shall leave the Hague early to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>“As soon as that? Yes, I’ll dine with you. I wish you were to be of the +Household, though. I wanted you near me after all these years.”</p> + +<p>Christopher spoke rather cynically.</p> + +<p>“No, Roderick. You had been jealous of me an I had joined the Prince +his Household.”</p> + +<p>“Really, Christopher!” Roderick was inclined to be offended. Then he +smiled. “Perhaps you are right. But I shall miss you.”</p> + +<p>“It will pass,” replied Christopher easily.</p> + +<p>Roderick went back to his master.</p> + +<p>“Well, Rodrigue? You have seen your brother?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, Sir. I cannot understand his attitude.”</p> + +<p>“No?”</p> + +<p>“He is so cold! so unlike his old self.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</span></p> + +<p>“My dear Rodrigue, your brother has suffered. I understand him.”</p> + +<p>“But then, Highness, you understand all men,” said Roderick softly.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="Book_V"><span class="allsmcap">BOOK V</span><br> +THE OTHER PART</h2> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Ie">CHAPTER I<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE TRIPLE GAME</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>“TROUBLE, trouble, naught but trouble!” Charles flung out his hands +hopelessly. “Shaftesbury, Russell, Cavendish! What is to be done?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“Do you despair, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“Do I ever despair? But this combination means endless toil, endless +dissension. Shaftesbury is mine enemy.”</p> + +<p>“To counteract Shaftesbury you have Sunderland.”</p> + +<p>“Whom I would not trust.”</p> + +<p>“Nevertheless he may prove useful. And there is Halifax.”</p> + +<p>“He blows hot and cold.”</p> + +<p>“But mostly cold.”</p> + +<p>“What do you mean, David?”</p> + +<p>“I wonder that you have not observed Halifax more closely, Sir. When +the greater party blows hot, he blows cold. You’ll find him opposed to +Shaftesbury.”</p> + +<p>“It may be so. You think he’ll support me?”</p> + +<p>“If you are the losing side, Sir, yes. If you are the stronger he will +not matter.”</p> + +<p>“True. But that will not help us now. I see trouble stirring for James. +The people wax unruly.”</p> + +<p>“His Grace acts very imprudently. You would be wise to remove him, Sir. +While he remains in England the Protestant cause will keep fresh in +England’s mind.”</p> + +<p>“Remove him ... ay, but where?”</p> + +<p>“Does it signify? Send him where he cannot stir up agitation by his +foolish behaviour.”</p> + +<p>Charles sat up.</p> + +<p>“I believe you are right, David. I’ll send him to Brussels.”</p> + +<p>“It will suffice. At least he will be out of harm’s way.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</span></p> + +<p>“Yes. But I do not think he will thank me.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps not.”</p> + +<p>“He’ll be greatly incensed. It may be that he will suspect your hand in +the matter.”</p> + +<p>“Probably. It does not worry me.”</p> + +<p>Charles stroked one of his dogs reflectively.</p> + +<p>“Do you think that by doing this I shall avert the storm against his +succession? I do not.”</p> + +<p>“No, Sir. You will modify it.”</p> + +<p>“It will still mean a fight. Shaftesbury is determined to exclude him.”</p> + +<p>“Sire, most men are determined. Nearly all your new ministers are at +one on the question. But I think that there will be dissension.”</p> + +<p>“Why?”</p> + +<p>“They will not all want the same successor.”</p> + +<p>“You think some will stand for Monmouth?”</p> + +<p>“I do expect it, Sir. Prince William is not every man’s choice.”</p> + +<p>“No. And Monmouth is popular. He would be the people’s choice, but I +cannot believe that the Cabinet would consent to it.”</p> + +<p>“We shall see. In the meantime, Sir, I propose to act.”</p> + +<p>Charles leaned back in his chair.</p> + +<p>“I were not King without you, Davy. You’ll help me to overthrow the +coming cry for exclusion?”</p> + +<p>“I will.”</p> + +<p>The King looked at him curiously for a moment.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, what are your own sentiments?”</p> + +<p>“I’ve none. I care not what happens after you are gone. England may +have James, or Mary, or Monmouth. It is all one to me. All that matters +is your pleasure.”</p> + +<p>“I would I had more of your mind about me! What do you think of doing?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sat down on the nearest chair.</p> + +<p>“I shall throw myself into the cause against His Grace of York. +Secretly.”</p> + +<p>The King’s brow contracted in bewilderment.</p> + +<p>“Go on.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</span></p> + +<p>“His Grace of York’s dislike for me is well known. That adds colour to +my attitude. I approach Shaftesbury when the time comes, with great +caution. I am a thought fearful of discovery, you understand. I think +that it were best for me to act secretly for fear of incurring Your +Majesty’s displeasure.”</p> + +<p>“I do not think that they will trust you.”</p> + +<p>“They will undoubtedly have misgivings. But my support in the matter +would be invaluable. They would count on my exerting my influence to +sway you ’gainst the Duke.”</p> + +<p>“Ay, but what then?”</p> + +<p>“When I have convinced the worthy Shaftesbury of my whole-hearted +sincerity I shall enter deep into the inner workings of the affair.”</p> + +<p>“Which you will impart to me?”</p> + +<p>“Which I shall impart to you. I think I may be instrumental in bringing +about the fall of our friend Ashley.”</p> + +<p>“You are clever enough for anything,” admitted Charles. “But this is a +big risk.”</p> + +<p>“No. They can but disbelieve in me, and I do not think they will do +that. They will see that if the Duke succeeds you I must fall. It is +the popular belief that I work primarily for my own ends.”</p> + +<p>Charles nodded.</p> + +<p>“If all this should come to James his ears you are ruined—when I die, +my David.”</p> + +<p>“That matters not at all, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“I might confide in James....”</p> + +<p>“I beg you will not, Sir! He is so incautious. And he mistrusts me. He +would not believe that I was working in his interests.”</p> + +<p>“I do not suppose he would. Especially if he guesses by whose advice he +is sent to Brussels.”</p> + +<p>“He’ll guess that, of course. He suspects my hand in everything. His +mistrust will but further my machinations.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, Roxhythe, I consent.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</span></p> + +<p>The favourite laughed.</p> + +<p>“Did you mean to withhold your consent, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“I’ve no wish to ruin you, David.”</p> + +<p>“Why, I am ruined already. What happens after your death is no matter +at all.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I do not think I shall die yet,” said Charles placidly.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>After welcoming the new Parliament with wild enthusiasm, England +settled down to enjoy a panic concerning Papists and Papist heirs. +This panic my Lord Shaftesbury fostered lovingly. He was a brave man, +but the rest of the Council were not. They hesitated at bringing in an +Exclusion Bill. But they agitated with the rest.</p> + +<p>For a short space Shaftesbury supported the King’s suggested Bill of +Securities, but he decided at last that it was not strong enough, +and laid it aside. He prevailed upon the Council to bring in a Bill +excluding James from the throne and devolving it upon the next +Protestant heir. The Commons liked the Bill, and passed it. My Lord +Shaftesbury anticipated trouble in the other House, and he instructed +the Commons to prepare a Remonstrance.</p> + +<p>Charles deemed it prudent to prorogue his Parliament.</p> + +<p>The trouble fermented. My Lord Shaftesbury held meetings and +discussions. So did my Lords Halifax, Essex, and Sir William Temple, +the Secretary of State. Into these meetings was introduced the magic +name of Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Lord Holles mentioned my lord first. He was dining with Shaftesbury.</p> + +<p>“I believe I have set my finger on a weak spot in the King’s armour,” +he remarked. He peeled a nut, and ate it.</p> + +<p>The Earl was all attention.</p> + +<p>“What have you discovered, Holles?”</p> + +<p>Holles ate another nut.</p> + +<p>“I have reason to think that his favourite stands against him.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</span></p> + +<p>“Roxhythe? Impossible!”</p> + +<p>“On the contrary. If you think for a moment you will see that it is +more than probable.”</p> + +<p>“You think that Roxhythe realizes that the accession of James would be +his downfall?”</p> + +<p>“Well, he is no fool.”</p> + +<p>Shaftesbury pushed back his chair, frowning.</p> + +<p>“I would never trust Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“Except when he works for himself.”</p> + +<p>“Less than ever then.”</p> + +<p>“I disagree. I discern signs of uneasiness in my lord.”</p> + +<p>“I can’t believe that Roxhythe would ever betray his feelings.”</p> + +<p>“They were very slight signs, I admit. I fancy he is working for the +exclusion.”</p> + +<p>Shaftesbury sat biting his nail, his face in worried lines.</p> + +<p>“If it were so it would help the cause more than anything else.”</p> + +<p>“So I think. I know that he dined with Savile twice last week.”</p> + +<p>“With Halifax! That means he favours the accession of Mary!”</p> + +<p>“It is more likely that he has not thought of Monmouth. Monmouth should +be more to his taste.”</p> + +<p>“Holles, I wish that I might be sure of this! If one could trust him he +would be invaluable. He has so much influence.”</p> + +<p>“Why not sound him?”</p> + +<p>“How?”</p> + +<p>“Invite him to dinner.”</p> + +<p>“Quite impossible. I do not visit him.”</p> + +<p>“Then let me. I’ll also invite you.”</p> + +<p>Ashley bit his nail again, irresolute.</p> + +<p>“If he would come——”</p> + +<p>“Oh, he will come! He often dines with me.”</p> + +<p>“I do not think that he would ever work for a party.”</p> + +<p>“It remains to be seen. It is just possible that our great Roxhythe is +a little apprehensive.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</span></p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>Two days later Roxhythe exhibited a letter to his master.</p> + +<p>“I am bidden to Holles to-morrow, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Really?” Charles took the letter. “How amiable he is! They mean to +probe you, David.”</p> + +<p>My lord smiled serenely. He accepted the invitation.</p> + +<p>During dinner at Lord Holles’ house he excelled himself. He talked on +every subject but one, and that one politics; witticisms flowed from +his tongue, and if they annoyed Shaftesbury, they delighted his host.</p> + +<p>When the servants had at last left the room, Lord Holles filled up the +glasses, and, not without regret, brought the conversation round to +home affairs. He began cautiously, for Ashley had implored him to be +very circumspect in what he said before Roxhythe. He leaned back in his +chair, tilting it slightly.</p> + +<p>“We are all idle since our prorogation, Roxhythe—and somewhat +disgruntled!” He grimaced ruefully. “I should not say that to you, I +suppose.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stared into his glass.</p> + +<p>“Yes, the Bill seems to have failed.”</p> + +<p>“The poor Bill! But we must not weary you with it. You understand it +is something of an obsession! However, I know you are not interested. +Shaftesbury, a little Burgundy?”</p> + +<p>“Why should I not be interested?” asked Roxhythe. “Of course—it really +does not affect me....” He left a pause.</p> + +<p>Holles shot a look at the Earl.</p> + +<p>“Why I rather thought ye were above our discussions! But—well, you are +not always at one with his Grace of York, are you?”</p> + +<p>He achieved a roguish smile.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe touched his lips with his napkin.</p> + +<p>“Not always,” he said.</p> + +<p>Holles thought it as well to change the subject. He was an artist, he +flattered himself. Presently he would let the the conversation glide +back to politics. He was annoyed when Shaftesbury, always impatient, +came abruptly back to the all-important topic.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</span></p> + +<p>“Of course, if we have James we are assured of Papist successors.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked up quickly.</p> + +<p>“Oh, ’tis not the successors——” he stopped. “Do you think so?”</p> + +<p>Holles replenished his glass. Since Shaftesbury had so tactlessly +re-introduced the subject it had best be continued.</p> + +<p>“With both parents Catholic, what would you?” he asked. “We ought to +have a Protestant heir.” Out of the corner of his eye he could see +Shaftesbury’s apprehensive gaze, full of warning.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was gloomy.</p> + +<p>“Yes, but Mary means the Prince of Orange.”</p> + +<p>“True.” Holles returned Shaftesbury’s look steadily. “You do not like +the thought?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe sipped his wine, of a sudden languid.</p> + +<p>“In truth it concerns me not.”</p> + +<p>There was no more political talk that evening.</p> + +<p>When Roxhythe had gone, Holles returned to Shaftesbury, triumphant.</p> + +<p>“What did I say?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” agreed the Earl. “But he is not desirous of joining us. I think +he still ponders.”</p> + +<p>“Evidently. And you see that he does not relish the idea of the Orange. +We must secure him, my lord.”</p> + +<p>“If we can—if ’tis safe. He does not give much away.”</p> + +<p>“Except that he wants the exclusion.”</p> + +<p>“I wonder....” Shaftesbury frowned uncertainly. “It may have been that +he wished us to infer that.”</p> + +<p>Holles was derisive.</p> + +<p>“My dear Ashley! One could see that he was perturbed by his manner. Did +you not think so?”</p> + +<p>“Yes—and no.”</p> + +<p>“It was palpable! He must be cajoled to our side.”</p> + +<p>“I do not like it!” Shaftesbury spoke curtly. “I do not trust Roxhythe. +He might ruin us.”</p> + +<p>“But will he? Do you not see that he must at all costs exclude James? +He knows that the Duke hates him.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</span></p> + +<p>“I do not expect him to work against the King.”</p> + +<p>“Rest assured that he would never do so openly. So much the better.”</p> + +<p>“If we invite him to be one of us we take too great a risk.”</p> + +<p>“I do not agree. If we do not snare him he may go over to Temple’s +party. He has too much influence in the Upper House to be counted +lightly. You do not want the Orange.”</p> + +<p>“No, damme! But could he influence the House to that extent?”</p> + +<p>“I think it more than likely. And if we set Monmouth up as the heir +Roxhythe could very easily influence the King to ruin him.”</p> + +<p>“If he became one of Temple’s party that is what he would do, of +course. Well.... But I do not like it!”</p> + +<p>“Leave it to me!” said Holles.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>My Lord Roxhythe repaired to Whitehall. The King went apart with him.</p> + +<p>“We progress,” said my lord tranquilly. “I am advocate for Mary, I am +advocate for Monmouth.”</p> + +<p>“’Sblood, David, does Shaftesbury really think to set Monmouth on the +throne when I am gone?”</p> + +<p>“So I gather. Temple wishes to bring Prince William to England to +accustom the mind of England to the idea of his succession. But +Shaftesbury will have none of it.”</p> + +<p>“And you?”</p> + +<p>“Very secretly I am with Temple—say Halifax. Not wholly. They are +still in doubt about me. Shortly I shall be one of Shaftesbury’s band. +Then we shall see.”</p> + +<p>“It must be damned entertaining!” exclaimed the King.</p> + +<p>“It is damned hard work!” retorted Roxhythe.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IIe">CHAPTER II<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE SCHEMERS</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>CAUTIOUSLY did my Lord Holles set about the business of snaring +Roxhythe. It took some little time to win this trump card to his side, +but he did it at length, marvelling at his own sagacity and cunning. +At last Roxhythe allowed himself to be persuaded, and then he entered +into the cause, as he put it, heart and soul. Shaftesbury still had +misgivings; in Roxhythe’s presence his conversation was always guarded, +yet he could not but see the truth in what Holles said: Roxhythe must +at all costs work for the Duke of York’s exclusion. Reluctantly he +invited Roxhythe to a discussion at his house.</p> + +<p>The only other schemers there that day were Holles and one Lord +Roberts. Roberts was entirely of Holles’ mind concerning Roxhythe. He +clasped my lord warmly by the hand.</p> + +<p>“I am glad to know that you are one of us, my lord!”</p> + +<p>“I am honoured to be one of you,” smiled Roxhythe. “This is a serious +matter.”</p> + +<p>“It is indeed, my lord! It is indeed!”</p> + +<p>Shaftesbury drew forward a chair.</p> + +<p>“I need hardly say, Lord Roxhythe, that we trust to your discretion.”</p> + +<p>“Certainly,” bowed my lord.</p> + +<p>He listened to the discussion with interest. It appeared that the +worthy gentlemen did not know how to win my Lords Halifax and Essex +to their side. It also appeared that not many of the Council desired +Monmouth for King.</p> + +<p>In the middle of the argument my lord upraised his smooth voice.</p> + +<p>“It seems, gentlemen, that the opposing side think his Grace would be +an unpopular King.”</p> + +<p>“That is true!” cried Roberts. “They do not think<span class="pagenum" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</span> that he would ever +be received. I believe it is for that reason alone that they will not +join us. Many of them do not really want William.”</p> + +<p>“Then they should be shown how popular is the Duke,” said my lord.</p> + +<p>“You mean that we should thrust him to the fore?”</p> + +<p>“Present him to the people.... H’m!” Shaftesbury was dubious.</p> + +<p>“He has been in the background of late,” remarked Holles. “It might be +well to parade him.”</p> + +<p>“Where is his Grace?” blandly asked my lord.</p> + +<p>“He could not be present to-day,” answered Roberts, before Shaftesbury +could intercept him.</p> + +<p>“A pity,” said Roxhythe. He shrugged, and brought out his comfit-box.</p> + +<p>“Why?” Shaftesbury it was who shot the question.</p> + +<p>“He might have had some suggestion to put forward,” replied my lord.</p> + +<p>“Oh, no!” Roberts shook his head. “He will be advised by us.”</p> + +<p>“Why, that is better still,” said my lord, very urbane.</p> + +<p>“Lord Roxhythe’s suggestion has merit,” observed Holles slowly. “It +might be well to bring the Duke before the people’s eyes once more. You +remember how popular he was during the war?”</p> + +<p>“The people admired his courage—why not send him to Scotland?” Lord +Roberts started forward. “If the King might be induced to put him at +the head of the troops!”</p> + +<p>“To quell the rising? I do not know that His Majesty would do that.” +Roxhythe spoke disparagingly. “He desires to keep the Duke at his side.”</p> + +<p>“Could you not prevail with the King?” asked Holles.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe seemed to consider.</p> + +<p>“It is difficult. I do not want to become a suspect.”</p> + +<p>“Surely you could do it in such a way that the King should suspect +naught?”</p> + +<p>“I might. I do not know.”</p> + +<p>“It should not be so difficult. The King trusts in you.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</span></p> + +<p>“Yes. Well, I will think on it. If I may safely do so I will use my +influence. But the suggestion should come from Shaftesbury.”</p> + +<p>“I agree with that,” said Roberts decidedly. “You could well suggest it +to His Majesty, Ashley.”</p> + +<p>“I am not sure that I approve of the scheme. Better that we should wait +for a time.”</p> + +<p>“No, no! If we wait we lose ground,” replied Holles. “If Monmouth +quells the rising in Scotland the people will laud him once more. Then +he can be paraded as much as you please. My Lords Halifax and Essex +will see that he would be very easily the people’s choice.”</p> + +<p>Still Shaftesbury hesitated.</p> + +<p>“It is a bold step.”</p> + +<p>“A sure step.”</p> + +<p>“I think Holles is right,” said Roxhythe gently. “Halifax and Essex are +uncertain. If they were clearly shown which way the people look they +would be more likely to join us.”</p> + +<p>“That is so, of course. On the other hand they may take fright at so +bold a move.”</p> + +<p>“If you think that I should keep Monmouth in the background,” said +Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“No. The step is worth taking,” said Roberts. “Do you, Roxhythe, think +that Halifax and Essex will take fright?”</p> + +<p>“It is hard to say,” fenced his lordship. “I had not thought so, I +confess, but I may have been wrong.”</p> + +<p>“There!” Roberts turned to Shaftesbury. “You hear?”</p> + +<p>“And I still hesitate.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smoothed his ruffles.</p> + +<p>“I do advise you to be guided by Shaftesbury. I know very little of +these matters.”</p> + +<p>“You under-rate yourself, my lord!” cried Roberts. “I advocate the +scheme.”</p> + +<p>“And I,” said Holles.</p> + +<p>Shaftesbury sighed.</p> + +<p>“Very well, gentlemen. Since you are determined.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</span></p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>Roxhythe visited the King in his closet that evening. Charles laughed +at him.</p> + +<p>“Well, my plotter?”</p> + +<p>“I am deep in intrigue,” said Roxhythe. He sat down. “I have attended a +meeting of our dear friends Ashley, Holles and Roberts.”</p> + +<p>“I would give much to see you in their company,” chuckled the King. +“What have you gleaned?”</p> + +<p>“Several things. One that will grieve you, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“Monmouth?”</p> + +<p>“Monmouth.”</p> + +<p>“He is privy to it?” Charles’ voice was anxious.</p> + +<p>“I am afraid so, Sir.”</p> + +<p>For a moment the King did not speak. He fingered his curls, his face +overcast.</p> + +<p>“I had not thought it of him,” he said at last. “This is ill hearing, +David.”</p> + +<p>“Not so ill as it might be, Sir. Monmouth would appear to be little +more than a puppet in Shaftesbury’s hands.”</p> + +<p>Charles pulled down the corners of his mouth.</p> + +<p>“I wish he were not so weak!”</p> + +<p>“Well, Sire, you always knew that he was—easily led.”</p> + +<p>“You said so from the first. What more?”</p> + +<p>“I played with these worthy gentlemen. It was most amusing. They +debated as to how they were to further Monmouth’s cause. I suggested +that he should be brought to the people’s notice again. They liked +my suggestion. All but Shaftesbury. He has sense but not sufficient +faith in himself. The next suggestion came from Roberts. Why not +send Monmouth to quell the Scottish rising? Eventually they decided +that this was a brilliant step. I am to prevail upon Your Majesty to +consent. Shaftesbury is to suggest it to you.”</p> + +<p>“Shaftesbury is very daring!”</p> + +<p>“Very. Now, Sir, the point is this: by exhibiting Monmouth and by +circulating the cry that he is the rightful heir, Shaftesbury will +undoubtedly excite the people. I have insinuated that Halifax and Essex +will also be won over.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</span></p> + +<p>“They will not.”</p> + +<p>“Most certainly they will not. They are hot for the Orange. And they +would never stand for Monmouth on account of his birth. Your Majesty +will pardon me if I speak too plainly.”</p> + +<p>Charles smiled.</p> + +<p>“Ay, I pardon you. Go on.”</p> + +<p>“When they see Monmouth blazoning in Scotland, and, later, blazoning +through England, they will be the more alienated from Shaftesbury. And +I rather think that the more timorous members of the Council, still +wavering, will be shocked at Shaftesbury’s sudden move, and will either +join the Orange party, or withdraw from the combat. Especially if Your +Majesty shows signs of annoyance.”</p> + +<p>“Very wise, Roxhythe. But are you sure of Halifax and Essex?”</p> + +<p>“Perfectly. And I am moderately sure of our dear Sunderland.”</p> + +<p>“Sunderland! Is he an Orangist?”</p> + +<p>“Tentatively. If the Orange cause seems likely to prosper, he will +become an ardent member. If not—he will be properly indignant at the +Exclusion Bill.”</p> + +<p>“He does not cast his eyes in Monmouth’s direction?”</p> + +<p>“He is too astute. Monmouth could never be King.”</p> + +<p>“H’m! Well, I always thought him a man of brain.”</p> + +<p>“He is very wily. I advise you, Sir, to consent to Monmouth’s +generalship of the troops. Let him quell the rising; he has shown +himself to be an able soldier. When the talk circulates that he is to +be King after you, I shall be shaken with doubt. It may be that I shall +affect others of Shaftesbury’s persuasion. It may even be that these +eminently temperate gentlemen will draw back a little. Thus you have +Shaftesbury standing alone. Then you may strike, and be sure of Essex +and Halifax and Temple their approval.”</p> + +<p>Charles stopped fingering his curls. His eyes brightened.</p> + +<p>“<i>Cordieu</i>, David, I believe you are right! Essex and the rest of +them are afraid of Shaftesbury since they supported the prorogation in +May. If Shaftesbury wins they fall.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</span> Why, I shall have Shaftesbury in +the hollow of my hand!”</p> + +<p>“It will mean a struggle,” warned Roxhythe. “He is a dangerous man.”</p> + +<p>“Whatever I do means a struggle. When I dismiss him Shaftesbury will +move heaven and earth to defeat me, but it is the first step. And +then—an end to our brave Earl!”</p> + +<p>“So I think, Sir.”</p> + +<p>Charles relaxed again. Presently he frowned.</p> + +<p>“Heigh-ho! I am disappointed in Monmouth. I did not think he would work +behind me.”</p> + +<p>“You would not like him to step into your shoes, Sir?” Roxhythe glanced +at him curiously.</p> + +<p>Charles was genuinely surprised.</p> + +<p>“I know that I have accorded him many rights and favours, but surely +you cannot think that I would set him above James? Why, he is +illegitimate!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe nodded.</p> + +<p>“I wondered.”</p> + +<p>“My moral sense is not so perverted, David!”</p> + +<p>“No. I am glad of it.”</p> + +<p>Charles opened his eyes lazily.</p> + +<p>“Do you care, then? I thought it was all one to you?”</p> + +<p>“It is really. But I would sooner have James than the son of Lucy +Walters.”</p> + +<p>“Of course. God’s Body, but I should be a pretty Stuart if I connived +at that!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe took up his hat.</p> + +<p>“But you would not connive at it.... Well, Sir, I must be gone. I am +due at Lord Essex his house in an hour.”</p> + +<p>“Poor David! Have you ever led so strenuous a life before?”</p> + +<p>“Seldom,” answered Roxhythe. He smiled a little.</p> + +<p>“I believe you like the game!” cried Charles, much amused.</p> + +<p>“It is not without interest,” admitted his lordship. Then he sighed. +“They are all so easy to trick,” he deplored. He went out languidly.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IIIe">CHAPTER III<br> +<span class="allsmcap">AGITATIONS</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>SO the Duke of Monmouth went to Scotland.</p> + +<p>A mysterious tale arose. It was rumoured that the King had married Lucy +Walters. There was much talk of a marriage certificate sealed in a +certain box. Roxhythe attributed the tale to Shaftesbury, and affected +dismay. He told the Earl that he had gone too far. He implored him to +do nothing rash. Shaftesbury almost believed in his honesty.</p> + +<p>As soon as he had put down the rising, the Duke of Monmouth returned +triumphant to London.</p> + +<p>Then the King fell ill. Monmouth showed himself everywhere on the +strength of it, and my Lords Sunderland, Halifax and Essex implored +Charles to recall the Duke of York. They were very much afraid that if +Charles grew worse and died, Monmouth would succeed at once.</p> + +<p>Back came the Duke of York, sore at what he termed his banishment. +From Sunderland he learned that Roxhythe was all for his exclusion. He +thanked the pious Lord Sunderland for this information, and confessed +that it in no way surprised him. He raved at Charles. Charles, +convalescent, told him that he was a fool, and sent him to Scotland. +Acting partly on Roxhythe’s advice, and partly from his own disgust at +his son, he deprived Monmouth of his generalship, and ordered him to +leave the country.</p> + +<p>Doggedly Shaftesbury clung to his cause, deserted by all but a few. +Supported by Lords Russell and Roxhythe, he pushed on the persecution +of the Catholics in the country. Several entirely innocent men were put +to death, including eight priests. The terror of the Popish plot was +fanned into fresh flame. Roxhythe watched carefully, and, at length, +solemnly warned Shaftesbury that he was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</span> going beyond all bounds. He +counselled prudence, but by now my Lord was violent.</p> + +<p>The King entered into the conflict and dismissed him from his post of +Lord President of the Council. As Roxhythe had predicted, he had the +Council’s full support.</p> + +<p>Then he summoned Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“There is danger, David.”</p> + +<p>“Great danger, Sir. Shaftesbury is determined to win.”</p> + +<p>“And so am I. We shall see. I have appealed to France.” He frowned.</p> + +<p>“France has answered?”</p> + +<p>“Ay. Offering me degrading terms! This means I must call a Parliament. +Heigh-ho!”</p> + +<p>“You would be wise to wait before you allow it to meet, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“I must gain time. I shall prorogue its assembly until November.”</p> + +<p>“November of ’80. If you can.”</p> + +<p>“I know that I can.”</p> + +<p>In spite of all petitions he stood firm. Parliament was not allowed to +meet.</p> + +<p>Shaftesbury grew still more daring. Again Roxhythe was closeted with +the King.</p> + +<p>Charles was worried.</p> + +<p>“Shaftesbury exceeds all bounds, David. I am fearful for the result.”</p> + +<p>“Give him rope, Sir,” advised my lord. “He’ll hang himself yet.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t doubt it. But in the meantime he is working much harm. What is +this tale of pamphlets?”</p> + +<p>“Our gentle Earl has a brain, Sir. He has formed a body. I am one of +the body. We promote agitation. In time Essex will join us.”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, this is serious!”</p> + +<p>“Not as serious as it would seem, Sir. The public is tired of the +Popish plot. Instead of executions, we now have acquittals.”</p> + +<p>“But if Essex joins Shaftesbury it will mean great trouble!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</span></p> + +<p>“It will bring matters to a head. There will indeed be trouble, but if +you stand firm you will win. Monmouth is to return.”</p> + +<p>Charles started up.</p> + +<p>“What’s that? Monmouth defy me?”</p> + +<p>“Shaftesbury sways him to his will. He induces him to come back to +London.”</p> + +<p>“It exceeds all bounds! It is direct insolence to me!”</p> + +<p>“Therefore let be. It gives you yet another handle against our good +Earl. You may trust me to further the dissension in the Council. +Halifax is still for the Orange. Sunderland....” He paused.</p> + +<p>“What of Sunderland?”</p> + +<p>“He has my admiration. He is very secret. As yet I can hardly say which +party he supports: Orange or James. He waits to see which will win.”</p> + +<p>“God’s Body! I am prettily served!”</p> + +<p>“You are, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“That Monmouth should treat me thus! My own son!”</p> + +<p>“Monmouth is a tool. You have very little to fear from that quarter. +I have ascertained that every right-minded person in the country is +opposed to him. They want Mary. Provided we can keep up the dissension, +and use your influence in the Lords, the Exclusion Bill will be thrown +out.”</p> + +<p>“And in the meantime every town is garrisoned and I dare not move one +way or the other for fear that popular feeling may turn against me! All +this arming smacks of civil war.”</p> + +<p>“Therefore I help to push it on. No one wants another war, and daily +more men are coming round to your side.”</p> + +<p>“You think that, David?”</p> + +<p>“I am sure of it, Sir. But use your influence in the Upper House. The +Bill will come again very soon and I think it will easily pass the +Commons. The Peers are your one hope.”</p> + +<p>Charles rested his head in his hand.</p> + +<p>“<i>Mordieu!</i> I am beset! I must look again to France.”</p> + +<p>“Not yet. Let Shaftesbury run his course.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</span></p> + +<p>“Oh, ay, ay! But what of the Orangists?”</p> + +<p>“I told you some time ago, Sir, that Halifax blows cold when the rest +blow hot. I believe he will oppose the Bill. Ostensibly it will be for +the Duke of York, but William is at the back of his mind. He talks of +another Bill of Securities that will vest all power in the Parliament. +The Commons will never consent to that, I am sure. So if the Lords +throw out the Exclusion, the Commons will throw out the Securities. +Thus you gain time.”</p> + +<p>Charles sighed.</p> + +<p>“You are wonderful, David. So you advise me to take no steps?”</p> + +<p>The favourite dangled his gloves by their tassels. He was cool and very +collected.</p> + +<p>“Not yet. Exert your influence in the Upper House and leave the +factions to quarrel. The Country itself is divided in half.”</p> + +<p>Charles sat silent. Suddenly he rose.</p> + +<p>“It might be as well to recall James,” he said.</p> + +<p>“If you like, Sir. It will bring him before the people again. It may +bind his supporters more closely to him; on the other hand it will +raise fresh opposition.”</p> + +<p>“In fact,” said Charles, “it will raise more dissension, which you say +we want.”</p> + +<p>“Then send for him, Sir.”</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>A fortnight later Monmouth was travelling round England, having arrived +in London secretly, by night, and Essex had joined with Shaftesbury. +Russell and Cavendish handed in their resignations, and back came the +Duke of York to London, furious at Monmouth’s return. The Exclusion +Bill came and went; the tide was turning in the King’s favour.</p> + +<p>Almost despairing, Shaftesbury brought in a Bill of Divorce, enabling +the King to put away his Queen and re-marry. Charles was very angry; +the Duke of York was more so.</p> + +<p>Then Roxhythe brought new and disturbing news to Court.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</span></p> + +<p>“Sire, Shaftesbury is desperate, but he contemplates a last blow.”</p> + +<p>“What is it?” asked Charles.</p> + +<p>The Duke, who was present, eyed Roxhythe malevolently.</p> + +<p>“He seeks to impeach Lord Stafford.”</p> + +<p>Charles sank back in his chair.</p> + +<p>“Impossible!”</p> + +<p>“It is infamous!” snapped the Duke. “It can come to naught.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned.</p> + +<p>“Your pardon, Sir, it can come to a great deal.”</p> + +<p>“Lord Stafford’s age protects him!”</p> + +<p>“Not from the fury of the mob.”</p> + +<p>“You are right,” said Charles wearily. “His trial would inflame them +again. Shaftesbury knows that.”</p> + +<p>“I have done all in my power to dissuade him, but he had a strong +support. It has also come to his ears, through Essex, that I have not +played his game alone. He looks on me with an eye of suspicion once +more.”</p> + +<p>“As well he might!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled blandly upon his Grace.</p> + +<p>“As well he might,” he agreed.</p> + +<p>Charles frowned.</p> + +<p>“I’ll have no bickering! Roxhythe works in my interests and yours, +James.”</p> + +<p>The Duke sneered. He did not relish being rebuked in front of the +favourite.</p> + +<p>“David, if the jury finds Stafford guilty I am undone. Already Louis +stands against me, and if Shaftesbury succeeds in this, Sunderland will +take fright again. What would you have me do?”</p> + +<p>“Stafford must not die!” said James harshly. “It were iniquitous!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe walked to the window. He spoke with his back to the room.</p> + +<p>“It may mean Stafford or you, Sir.”</p> + +<p>James gnawed his lip. The King’s eyes were brooding.</p> + +<p>“I might intervene.”</p> + +<p>Silence.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</span></p> + +<p>“What say you, David?”</p> + +<p>“You must intervene!” cried James.</p> + +<p>“David!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shrugged.</p> + +<p>“You’ll lose all that we have been fighting for, Sir. Perhaps your +throne.”</p> + +<p>“You think that?”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty knows the temper of a mob. If it is baulked of its victim +it may turn on you.”</p> + +<p>“But, <i>cordieu</i>! Surely Stafford is innocent?”</p> + +<p>“Undoubtedly. That will avail him naught.”</p> + +<p>“No jury will find him guilty!” rasped James.</p> + +<p>“I think no jury will dare acquit him.”</p> + +<p>“<i>Sangdieu</i>, am I King, or am I not?” cried Charles.</p> + +<p>“At present, Sir, you are King.”</p> + +<p>“Is it possible, Lord Roxhythe, that you advise Stafford’s death?” +asked James scathingly.</p> + +<p>“I advise naught, sir. It is for His Majesty to decide.”</p> + +<p>“It seems I am impotent,” said Charles. His voice held much of +bitterness. “Why did I return to this ungrateful people?”</p> + +<p>“God knows, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“And what if I allow them to murder Stafford? Is it the end? Can I make +it the end?”</p> + +<p>“You will be nearing the end. Shaftesbury thinks to hold you at his +mercy on account of the poverty of the Treasury. He relies on your +enforced consent to the Exclusion. If you can wring money from France +the end is in sight.”</p> + +<p>“Faugh!” James flung himself back in his chair. “My God, to what are we +coming?”</p> + +<p>Charles was thinking quickly.</p> + +<p>“I am still negotiating with Louis ... it might be possible.”</p> + +<p>“<i>Mille diables</i>, Sir, consider!”</p> + +<p>“Pray calm yourself, James. Do you want the Crown?”</p> + +<p>“Ay! But not this way!”</p> + +<p>“How then?”</p> + +<p>James was silent.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</span></p> + +<p>“In Stafford’s place I would readily die, Sir.”</p> + +<p>James burst out again.</p> + +<p>“Very noble, Lord Roxhythe, and easily said! You are not in his place!”</p> + +<p>“At seventy, and lying in prison, death should be welcome,” said +Roxhythe imperturbably.</p> + +<p>“A traitor’s death? You sicken me! You revolt me!”</p> + +<p>“Have done!” commanded the King. “It is Stafford or ourselves. And he +has not yet been tried. Wait.”</p> + +<p>“Call out the army!” snapped James. “Arrest Monmouth and Shaftesbury.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled. The smile infuriated His Grace.</p> + +<p>“Ay, sneer my lord, sneer! How do I know that you are not deliberately +advising my brother to his undoing? You are very sanguine as to the +result of this execution! What do you know? You would do well to have a +care!”</p> + +<p>The brown eyes grew haughty.</p> + +<p>“Your Grace is insulting.”</p> + +<p>“<i>Sangdieu!</i> Has it come to that? I am insulting? I tell you, my +lord—”</p> + +<p>Charles rose. He was no longer one of them. He was the King.</p> + +<p>“You are both lacking in respect to me. I will have no quarrelling +here. James, you speak wildly. Roxhythe, you may go.”</p> + +<p>My lord picked up his hat and bowed.</p> + +<p>“I crave Your Majesty’s pardon.” He left the room.</p> + +<p>The King turned to his brother.</p> + +<p>“James, I request that you will not speak thus to Roxhythe. You should +know by now that he acts only in my interests.”</p> + +<p>“The man is double-faced! He hates me!”</p> + +<p>“You have not given him over-much cause to love you. I warn you, do not +anger him.”</p> + +<p>Two red spots burnt on the Duke’s cheekbones.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty asks too much of me! I also have a warning! Do not trust +Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>Charles looked at him, half smiling. He seemed to slip back into his +easy placidity.</p> + +<p>“You are a fool, James,” he said, quite pleasantly.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IVe">CHAPTER IV<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE KING HIS TRIUMPH</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>SIR Jasper came slowly into his wife’s room. Lady Frances knew from his +face that he was troubled. She could guess the cause. She was reading a +letter from Christopher, but it fell to the ground as she sprang up.</p> + +<p>“Oh, Jasper—no!”</p> + +<p>Montgomery took her hands.</p> + +<p>“My dear....”</p> + +<p>Unaccustomed tears came to her eyes.</p> + +<p>“They won’t let him die! Oh, they cannot!”</p> + +<p>“The sentence was read to-day.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances pulled her hands away.</p> + +<p>“It’s too awful! too cruel! He never had a thought of—plotting! He was +so sweet—so—” She broke down.</p> + +<p>Montgomery watched her pitifully.</p> + +<p>“Dear....”</p> + +<p>“They cannot believe—him guilty of—these monstrous charges!”</p> + +<p>“They do not. But public feeling is too strong. My lord made an +excellent defence, but to no avail. The judges affected to believe +Tuberville’s lies. Tuberville swore that Stafford had engaged him to +murder the King, five years ago.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances tried to check her tears.</p> + +<p>“The King—will not—intervene?”</p> + +<p>“My dear, I have long since given up expecting aught but selfishness +from the King.”</p> + +<p>She twisted her hands.</p> + +<p>“It is death?”</p> + +<p>“Yes. I’ll not revolt you with the details.”</p> + +<p>She shuddered.</p> + +<p>“He is—so old! They surely—cannot hang him—and—oh, it is too +awful!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</span></p> + +<p>“It is believed that the King will refuse his consent to that. We can +only hope for decapitation.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances turned away, biting her lip.</p> + +<p>“I knew him so well! Papa—was one of his—dearest friends. I—oh, +there’s naught but cruelty and—lowness in England!”</p> + +<p>“We are indeed come to a pretty pass,” sighed Montgomery. “I never +heard palpable lies so easily swallowed. The whole affair was +disgraceful. The King was present, and the Duchess of Portsmouth. Her +Grace might have comported herself more decently, I thought.”</p> + +<p>“I daresay.” Lady Frances picked up Christopher’s letter. Her voice +still trembled.</p> + +<p>“Chris—seems more at ease. He—writes cheerfully. He is very busy.”</p> + +<p>“I am glad he went away before all this trouble came to a head,” said +Montgomery. “I wonder what part Roxhythe plays?”</p> + +<p>“I had rather—not know,” said his wife.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>Bit by bit Shaftesbury’s adherents fell away from him. Roxhythe still +ostensibly helped on his cause, but the Earl neither trusted nor +mistrusted him. He believed that Roxhythe wanted the Exclusion but he +knew that he had intrigued with the Orangist faction. The Cause was +practically hopeless now, for the execution of Stafford had somewhat +appalled the mob. Monmouth still blazed through England, and James +clamoured for his arrest. It was Roxhythe who counselled the King to +hold his hand.</p> + +<p>Divining the calming temper of the mob, Shaftesbury tried to revive the +terror of the Popish Plot. Roxhythe urged him to take action, knowing +that, as a result, more members would join the Crown.</p> + +<p>Then came the Exclusion Bill again, and the King moved at last.</p> + +<p>“David,” he said, “I shall now prorogue Parliament.”</p> + +<p>“You could not do better, Sir,” agreed Roxhythe. “Your popularity with +the people is growing. They have begun to consider.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</span></p> + +<p>“What do they consider?”</p> + +<p>“Your attitude. They laud you for refusing to listen to Monmouth’s +claim. They see in it a just regard for your brother.”</p> + +<p>“How do you know, David? ’Pon my soul, you are sublime!”</p> + +<p>“I am indeed. I have done more work in these past months than I ever +thought to do in a lifetime. And I am a frequenter of taverns and +public meetings. It is most amusing.”</p> + +<p>“No one suspects you?”</p> + +<p>“On the contrary, everyone suspects me. Sunderland guesses that I +informed you of his duplicity; Halifax will no longer traffic with me; +Essex warns Shaftesbury to have no dealings with me. My day is nearly +done, but I know enough. Shaftesbury’s ruin is in sight, and it but +remains to snare the rest. One man alone trusts me.”</p> + +<p>“Who is he?”</p> + +<p>“Monmouth.”</p> + +<p>The King recoiled a little.</p> + +<p>“I don’t want him ruined, David! I love him.”</p> + +<p>“Certainly, Sir. But through him I can catch at the rest.”</p> + +<p>“I—cannot—believe that he is willingly against me!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked down at his hands for a moment.</p> + +<p>“Why, Sir,” he said slowly, “do not distress yourself. Monmouth is +weak; he has been led away.”</p> + +<p>“You say that to console me,” answered Charles. “I will not conceal +from you, David, that it has hurt me more than all else.”</p> + +<p>“I repeat, Sir: he is weak. And very young.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” assented Charles. “He is young, of course....” He sighed. “Well, +David, repinings will not help me. I am minded to appeal to the nation.”</p> + +<p>“A declaration.... Well, I think the nation will support you.”</p> + +<p>“So do I,” nodded the King, more cheerfully.</p> + +<p>He was right. The Declaration was the one thing needed to seal the +change in the people’s temper. The country<span class="pagenum" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</span> was plunged into a sea of +loyalty, and Shaftesbury, almost despairing, withdrew to his house +in Aldersgate Street, where he proceeded to gather round him certain +citizens of London who, he boasted, would rise at a moment’s notice.</p> + +<p>Then came a diversion in the shape of William Nassau, who visited +London again with Charles’ consent, although the Duke of York, already +wary of him, besought the King to forbid his coming.</p> + +<p>William was as secret as ever, but his uncle could guess his +intentions. He wanted to bring England into league with him against +France. He wanted Charles to summon a new Parliament. During his stay +in London he very frequently visited the Duke of Monmouth and his +followers. Charles lifted his brows at that, confessing to Roxhythe +that he would give much for a peep into his nephew’s mind.</p> + +<p>When William at length left England he had extracted a promise from the +King that he would call a new Parliament if Louis again invaded the Low +Countries.</p> + +<p>“Sir,” said Bentinck. “Does Your Highness trust His Majesty at last?”</p> + +<p>“I trust no Englishman,” answered William shortly. “But I think to see +upheavals in England.” More he would not vouchsafe.</p> + +<p>“Sir,” said Roxhythe. “What of Louis?”</p> + +<p>“Dear David,” replied Charles. “Am I a fool? I have placated M. +Barillon. Louis plans to attack Luxembourg.”</p> + +<p>“Ah! And you?”</p> + +<p>“I believe I shall be blind to it,” answered Charles placidly.</p> + +<p>“I see,” said Roxhythe. “To what figure does he go?”</p> + +<p>“He is very mean. Only a million livres,” sighed Charles. “I must +recall James once more. He grows a thought too violent in Scotland.”</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Roxhythe was sowing hesitancy in Monmouth’s mind. The Young +Duke was planning a rising all over the country, but Roxhythe, by +some miraculous<span class="pagenum" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</span> means or other, kept him uncertain, not daring to +move boldly in any one direction, ever procrastinating, and ploughing +through what seemed to him a bog of insurmountable difficulties.</p> + +<p>Shaftesbury, already desperate, and fearing to be betrayed by the +Duke’s wavering spirit, found that his brave London citizens were not +to be relied on, and gave up the struggle, broken. He had reason to +think that he would be arrested again, and, this time, not released. He +feared Roxhythe, although he had no proof of my lord’s duplicity. Ill +bodily, and more ill in spirit, he left London hurriedly and arrived in +Holland in the middle of November, 1682.</p> + +<p>He was suffering from an internal disease, and that, coupled with the +many worries gathered about his head, hastened on his end. Some few +weeks after his arrival in Amsterdam he died, broken-hearted, conscious +of utter failure.</p> + +<p>“So I win,” remarked the King.</p> + +<p>“I told you, Sir, that you should give him rope,” replied Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“I had not dared without you, Davy.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I think you would!” smiled my lord. “We can now almost touch the +end.”</p> + +<p>“It is ended,” said Charles.</p> + +<p>“Not while Russell and Essex are at large, Sir,” replied the favourite. +“Wait!”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Ve">CHAPTER V<br> +<span class="allsmcap">PLOTS</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>“DAVID, ye are a rogue! We see you less and less at Whitehall!” said +Charles.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“I crave your pardon, Sir. In truth, I am busied with Your Majesty’s +affairs.”</p> + +<p>“Let be! They are very well.”</p> + +<p>“Sir, they may be well for the moment, but as long as Russell and Essex +and Sydney are at large trouble will continue to brew.”</p> + +<p>Charles waved his hand impatiently.</p> + +<p>“How can you prevent their being at large? Let be!”</p> + +<p>“Sire, one word I seem to have repeated a number of times: wait! I am +deep in plots.”</p> + +<p>“I am tired of plots and plotters.”</p> + +<p>“Why, so am I. So I seek to make an end.”</p> + +<p>“Ye are very mysterious, Davy! Are you playing some deep game, I +wonder?”</p> + +<p>“I am amusing myself, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“That means that you will say no more. Well, well!”</p> + +<p>My Lord Roxhythe accompanied His Majesty to Newmarket Races, as was his +wont. Five days before the appointed day of departure he had speech +with Charles.</p> + +<p>“Sire, will you be advised by me?”</p> + +<p>Charles, lolling on a couch, stretched out his long legs, yawning.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, you have become as secret as the grave! What now?”</p> + +<p>“I ask you to return to London in two days’ time.”</p> + +<p>The sleepy eyes opened.</p> + +<p>“Oho! More plots?”</p> + +<p>“The strings of which I am gathering into my hands.”</p> + +<p>“And you’ll tell me naught?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</span></p> + +<p>“Not yet, Sir. I must first enmesh my victims.”</p> + +<p>Charles yawned again.</p> + +<p>“I am sick of plots.”</p> + +<p>“So I shall not worry you with this. But return to London the day after +to-morrow, taking the Duke of York with you.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, David. As you please.”</p> + +<p>Thus it came about that the King and his brother drove quietly past Mr. +Rumbald’s house at Hoddesdon two days before the appointed time. And +Mr. Rumbald, who had arranged with one Goodenough and various others, +to lie in ambush till the coach passed and then to stop it, and to +murder the occupants, was justly incensed. He saw the coach go by, but +he was alone in the house, awaiting his fellow-conspirators who were to +arrive on the morrow, and he dared not attempt the deed.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, my Lord Roxhythe visited His Grace of Monmouth who was +living in seclusion.</p> + +<p>Monmouth greeted him effusively.</p> + +<p>“Dear Roxhythe! I have been expecting you.”</p> + +<p>My lord disengaged himself.</p> + +<p>“I have been at Newmarket, Sir, and could not come before.”</p> + +<p>Monmouth drew him to a chair.</p> + +<p>“Sit down, my lord! sit down! I think you know Mr. Ferguson?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned to look at the grim Scotsman.</p> + +<p>“I have that honour,” he bowed.</p> + +<p>“Yes, I have met his lordship,” said the pamphleteer harshly.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe glanced round the room.</p> + +<p>“I do not see Lord Russell?”</p> + +<p>“He is away from town,” answered Grey, one of Monmouth’s staunchest +adherents. “He works to raise the West Country.”</p> + +<p>“He is too finicking,” said Mr. Sydney suddenly. “Too cautious.”</p> + +<p>Sydney was a very thorough Whig. In the past he had fought under +Cromwell.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</span></p> + +<p>“Oh!” protested Monmouth. “We have surely need of caution!”</p> + +<p>Mr. Trenchard, rough and ready, uplifted his voice.</p> + +<p>“He makes no progress. Taunton will rise at my call.”</p> + +<p>Monmouth smiled.</p> + +<p>“We are indeed pleased with you, Mr. Trenchard.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bit back a smile.</p> + +<p>“It seems we make very little progress in any way,” grumbled Sydney. +“We cannot rely on any part of the country to rise.”</p> + +<p>“We must have patience,” said Monmouth vaguely.</p> + +<p>“Patience will avail us naught! The longer we wait the more we lose!”</p> + +<p>Someone argued this hotly. Others joined in.</p> + +<p>“Peace, peace!” cried Armstrong. “Do ye quarrel in his Highness’ +presence?”</p> + +<p>“Ay,” nodded Monmouth. “I cannot have this babel.”</p> + +<p>“Highness, all this dilly-dallying is a weakness!”</p> + +<p>“Lord Grey is right!” Ferguson sat up. “We have to strike at the head!”</p> + +<p>“That is right,” struck in Mr. Sydney. “The Duke should die.”</p> + +<p>“How?” interposed Roxhythe. His soft voice easily made itself heard +above the bickering at one end of the room.</p> + +<p>Ferguson glowered at him.</p> + +<p>“There are many ways.”</p> + +<p>“Yet one should be decided on.”</p> + +<p>“He might be intercepted as he returns from the playhouse.”</p> + +<p>Monmouth expostulated.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen, gentlemen! I’ll have no murder.”</p> + +<p>“You cannot make war in gloves, sir,” retorted Lord Grey. “There must +be killing. If we strike at the root we shall avoid undue slaughter.”</p> + +<p>“I cannot have murder,” reiterated Monmouth. To show his displeasure he +went aside with one Colonel Rumsey.</p> + +<p>Ferguson drew his chair closer to Mr. Sydney’s.</p> + +<p>“We want more than the Duke.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</span></p> + +<p>Sydney shot him a warning glance. But Roxhythe was not attending; he +was holding a languid argument with Lord Grey.</p> + +<p>“I’m with you there. While the King lives we shall have trouble.”</p> + +<p>“Our rights he destroys, our religion he curbs!” Ferguson’s eyes were +fanatic.</p> + +<p>“Monmouth would never consent.”</p> + +<p>Ferguson lowered his eyes.</p> + +<p>“If Monmouth is tiresome....” he left a pause. “What think you of him?” +By a faint movement of the head he indicated Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Sydney frowned.</p> + +<p>“Untrustworthy. Too secret. But His Grace is blind to it.”</p> + +<p>“I’d have no dealings with him.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I. Except that he may prove useful.”</p> + +<p>“How?”</p> + +<p>“He could help to overthrow the guards at Whitehall. It is always well +to have one on the inside.”</p> + +<p>“Ay, but he would not do it. He’ll stop short of killing Charles.”</p> + +<p>“He need not know. He is agog for the Duke to be disposed of.”</p> + +<p>“He is double-faced. I fear that he’ll betray us.”</p> + +<p>“Not a whit. For his own safety he dare not. If the Duke succeeds his +day is o’er. And Rumsey vouches for him.”</p> + +<p>Monmouth came back into the middle of the room.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen, it has come to my ears that there was lately a plot on foot +to murder His Majesty and the Duke of York on their way from Newmarket!”</p> + +<p>Grey shrugged and said nothing. Armstrong glanced at Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“My lord, did this come within your ken?”</p> + +<p>“I heard rumours,” admitted Roxhythe. “Whence comes Your Grace’s +knowledge?”</p> + +<p>“From Wildman. He seemed to know much of the plot, and spoke of one +Rumbald. Understand me, gentlemen, I will not have it!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Sydney was hurt.</p> + +<p>“Does Your Highness insinuate that any of us were privy to it?”</p> + +<p>Monmouth shrugged peevishly.</p> + +<p>“I know that Wildman was, so why not more of you? I will not +countenance it!”</p> + +<p>There was an uncomfortable silence.</p> + +<p>“Should we not come to business, sir?” asked Grey.</p> + +<p>“We cannot decide aught until we hear from Russell,” answered Monmouth.</p> + +<p>“Then we are likely to remain inactive for some time!” Mr. Trenchard +snarled. “All this indecision is ruinous to the cause.”</p> + +<p>“I would I had not lost Shaftesbury,” mourned the Duke.</p> + +<p>“He acted the coward’s part! We were well rid of him!” snapped +Trenchard.</p> + +<p>“Shaftesbury was a wise man,” murmured Sydney. “So, I think, is Lord +Essex.”</p> + +<p>“By the way,” drawled Roxhythe. “Where is Essex?”</p> + +<p>“He is not here,” sighed Monmouth.</p> + +<p>“I had perceived it, sir,” said Roxhythe drily. “Is he ever here?”</p> + +<p>“Seldom.” Monmouth was cast down for a moment. “But I doubt he is very +much in our interests,” he continued, more brightly.</p> + +<p>Trenchard snorted.</p> + +<p>“I cannot see that Russell and Essex their absence need hinder us from +deciding on a course of action!” cried Ferguson. “We remain inert from +week’s end to week’s end! Strike! Strike!”</p> + +<p>“You speak like a fool!” Lord Grey was angry. “How can we move until we +are sure of the West Country’s support?”</p> + +<p>“I disagree!” Sydney took up the cudgels. “This talk of rising is +impracticable! If we had the army with us it would be different, but +what are we?—A mere handful, with possibilities of some counties +behind us. Only fools count on possibilities!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</span></p> + +<p>Armstrong joined in.</p> + +<p>“Ye are insulting, Sydney! We must wait, and the possibilities will +turn to certainties.”</p> + +<p>“Ay!” Mr. Sydney sneered. “Next century!”</p> + +<p>“Sydney is right!” Up started Ferguson. “We must strike a decisive +blow at the root of the trouble! Kill the Papist James! I have three +hundred Scotsmen in London to-day, and they will rise at my call! Storm +Whitehall, and possess ourselves of the city! The other counties will +never rise for us until they see that we mean business.”</p> + +<p>“Wild and impracticable,” declared Armstrong. “We must wait.”</p> + +<p>Sydney thumped the table.</p> + +<p>“Wait till we ruin all by our waiting! Oh, ay, Sir Thomas! Good advice!”</p> + +<p>“Do you provoke me, Sir?” Armstrong’s hand went to his sword-hilt.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen, gentlemen!” implored Monmouth. “I must beg you to be +silent.”</p> + +<p>“Highness, I’ll brook no insult from Mr. Sydney! He has sneered at my +advice. Then let him suggest better, or withdraw his words!”</p> + +<p>“I have already voiced my suggestion! I’ll voice it no more! It is +meant for men who do not give way to squeamish, timorous doubts!”</p> + +<p>Lord Grey arose.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Sydney, you pass all bounds! Am I a timorous man? Your suggestions +are foolish, and thoughtless!”</p> + +<p>“Meant for men!” cried Ferguson.</p> + +<p>“Ay, meant for men!” said Sydney. “All you and Sir Thomas do, Grey, is +to counsel inaction! What good is there in that?”</p> + +<p>“You had best have a care, sir! I do not stand criticism from you!”</p> + +<p>“What’s that?” Mr. Sydney came to his feet. “You’ll answer for that, +Lord Grey!”</p> + +<p>“Will no one stop me this babel?” cried Monmouth. “It is disgraceful! +I will not have it! Lord Grey, I beg you will not speak hastily! Mr. +Sydney—”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</span></p> + +<p>“Mr. Sydney has insulted me, sir!”</p> + +<p>“Sydney speaks very truly! You waver and hesitate, and have not the +courage to strike a blow!”</p> + +<p>“You had best guard your tongue, Mr. Ferguson!”</p> + +<p>“Ay!” Armstrong was flushed. “An you dare—”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stood up. He seemed to tower above them. His lazy eyes +travelled slowly round the room from the angry, distracted Monmouth, to +the squabbling men by the table.</p> + +<p>“An I dare?” cried Ferguson. “Dare? Dare? I’d have you know, sir, that +I dare all! and—”</p> + +<p>“Thank you. That will do.” The calm, haughty voice penetrated the din. +There fell a sudden hush. All eyes were turned to the tall, graceful +figure standing by Monmouth, with one hand upraised.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe indicated a chair.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Sydney, resume your seat.”</p> + +<p>Sydney’s eyes flashed.</p> + +<p>“Sir!”</p> + +<p>The cold voice grew yet more gentle.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Sydney?”</p> + +<p>“I’ll—I’ll not have this—tone—to me....” Mr. Sydney sat down, fuming.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned to Grey.</p> + +<p>“You too, my lord. Mr. Ferguson, you will please remember his Grace’s +presence. This childish quarrelling is both futile and unseemly.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll have ye know, sir, that Ferguson takes orders from no man!”</p> + +<p>The faintest suspicion of a smile crossed my lord’s eyes.</p> + +<p>“Do ye seek to rouse mine ire, sir?”</p> + +<p>The smile crept down to Roxhythe’s lips.</p> + +<p>“You would do well to sit down, Mr. Ferguson,” said my lord softly.</p> + +<p>Ferguson flung over to the window.</p> + +<p>“Thank you. Allow me to say that while you are all at variance, action +is impossible.” He picked up his hat.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</span></p> + +<p>“Roxhythe hits the very root of the matter,” said Monmouth. “You are +all under my displeasure.”</p> + +<p>“How are we to be assured of Lord Roxhythe his loyalty?” sneered Sydney.</p> + +<p>“Any insult to Roxhythe I take to myself!” flashed Monmouth. “<i>Mort +de ma vie!</i> To what are we coming? You may be silent, Mr. Sydney!”</p> + +<p>“What advice has Roxhythe ever given?” answered Sydney, waxing hotter. +“What has he done to help us?”</p> + +<p>“Lord Roxhythe has given me sager counsel than any of you!”</p> + +<p>“I will give you one piece of advice, Sydney,” said my lord. “It is +that you have a care to that unruly tongue of yours. It is like to lead +you to disaster.”</p> + +<p>“Do you threaten me, my lord?”</p> + +<p>“I have never been known to do such a thing,” smiled my lord.</p> + +<p>Mr. Sydney said nothing further. Roxhythe turned to Monmouth.</p> + +<p>“Your Grace, I do counsel you to await Lord Russell his return. Be sure +of your supporters; do nothing rashly. When the time comes, strike +firm and true; above all, strike home. But do not endanger success by +precipitous action. Permit me to take my leave.”</p> + +<p>Monmouth smiled graciously.</p> + +<p>“You speak with great sense, my lord. I am entirely of your mind.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed and walked out.</p> + +<p>“I applaud Roxhythe,” said Grey. “He at least has a brain.”</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>Late that evening, Colonel Rumsey presented himself at Bevan House. He +was taken to Roxhythe’s private room.</p> + +<p>My lord waved him to a chair.</p> + +<p>“Sit down, sir. Did they continue to quarrel this morning?”</p> + +<p>Rumsey chose the most uncomfortable chair in the room, and sat gingerly +on the edge.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</span></p> + +<p>“They did, my lord. They fell to arguing over your loyalty. Grey upheld +you; Armstrong of course deems you true. But Sydney and Ferguson +mistrust you.”</p> + +<p>“It matters not in the least. I have learnt enough to hang every man +amongst them.”</p> + +<p>Rumsey looked at him uneasily.</p> + +<p>“My lord, I do not like the part I have to play.”</p> + +<p>“No?” said Roxhythe. “I am sorry.”</p> + +<p>Rumsey twisted his fingers.</p> + +<p>“My lord, expose the plot yourself! Do not ask me to do so!”</p> + +<p>“I do not ask,” said his lordship sweetly.</p> + +<p>“You have me in a vice!” Rumsey flung out his hands.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” agreed Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“If I refuse to betray these men, you will do it and betray me with +them. My lord, have a little pity!”</p> + +<p>The scorn in Roxhythe’s eyes made Rumsey wince. The fine lips curled.</p> + +<p>“I have no mercy for those who plot against His Majesty’s person,” said +my lord. His voice was like ice; but it was ice that concealed a fire. +“If I followed mine inclination I would have you strung up—ay, and +quartered. But as a price for your obedience I give you your life, such +as it is.”</p> + +<p>Rumsey was white to the lips. Roxhythe fascinated him as a cat +fascinates a mouse. He could not look away from that disdainful face.</p> + +<p>“My lord,” he stammered. “Have pity! To turn informer! I—” He +broke off hopelessly. Roxhythe was smiling. “I am afraid!” he cried +desperately.</p> + +<p>“So I perceive. If you refuse to do my bidding you will have good cause +to be afraid.”</p> + +<p>“My lord, my lord, why do you want me to do it? Why do you not do it +yourself?”</p> + +<p>“It is not my will. If you disclose my hand in the matter you will know +what to expect.”</p> + +<p>Rumsey passed his tongue between his dry lips.</p> + +<p>“And if I do not? If I obey?”</p> + +<p>“Have I not said? I give you your life.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</span></p> + +<p>“How do I know that you will not hurl me to destruction when my work is +done?”</p> + +<p>“It were not worth my while,” answered Roxhythe pleasantly.</p> + +<p>“And Keyling? Is he in your power too?” asked Rumsey.</p> + +<p>“Certainly.”</p> + +<p>“You—you—devil!” said Rumsey, almost hysterically.</p> + +<p>“I should advise you to be more civil,” said Roxhythe. “I am not the +man to be rude to.”</p> + +<p>Rumsey bit his lip. Suddenly he looked up.</p> + +<p>“My lord, have you not thought that I might implicate you? You have +been in this plot—” He stopped, stricken by the sight of that slow, +pitying smile.</p> + +<p>“Do you think His Majesty is not aware of the part I play?” asked +Roxhythe.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIe">CHAPTER VI<br> +<span class="allsmcap">MONMOUTH</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>“ALL is meet for the sacrifice,” remarked Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Charles looked up, interested.</p> + +<p>“Am I to know at last?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“In truth you have been very much in the dark, Sir. You are to know.”</p> + +<p>“Then come and tell me! Are you about to deliver me from Russell and +Essex?”</p> + +<p>“Also Grey, and Sydney, and Hampden. And Ferguson.”</p> + +<p>“Good God, Roxhythe, you have done your work well! Are all these people +in league against me?”</p> + +<p>“There are many more,” said Roxhythe calmly. “Those are the principals.”</p> + +<p>Charles looked at him anxiously.</p> + +<p>“What of Monmouth, David?”</p> + +<p>“He plans a rising all over the country, but he resolutely refused to +listen to the idea of your assassination.”</p> + +<p>The King started.</p> + +<p>“I should be grateful, I suppose! Is there in very truth a plot to +murder me?”</p> + +<p>“There are several, Sir. All equally wild, but equally dastardly.”</p> + +<p>“God’s death! I had no notion ’twas so serious!”</p> + +<p>“Nor is it, Sir. But by making it seem so we can ensnare your enemies.”</p> + +<p>“Speak plainly, Roxhythe! Let me know all that there is to know.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, Sir.” Roxhythe moved to a chair. “Some time ago I came +across one Keyling, a salter, and one who was embroiled in a certain +quarrel with the Lord Mayor some while back. He goes in fear of his +skin on account of it. He was also so unwise as to enter a plot<span class="pagenum" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</span> +’gainst your life. He is a very thorough Whig, you see.”</p> + +<p>“Wait, David! How in heaven’s name did you come to know him?”</p> + +<p>“I have frequented a certain tavern in Aldgate where these gentlemen +meet from time to time. I observed them all very closely. The rest I +got from Rumsey.”</p> + +<p>“Who is Rumsey?”</p> + +<p>“We shall come to him, Sir. Well, this Keyling is not too scrupulous, +and not too loyal. A little bribery, and <i>voilà!</i> he was my man. +He was more than ever my man when I hinted at the affair with the Lord +Mayor. He turned informer to save himself. From him I gathered that +there was a party of men engaged to dispose of Your Majesty and the +Duke of York. A certain fellow, Rumbald, headed them. They planned to +shoot you on your way from Newmarket. The appointed spot was Rye House, +near Hoddesdon, which is where Rumbald lives. I counselled you to leave +Newmarket two days before the appointed time, and the plot came to +naught. But they continue to scheme, and this time they seek to kill +you in London. They hold lengthy meetings at a certain Devil Tavern. +They are joined by Rumsey and Ferguson, possibly Sydney.”</p> + +<p>“You’re very cool!” said Charles, half-laughing.</p> + +<p>“It is so interesting. For this is where the two plots meet.”</p> + +<p>“’Sblood! What is the other plot?”</p> + +<p>“The Monmouth rising that I spoke of. Monmouth hath a large following: +Russell, Essex, Armstrong, Grey, Sydney, Trenchard and a score of +others. Monmouth, Russell and Essex seek only to rise and to force you +to declare Monmouth the heir, but Sydney and Ferguson wish to kill you. +Ferguson would murder Monmouth too if necessary. He is by no means a +pleasant character. They hold meetings at the house of one Shepherd. +Lord Russell has been there many times, and there has been much +treasonable talk. All this I have from Rumsey, whom I hold, as he puts +it, in a vice.”</p> + +<p>Charles uncrossed his legs and sat upright.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</span></p> + +<p>“Who—is—Rumsey?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe opened his eyes rather wide.</p> + +<p>“A creature of no account,” he said. “One of Monmouth’s followers.”</p> + +<p>The King leaned back again with a sigh of relief.</p> + +<p>“At last! Why have you him in a vice?”</p> + +<p>“I know a waverer when I see one, Sir. I easily discovered him. I told +him that I had ample proofs of his meetings with Rumbald at the Devil +Tavern. I frightened him, and, perforce, he became my man. I have +promised him his life, as a price of which he will turn informer when I +tell him.”</p> + +<p>“He will incriminate Russell?”</p> + +<p>“He will incriminate anyone that I wish.”</p> + +<p>Charles was openly admiring.</p> + +<p>“You are wonderful, David!”</p> + +<p>“It was really very easy,” disclaimed my lord. “But it will prove +useful. The plot can be used as Shaftesbury used the Popish plot. You +will gain power by it.”</p> + +<p>“And be rid of those who seek to bring about the Exclusion. When do +these men lodge their information?”</p> + +<p>“There are still one or two minor details that we must discover if we +are to trap Essex. In about a week.”</p> + +<p>“Meanwhile I shall be murdered,” said Charles cheerfully.</p> + +<p>“Not a whit, Sir. If you could but see these schemers you would laugh +at the thought of their ever moving either one way or another. They +fight amongst themselves; they waver, they hesitate. Monmouth is swayed +this way and that. They meet to decide on some sort of action, and +when they are assembled they bewail the fact that they cannot, after +all, come to a decision as one of their number is not present. If one +puts forward a scheme, the rest pounce on it and tear it to bits. Then +they come to blows—or would, if Monmouth did not intervene. It is the +wildest, silliest band of malcontents I ever was in.”</p> + +<p>“It is because Monmouth is no leader of men. In battle, yes. But he has +no fixity of purpose. A pity.”</p> + +<p>“In this case, Sir, a good thing.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</span></p> + +<p>Charles rested his head in his hand.</p> + +<p>“I wish he were not acting thus against me. It—hurts, David—though I +suppose I encourage him. I should never have accorded him the rights I +did. It put higher ideas into his pate.... Does he trust you?”</p> + +<p>“Implicitly. I have given him a little obvious advice and he imagines +that I am wholly with him. Sydney mistrusts me, but Grey stands for me +because I studiously agree with what he says. Rumsey assures the rest +of my loyalty. They think to hold me in their hands on account of the +Duke of York his hatred for me. It never enters their heads that I work +for you alone.”</p> + +<p>“I see. Does it irk you, I wonder?”</p> + +<p>“Does what irk me, Sir?”</p> + +<p>“The double part you play: delivering these men into my hands.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s eyes flashed suddenly.</p> + +<p>“Sire, where you are concerned I have no pity.”</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>And so, at last Roxhythe having all the threads at his finger-tips, +started to pull them, so that the Great Whig Plot fell in ruins about +its makers. Roxhythe worked still in the shadows, and so deftly did +he play his part that his name was never mentioned. One by one he set +his hapless tools to do his bidding, secure in the knowledge that they +dared not refuse. Keyling and Rumsey disclosed all that they knew, but +they were carefully coached by Roxhythe, and on every occasion they +denied that Monmouth had ever countenanced the idea of assassinating +the King or the Duke. Very skilfully was the betrayal done, bit by bit, +till at last the network of information was complete, woven together by +a master-hand.</p> + +<p>Proclamation was issued, ordering the arrest of Monmouth and his chief +followers: Grey, Russell, Ferguson and others. My lord’s work was +well done, and so thoroughly that no loop-hole was left through which +the incriminated men, save Monmouth, might creep. All that Roxhythe +had striven for since first he joined Shaftesbury<span class="pagenum" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</span> and Holles was +accomplished. It had entailed endless toil, constant alertness of brain +and unfailing perseverance. And now it was finished, the task that +had been so colossal, and which, to any other man, would have seemed +impossible. Step by step my lord had entered into almost every plot for +over a year, and had gradually drawn those implicated into a cunning +net whose strings were held by a relentless, merciless hand. My lord’s +quick brain was moving all the time, linking each tiny plot into one +whole, leading on the men he was tricking, until, by their actions, +they gave him damning evidence against themselves. Not until the +evidence was complete did he draw the strings tight. To act too early +would have meant failure, to act too late might have meant disaster. +Coolly Roxhythe awaited the right moment, never losing patience, never +relaxing his vigilance. The moment had come, and at last his task was +over. The King’s enemies were smashed, and the King sat firm upon his +throne. Only one thing remained to be done. Because Charles wished it, +Monmouth must be saved.</p> + +<p>Thus it was that my Lord Roxhythe went to wait upon His Grace of +Monmouth.</p> + +<p>The young man was in a state of terror. He almost clung to Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“My lord, ye see how we have been betrayed!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked at him thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“What am I to do?” went on Monmouth. “Does the King suspect you?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roxhythe, smiling. “He does not.”</p> + +<p>Lord Grey had entered the room. He spoke now with suppressed fury.</p> + +<p>“He has good reason not to suspect Lord Roxhythe!” he said.</p> + +<p>Monmouth recoiled.</p> + +<p>“What’s that? No, no! Roxhythe, you have not betrayed me?”</p> + +<p>My lord ate a comfit.</p> + +<p>“I could kill you where you stand, you lying devil!” said Grey.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</span></p> + +<p>“No, you could not,” replied his lordship tranquilly.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, Roxhythe, it is not true! Good God, you could not have +betrayed me!”</p> + +<p>“Could he not, sir? Do you forget Sydney’s warnings? Alas, that I +ignored them! Rumsey has turned informer, but who was behind Rumsey? +Who prompted him to tell such a careful mixture of truth and lies? He +had not the brain, I know!”</p> + +<p>Monmouth clung to the table.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, speak!” He was very near tears.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shut his comfit-box.</p> + +<p>“Gently, sir. Do not agitate yourself. Lord Grey, either leave the room +or behave sanely.”</p> + +<p>Grey had drawn his sword. Murder was in his eyes.</p> + +<p>“Will you draw, sir?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly not.”</p> + +<p>Monmouth caught at Grey’s arm.</p> + +<p>“Fool, fool! We are surely ruined if you kill Roxhythe! Put up your +sword! I command it!”</p> + +<p>Reluctantly Grey obeyed. Monmouth sat down limply.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe—explain! Deny that you betrayed me!”</p> + +<p>“I wonder that Your Grace ever believed I should do otherwise. I am the +King his man. You were all very guileless.”</p> + +<p>“We were honest!” cried Grey. “We—foolishly—judged you by ourselves!”</p> + +<p>“Then you were indeed foolish. You counted on my dislike for the Duke +of York. You forgot my love for the King.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, my God!” choked Monmouth. “How could you do it? You have ruined +me!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s smile was sarcastic.</p> + +<p>“I have prevented your ruin, Sir.”</p> + +<p>“How can you say so? Don’t seek to excuse yourself!”</p> + +<p>“I beg your pardon?”</p> + +<p>“I said, don’t seek to excuse yourself!”</p> + +<p>Grey watched the smile come again, sick at heart.</p> + +<p>“I most certainly shall not excuse myself,” said my lord haughtily. +“Had it been necessary I would have ruined<span class="pagenum" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</span> Your Grace. As it is I have +saved you. It was not my deliberate intention.”</p> + +<p>“You confound me with your riddles! What have you done to save me?”</p> + +<p>“I have very effectually prevented your rising against King Charles. Is +it possible that you do not realize how futile such a rising would have +been? You would have caused a little trouble, your army would have been +disposed of, and you would have died a traitor’s death on Tower Hill.”</p> + +<p>“I am like to do that now!” groaned the wretched young man.</p> + +<p>“Not at all. That is why I have sought you out to-day. Because His +Majesty hath a great affection for you in spite of your conduct, I must +help you to evade justice.”</p> + +<p>“Do not trust him, sir!” said Grey sharply.</p> + +<p>“I shall not. I’ll listen to no more of his advice!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed.</p> + +<p>“In that case I’ll take my leave, sir.”</p> + +<p>Up started Monmouth.</p> + +<p>“No, no! Come back, Roxhythe! Come back! What is it I must do?”</p> + +<p>“Highness, pray do not—”</p> + +<p>“Silence, Grey! Roxhythe, help me!”</p> + +<p>“A warrant is out for your arrest, sir—”</p> + +<p>“Curse you! Do I not know it?”</p> + +<p>“—for your arrest. So I counsel you to go into hiding, not in London. +When this storm has abated, surrender yourself to His Majesty, and +implore his mercy.”</p> + +<p>“I shall surrender myself now! at once!”</p> + +<p>“You will be very ill-advised, sir. Evidence is too strong against +you. Much of it will be withdrawn in a while and you can with safety +surrender. For the present, go.”</p> + +<p>Monmouth stood irresolute.</p> + +<p>“How do I know that you are not trying to ruin me entirely? I—”</p> + +<p>“You do not know. But Lord Grey will tell you that I am speaking with +my accustomed good-sense.”</p> + +<p>Monmouth looked helplessly at Grey who shrugged.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_382">[Pg 382]</span></p> + +<p>“Is it a message from the King?” asked the Duke, of a sudden eager.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked at his hands.</p> + +<p>“I must say no,” he replied.</p> + +<p>“That is a curious way of saying it! Are you—bidden to—say no?”</p> + +<p>“Is it likely that I shall tell you, sir? You have my advice. Act on it +or not, as you will. It makes no odds to me. What should I gain by your +ruin?” He went out.</p> + +<p>“I shall go, Grey.”</p> + +<p>“Shall you, sir?” Grey smiled wanly. “I suppose you will. And we—shall +stay.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_383">[Pg 383]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIIe">CHAPTER VII<br> +<span class="allsmcap">FEBRUARY, 1685</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>LADY Frances regarded her cousin thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“I often wonder, David, how you triumphed.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe showed signs of interest.</p> + +<p>“When? And how?”</p> + +<p>“When Russell died, and Essex killed himself.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe relapsed into boredom.</p> + +<p>“Old history, my dear.”</p> + +<p>“But none the less puzzling. At the time you would say naught. Now it +should be different. All those enemies to the King are gone; there is +no danger of Exclusion. How did you do it?”</p> + +<p>“It was the King his triumph.”</p> + +<p>“Undoubtedly. But also yours.”</p> + +<p>“I am gratified, of course. But why was it my triumph?”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, am I a fool?”</p> + +<p>“You are wiser than the most of your sex, my dear.”</p> + +<p>She made a little grimace.</p> + +<p>“You are more than kind! Well, I am not a fool. Never have you +succeeded in deceiving me, less than ever now. Why does Halifax become +as stone when one speaks your name? Why does Sunderland grind his +teeth? Why do Howard’s cheeks grow red?”</p> + +<p>“Do they?” asked Roxhythe. “How amusing!”</p> + +<p>“No. Why do all these things happen?”</p> + +<p>“In truth, I am too powerful.”</p> + +<p>“Why are you too powerful? What have you done to cause their enmity? +You put a spoke in their wheels.”</p> + +<p>“Several spokes.”</p> + +<p>“You helped to overthrow Shaftesbury, you overthrew the Exclusion, you +ruined Monmouth.”</p> + +<p>“It seems I am omnipotent. But I did not ruin Monmouth.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_384">[Pg 384]</span></p> + +<p>“Oh, I know he was forgiven, but he had to leave the country for all +that.”</p> + +<p>“It was the King his will.”</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe, tell me plainly: were you one of Monmouth’s band?”</p> + +<p>“Is it likely?”</p> + +<p>“It is more than likely that you counterfeited the better to undo him.”</p> + +<p>“Dear, dear!” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“David, I know that it must have been so. Every man mistrusts you, yet +dare not cross you. You have tricked and betrayed; I am sure of it.”</p> + +<p>“In that case there is no more to be said.”</p> + +<p>“You admit it?”</p> + +<p>“I admit nothing.”</p> + +<p>“Neither do you deny. That tells me all I want to know. I am fearful +for you, David.”</p> + +<p>“Odds life! Why?”</p> + +<p>“There is no one will uphold you save the King.”</p> + +<p>“Am I like to require upholding?”</p> + +<p>Lady Fanny did not smile.</p> + +<p>“I think so. Roxhythe, you have sacrificed all for Charles. It was +weak.”</p> + +<p>My lord was genuinely astonished.</p> + +<p>“Weak? What next?”</p> + +<p>“I know ’tis a surprising thought. Christopher was stronger than are +you.”</p> + +<p>“<i>Cordieu</i>, why am I weak?”</p> + +<p>“David, when you were young, and I was a child, you were a soldier. +You fought at Worcester. You were honest then, and you played one game +alone. Gradually you dabbled in intrigue; at last you quitted the army. +From that moment you changed. You forgot the soldier in yourself, +overcome by your love for Charles. You put honour and good faith behind +you. You sank yourself for Charles.”</p> + +<p>“This is enthralling! Proceed!”</p> + +<p>“In ’60 you came with him to England. Since that day you have never +once played an honest game.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_385">[Pg 385]</span></p> + +<p>“One moment! I have played a consistent game.”</p> + +<p>“Consistent in that it was always for one man. Never a straightforward +game. You intrigued with Louis—led him to think that you worked in +his interest. You are no longer received at the Louvre because Louis +discovered that your fair promises were empty, that you were not to be +trusted. You betrayed Shaftesbury; you betrayed Monmouth, Russell and +all those others. All for one man. I do admit that you have ever worked +for Charles, and for that much will doubtless be forgiven hereafter. +But, David! You have sacrificed truth, honour, patriotism for man. +You may look at it in what light you will, but always it will be a +weakness—a shame!”</p> + +<p>“Will it?” said Roxhythe, unperturbed. “It is very sad.”</p> + +<p>“You will regret it, David.”</p> + +<p>“If you think that, Fanny, you do not know me.”</p> + +<p>She shrugged.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps I do not. Will it not prey on your mind that you brought about +the deaths of men who were innocent—just to gratify the whim of your +master?”</p> + +<p>“Not in the least. Who are these innocent men?”</p> + +<p>“Russell and Essex. Do you think I did not know them? I knew them +well. In Monmouth’s cause they may have been, but in a plot to murder +Charles, never! All that lying, worthless evidence ... who helped to +concoct it? Methinks I descry your hand. And Stafford; could you not +have induced Charles to save him?”</p> + +<p>“No.”</p> + +<p>She shrugged again.</p> + +<p>“It may be so. But could you not have saved Russell?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps.”</p> + +<p>“And yet you did not. I can find it in my heart to pity you, David.”</p> + +<p>“Then I beg you will not. I regret nothing. My whole life has been at +the disposal of the King. Am I to regret that?”</p> + +<p>“It is for you to say. I had thought so, certainly. I tell you, David, +Christopher chose the better part.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_386">[Pg 386]</span></p> + +<p>“And what is he now?”</p> + +<p>“He is an honest man. He fought against losing his honour, his +manhood, even as you must have fought, long, long ago. You gave way +to inclination; Chris won his battle. He would not sacrifice all that +was right and true for one man. Don’t think that it was easy for him +to leave you! I watched that struggle, and I know. Now he has found +happiness. He is with his regiment; he works openly, honestly. I don’t +say that he has ever regained the same bliss that he once knew, but he +is at peace, because he knows that he chose rightly. He may not have +won power, but he has friends—and trust. You have power, but for how +long will it last? No man trusts you.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe turned his head to look at her. He was faintly amused.</p> + +<p>“Quite a homily. Yet if I had to choose again I would choose the same +path.”</p> + +<p>“Would you, David? Are you not lonely?”</p> + +<p>“I am not.”</p> + +<p>“Then I can say nothing more. I suppose you think me very officious.”</p> + +<p>“My dear, you are at liberty to say what you will to me, but don’t seek +to reform my ways. Do you expect me to repent my evil life and weep?”</p> + +<p>At last she smiled.</p> + +<p>“You would not be Roxhythe an you did,” she said.</p> + +<p>“And you would thoroughly despise me.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose I should. I cannot help liking you—perhaps because I too +have lived in intrigue. In truth, David, we are old and wicked.”</p> + +<p>“My sweet Fanny, I am not yet fifty, and you—”</p> + +<p>“Don’t! I cannot bear to think how old I am!”</p> + +<p>“—are not yet forty-five. We are in our prime.”</p> + +<p>“Are we? Roxhythe, do you ever hear from Chris?”</p> + +<p>“At rare intervals. Our interests lie apart.”</p> + +<p>“Do—you ever—miss him?”</p> + +<p>“I really have not given the matter a thought,” said Roxhythe, suddenly +languid. He rose. “I must go. I have to visit Lord Wildmay. Have you +observed his wife?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_387">[Pg 387]</span></p> + +<p>“No,” she said. “But I can see that you have.”</p> + +<p>The door flew open. An agitated gentleman came in. He did not heed +Lady Frances who stared at him in great hauteur. He went straight to +Roxhythe, breathless.</p> + +<p>“My lord—I have searched for you everywhere!” He paused, and spoke +lower. “You must come to the palace at once!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s hand tightened slowly on his comfit-box.</p> + +<p>“What is it, Chiffinch?”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances drew nearer.</p> + +<p>“What is the matter? Why is my lord so instantly required?”</p> + +<p>Chiffinch hesitated.</p> + +<p>“Madam—I trust to your discretion—the King—is ill.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe picked up his hat.</p> + +<p>“You’ll excuse me, Frances. I will come, Chiffinch.”</p> + +<p>“Make haste, sir! They—they fear—he cannot—live!” He turned away, +hiding his grief.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances went very white.</p> + +<p>“Oh—! Mr. Chiffinch! Roxhythe, go quickly!” She turned towards him and +found that she was addressing space. Roxhythe had gone.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>The room was full of people. The physicians were consulting together by +the window; James stood by the fireplace with the Earl of Feversham. +When Roxhythe entered he turned, frowning. My lord did not glance in +his direction. He went quietly to the great bed where lay his master. +Charles’ eyes were closed; his face was ghastly; one hand lay on the +sheet. Roxhythe lifted that hand tenderly and kissed it.</p> + +<p>The King’s eyes opened. With an effort he smiled.</p> + +<p>“This is the end, Davy.” He spoke feebly, little above a whisper.</p> + +<p>“Have courage, Sir. This is not the end.”</p> + +<p>The smile lingered.</p> + +<p>“I shall not be sorry, Davy. In—truth, my spirit has—not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_388">[Pg 388]</span> been at +rest—this many a day. Stay by me.” His eyes closed.</p> + +<p>The day wore on. One after another the surgeons attended him. He was +unconscious, but towards evening he came to himself and seemed better.</p> + +<p>Several divines sat with him during the night; the Duke of York +scarcely left the bedchamber. Roxhythe sat beside the bed, watchful, +immovable.</p> + +<p>Charles hardly opened his eyes. He was suffering great pain, but no +complaint passed his lips.</p> + +<p>On the second day news came of the nation’s grief. During these last +years Charles had regained all his old popularity. The people were +filled with dismay at his illness; prayers were read for him in every +church.</p> + +<p>On the fourth day of his illness it was thought that the King would +recover, and London rejoiced. Suddenly there was a relapse and the +physicians knew that they could not save him.</p> + +<p>At sight of her husband’s sufferings, the Queen had fainted and had +been forced to retire.</p> + +<p>When the news came that the King was dying, the Duchess of Portsmouth +had an interview with M. Barillon, as a result of which M. Barillon +spoke long and earnestly to the Duke of York.</p> + +<p>The Archbishop of Canterbury had urged the King to receive the +Sacrament. Charles seemed sunk in apathy.</p> + +<p>Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, fared no better.</p> + +<p>Then came James to the bedside, and ordered everyone to stand back. He +spoke quietly to his brother.</p> + +<p>“Yes—yes! with all my heart!” gasped Charles.</p> + +<p>The Duke whispered again. The King’s answer could not be heard.</p> + +<p>My Lord Roxhythe was speaking to M. Barillon when James approached. He +turned to the Duke.</p> + +<p>“Your Grace should seek out the Count of Castel Melhor.”</p> + +<p>James frowned.</p> + +<p>“There should be some Englishman.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_389">[Pg 389]</span></p> + +<p>“There is not!” interposed Barillon eagerly. “The Count will find a +confessor.”</p> + +<p>“One who cannot speak English. To what avail?”</p> + +<p>“It is almost the only chance,” said Roxhythe. “Where will you find a +priest these days?”</p> + +<p>James hurried out. Roxhythe went out also.</p> + +<p>The Count promised to find a confessor, but not one was forthcoming who +could speak enough English or French. James was distracted. Then came +Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Do you remember Huddleston, sir?”</p> + +<p>“No!” snapped James. “I want no riddles now!”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked his scorn.</p> + +<p>“I offer you none. I speak of the man who saved the King’s life after +Worcester.”</p> + +<p>“That man!” James started. “Is he a priest?”</p> + +<p>“Something approaching it. I have taken him to Castel Melhor who will +see that he is well instructed. He is willing to shrive the King.” He +went back to the bedside.</p> + +<p>“He is very cold,” remarked M. Barillon. “<i>Ma foi!</i> I do not +understand you Englishmen.”</p> + +<p>“I thank God we are not all like Roxhythe,” answered James curtly. He +left the room.</p> + +<p>Later the room was cleared, only Feversham and Granville remaining, and +Chiffinch brought Huddleston, disguised, by a back way.</p> + +<p>For nearly an hour the door to the King’s chamber remained inexorably +closed. Glances were exchanged in the outer room, full of significance. +Then again the door was opened and everyone was allowed to enter.</p> + +<p>The King’s children were brought to receive his blessing, but the +absent Monmouth’s name never once passed his lips.</p> + +<p>During the night Charles regained some of his old urbanity. He sent +messages to the Queen, and recommended several people to his brother’s +care. He even contrived to crack a joke.</p> + +<p>The dawn came. Roxhythe was kneeling by the bed, the King’s hand in +his. His face was a mask; he seemed not to notice anyone in the room +save his master. During the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_390">[Pg 390]</span> night Charles had spoken with him in +broken, laboured whispering. No one knew what he had said. His feeble +voice reached the favourite’s ears alone, and not even James, watching +jealously, could catch a syllable. He had only seen Roxhythe kiss the +King’s hand again and again.</p> + +<p>The light crept in at the windows. Charles ordered that the curtains +should be drawn apart that he might see the day once more. Very shortly +after, speech left him.</p> + +<p>The slow hours crept on. Once the King’s eyelids flickered, and +Roxhythe felt the faint pressure of his hand. He bent over it, his face +hidden.</p> + +<p>Charles became unconscious. It was now only a matter of hours.</p> + +<p>The Duke of York came and went; from time to time the physicians took +the King’s pulse. Nothing further could be done for him.</p> + +<p>Drearily the moments ticked away. Except for the whispering of the men +by the fireplace there was no sound.</p> + +<p>M. Barillon jerked his head towards the still, kneeling figure by the +bed.</p> + +<p>“I think he feels it.”</p> + +<p>Feversham sneered.</p> + +<p>“As much as he feels anything. It means his downfall.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps,” said Barillon. “Perhaps.”</p> + +<p>It was nearly noon. Dr. Shortt drew near the bed, bending over the +King. He straightened himself and looked across at the other surgeons. +They came to his side....</p> + +<p>Dr. Shortt came away from the bed.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen!”</p> + +<p>Everyone turned anxiously. The Duke was with the other physicians.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen, the King is dead.” Shortt walked away to the window, +blowing his nose.</p> + +<p>There was a long silence. The Duke came away from the great +four-poster, his face set. He went out quickly.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe held the cold hand still. He had made no movement all through; +it was doubtful if he had heard the sentence. Barillon looked at him +curiously for a moment.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_391">[Pg 391]</span> Then he went to him and laid a hand on his +shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Milor’....” He spoke gently.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe looked up. His face was drawn and grey.</p> + +<p>“Milor’ ... you heard?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe stared before him.</p> + +<p>“Ay. I heard.” The level voice did not tremble.</p> + +<p>“<i>Eh, bien!</i>” Before this coldness M. Barillon’s gentleness fled. +He withdrew.</p> + +<p>Once more my lord bent over the lifeless hand, raising it to his lips. +There was no answering pressure now. For a long while he held it there, +taking his last farewell. Then he rose and looked into the beloved +composed features.</p> + +<p>He turned, and faced the room. No one spoke. Even Feversham could not +sneer.</p> + +<p>The hard eyes travelled slowly round the room. Without a word my lord +went to the door.</p> + +<p>So he left Whitehall, which had been almost his home for so many years. +Never again would he willingly cross its threshold. The King was dead.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_392">[Pg 392]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIIIe">CHAPTER VIII<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE LOSING GAME</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>“MADAM, my lord sees no one.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances stamped.</p> + +<p>“I tell you I am his cousin! I will enter!”</p> + +<p>The footman held his ground.</p> + +<p>“I crave your ladyship’s pardon, but I dare not admit you.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances compressed her lips.</p> + +<p>“I will enter.”</p> + +<p>“My lady—”</p> + +<p>“Stand aside. I must see John.”</p> + +<p>The footman’s face cleared. He conducted Lady Frances to a great empty +room at the back of the house. Presently Roxhythe’s old servant came to +her. Lady Frances sprang up.</p> + +<p>“John, how is he?”</p> + +<p>“Well, your ladyship, but sick at heart.”</p> + +<p>“He—he does not—seek to—take his life?”</p> + +<p>John read her fear.</p> + +<p>“That is not my lord’s way, madam.”</p> + +<p>“I have been so afraid.... May I see him?”</p> + +<p>“I think he will not receive you, madam.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, but ask him! Tell him ’tis I, Lady Fanny, who begs he will let me +speak with him.”</p> + +<p>John was irresolute.</p> + +<p>“I hardly dare, madam—”</p> + +<p>“Yes, yes!”</p> + +<p>John bowed.</p> + +<p>“I will ask him, madam.”</p> + +<p>When he had gone Lady Frances paced up and down the room, gripping her +fingers nervously.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe entered quietly. He was dressed all in black;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_393">[Pg 393]</span> his face was +very pale, but his eyes were the same as ever, soft and hard by turns, +always inscrutable.</p> + +<p>“I am indeed honoured, Fanny.” He bowed. “Do you need my services?”</p> + +<p>Frances went to him and took his hands.</p> + +<p>“David—my poor David—”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roxhythe, passionless. “Not that.” He withdrew his hands.</p> + +<p>“David, may not I—even I, who have ever been your friend—may not +I—try to comfort you?”</p> + +<p>“I want no pity. You cannot comfort me.”</p> + +<p>“Dear, won’t you trust me? Can’t you let me see your real self?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe kissed her finger-tips.</p> + +<p>“You are very kind, my dear. No.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances was silent. She realized that that impenetrable mask would +not be dropped for her.</p> + +<p>“I am sorry, David. What are you going to do?”</p> + +<p>“In what way?” asked Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Come and sit down!” she commanded. “I know that you will not be +received at Whitehall. James hates you.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe smiled.</p> + +<p>“My dear, if I chose I could hold James ’neath my thumb.”</p> + +<p>“How?” she asked, incredulous.</p> + +<p>“James is weak,” said Roxhythe. “In time I could be as great under him +as I was under—His Majesty.”</p> + +<p>“It would mean truckling to him.”</p> + +<p>“No.”</p> + +<p>“You know best. So you’ll do that?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, no!” he replied. “I shall not do that.”</p> + +<p>“It were a losing game,” she said.</p> + +<p>“Any game I choose to play now is that. I desire to have naught to do +with Whitehall.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances hesitated. Then she turned to him.</p> + +<p>“David, you must know that your day is over. I have come partly to warn +you. I believe James will strike you.”</p> + +<p>“Probably,” said Roxhythe. “On what score?”</p> + +<p>“Your share in the Monmouth plot.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_394">[Pg 394]</span></p> + +<p>“I am expecting that.”</p> + +<p>“You are armed?”</p> + +<p>“I am still Roxhythe,” said my lord.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>Hardly a fortnight after the King’s death, my Lord Sunderland waited +on Lord Roxhythe at Bevan House. He was conducted to the library, and +there Roxhythe joined him, a sombre figure in black and silver.</p> + +<p>He swept Sunderland a deep bow.</p> + +<p>“I am honoured,” he drawled.</p> + +<p>Sunderland returned the bow stiffly.</p> + +<p>“My lord, I am come on an unpleasant errand.”</p> + +<p>“I thought it could not be solely for the pleasure of seeing me. Pray +be seated!”</p> + +<p>Sunderland remained on his feet.</p> + +<p>“I am come at the command of His Majesty who bids me—advise you—to +leave the country.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe laughed gently.</p> + +<p>Sunderland’s sharp face crimsoned.</p> + +<p>“It is no laughing matter, my lord! King James knows how deeply you +were implicated in the Monmouth plot.”</p> + +<p>“Then why does he not arrest me?” asked Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“He wishes to be lenient. So he advises you to leave the country.”</p> + +<p>“Very kind. Pray thank him for me.”</p> + +<p>“And you will go?”</p> + +<p>“Not at all.”</p> + +<p>Sunderland stared.</p> + +<p>“You are very cool, sir!”</p> + +<p>“I see nothing to be hot about.”</p> + +<p>“Do you realize that you stand in danger of imprisonment?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>Sunderland sat down.</p> + +<p>“I assure you that you do.” He met his lordship’s enigmatical smile +challengingly. But his eyes betrayed uneasiness.</p> + +<p>“It’s very interesting,” said Roxhythe. “You may be sure that I shall +not seek to evade arrest.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_395">[Pg 395]</span></p> + +<p>Sunderland fidgeted.</p> + +<p>“You would do well to leave the country,” he repeated.</p> + +<p>The smile grew more amused.</p> + +<p>“My Lord Sunderland, you have ever commanded mine admiration. Your +astuteness is quite astonishing. I would advise you to employ it now.”</p> + +<p>Sunderland rose.</p> + +<p>“I fail to understand you, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Yes?” said Roxhythe, always polite. “A pity.”</p> + +<p>“I can only repeat my message:—you would do well to leave the +country.” He walked to the door.</p> + +<p>“Your solicitude is charming, but it so happens that I should do better +to await arrest.”</p> + +<p>My Lord Sunderland departed in high dudgeon. He held a consultation +with my lady.</p> + +<p>“That man is dangerous.”</p> + +<p>My lady studied herself in a silver-backed hand mirror.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe. Have you but just discovered it?”</p> + +<p>“He knows too much. He laughs at my warnings.”</p> + +<p>The Countess laughed long and low.</p> + +<p>“My good Sunderland, he holds you in the hollow of his hand!”</p> + +<p>“Because of my share in the Orange business. Curse the man, I never +trusted him!”</p> + +<p>“It was a pity that you ever took such an interest in the Orange cause. +The time was not then. You had best have a care. My lord knows that +your position is precarious since you voted for the Exclusion.”</p> + +<p>Sunderland was plunged in thought.</p> + +<p>“If James had him arrested for the part he played in the Monmouth +affair, he will accuse me of trafficking with the Orange. There are +many who would support him.”</p> + +<p>“Therefore he must not be arrested,” said my lady. She re-arranged the +laces at her bosom.</p> + +<p>“He must be very sure of his position to refuse to quit the country,” +mused the Earl. “I wonder, has he written authority from Charles for +his dealings in the plot? We know that it was by Charles his wish that +he joined Monmouth.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_396">[Pg 396]</span></p> + +<p>“Did Roxhythe hint at that?”</p> + +<p>“It may have been. He was very secret.”</p> + +<p>“Then I do not think he has authority,” said the Countess.</p> + +<p>“But it might be well to tell the King that he has.”</p> + +<p>“So I think. And yet—we do not want him in England.”</p> + +<p>“My dear Sunderland, the man could ruin you. It would never do to +arrest him.”</p> + +<p>“He may ruin me in any case. He was deep in Halifax his confidence at +first.”</p> + +<p>“If he discloses that he ruins himself. He would only do it if he were +accused of the Monmouth plot.”</p> + +<p>“In fact, it is a threat.”</p> + +<p>“A powerful one,” smiled my lady. “He is a great man still. Placate +him.”</p> + +<p>“God’s life, I want no dealings with him!”</p> + +<p>“You are sometimes a fool, Robert. He would be useful.”</p> + +<p>“Tchah! In what way?”</p> + +<p>“In many ways.” Her ladyship yawned delicately. “If he chose, he could +ingratiate himself with James, who is swayed this way and that. With +his help you could gain the power you lack.”</p> + +<p>“I can gain it myself in time. James will forget the Exclusion. When +has Roxhythe ever worked with any man?”</p> + +<p>“But the King is dead now,” said her ladyship gently.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>An invitation came from the Countess of Sunderland to the Marquis of +Roxhythe. Would he wait on her at his convenience?</p> + +<p>Roxhythe laid the note down.</p> + +<p>“Is it worth while?” he pondered.</p> + +<p>Power was within his grasp. And yet.... What did he want with it? He +had no wish to serve James. All these years he had plotted and worked +for Charles. Now Charles was dead, and life held nothing more for him. +In fact, he was tired of life. Why not go into exile? Why remain in +this accursed land of memories? He was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_397">[Pg 397]</span> Roxhythe.... All these men +wanted to see him fall. Well ... they should not have that pleasure. +He had never played the coward’s part.... Yet what did he want with +Sunderland? He had no desire to meddle in politics. James could go to +destruction in his own way. There was Monmouth.... By God, what could +he not make of Monmouth if he chose! Monmouth was weak; he could be +influenced. My lord fully believed that he could bring Monmouth to the +throne. To what avail? He had no interest in the Duke—no interest +anywhere. Why trouble to intrigue for that puny youth? It would mean +work, hard work. And his master had not wished Monmouth to come to the +throne.</p> + +<p>There was the Orange.... No, by heaven! William mistrusted him. And +William wanted no help. William was a man, even as he was. A man who +stood alone. Alone!... Well—why not? Why not use Sunderland to raise +himself to his former level? Return to Whitehall.... Why not? Was he to +turn sentimental now, after all these years?</p> + +<p>Whitehall ... packed with bitter-sweet memories. Whitehall.... The +King’s closet.... No.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he rose. God, why not submit to arrest? Why defend himself? It +were an easy way out, after all.... Too easy. And they would not arrest +him. They dared not.</p> + +<p>He picked up Lady Sunderland’s letter. Little less than a summons. +<i>Mordieu</i>, who were the Sunderlands to condescend to him? He flung +the letter into the fire. He would ignore it.</p> + +<p>’Twere amusing to hold Sunderland in fear. And if they chose to make +away with him, so much the better. For the present he would continue as +he had always done. They should not see his misery.</p> + +<p>What was there to-morrow? A supper-party at Buckhurst’s. He would go. +Buckhurst was not his enemy. And Sedley. And Digby. And Fortescue. +There were a score of men who liked him for his easy wit; a score of +men whom he had not harmed.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_398">[Pg 398]</span></p> + +<p>He looked round the quiet room. Memories, naught but memories. Where +was Christopher? If only Christopher were there to-day, seated in his +old place.... He bit his lip. Christopher had chosen the better part. +The better part.... The better part...?</p> + +<p>His eyes grew less hard. Had Christopher chosen the better part?</p> + +<p>“No! <i>Mordieu</i>, no!”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_399">[Pg 399]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IXe">CHAPTER IX<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE SUNDERLANDS</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>MY Lord Sunderland spoke humbly.</p> + +<p>“Sire, I think it were best to leave Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>James’ eyes flashed.</p> + +<p>“What now? Does he refuse to leave the country?”</p> + +<p>“He hinted, Sir, that it would serve him better to remain in London.”</p> + +<p>James pulled at his lip.</p> + +<p>“What means he?”</p> + +<p>“I think, Sir, that he counts himself safe.”</p> + +<p>“How? What do you know of him? I can convict him of his guilt in +dealing with Monmouth!”</p> + +<p>“Sire, he dealt with Monmouth that he might the better serve King +Charles.”</p> + +<p>“Who will believe that?” James was scowling.</p> + +<p>Sunderland looked at him significantly.</p> + +<p>“It may be, Sir, that he hath that which will prove it.”</p> + +<p>James’ brow grew yet more black.</p> + +<p>“Explain yourself!”</p> + +<p>“Sir, almost he told me that he had written authority from King +Charles.”</p> + +<p>There was a pause.</p> + +<p>“So I am to allow him to plot and work against me?” A peevish note +sounded in the King’s voice.</p> + +<p>Sunderland was deprecating.</p> + +<p>“I hardly like to advise Your Majesty....”</p> + +<p>“What is your advice?”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty has doubtless considered that Roxhythe makes a powerful +ally.”</p> + +<p>“Do you dare to insinuate that I should placate the man?” cried James, +wrathfully.</p> + +<p>My lord was shocked.</p> + +<p>“Sir! Such a course were unworthy of you. Roxhythe may seek to placate +you.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_400">[Pg 400]</span></p> + +<p>“I want no dealings with him!”</p> + +<p>“Then of course Your Majesty must have none. Roxhythe is a clever man.”</p> + +<p>“An untrustworthy man!”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty says very truly. Nevertheless Your Majesty might make use +of him.”</p> + +<p>“I dislike him!”</p> + +<p>“In that case....” Sunderland spread out his hands. “Why trouble to +notice his existence?” He watched the King’s face covertly, and noted +with satisfaction that this seed promised to take root. James said no +more.</p> + +<p>The weeks passed slowly by. It was one day in March that Lady +Sunderland met Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>She went to Lady Duncannon’s <i>soirée</i>. Lady Duncannon welcomed +Whigs and Tories alike, so Wharton met Halifax, and the Sunderlands, +true Tories, rubbed shoulders with every Whig who came. To wit, Lady +Sunderland, who sat in close conversation with Lord Macclesfield, +lately concerned in the Monmouth plot.</p> + +<p>A little stir was caused by the entrance of Lord Roxhythe. Lady +Sunderland gripped Macclesfield’s arm.</p> + +<p>“La! Roxhythe!”</p> + +<p>Macclesfield nodded.</p> + +<p>“He goes everywhere.”</p> + +<p>“What effrontery!” Her ladyship eyed Macclesfield over the top of her +fan.</p> + +<p>“He is brave,” admitted my lord grudgingly. “Hostesses still welcome +him.”</p> + +<p>“Well, well!” sighed the Countess. “Gracious! Do I see Trenchard?”</p> + +<p>“He is newly arrived in town. It is unwise, of course.”</p> + +<p>“Dogged man! I admire such courage. Trenchard!”</p> + +<p>Trenchard came up to her.</p> + +<p>“Do I see your ladyship, or do mine eyes deceive me?”</p> + +<p>“You see me. What do you in town?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps I wanted to meet you.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you did. Yet it was foolhardy to come.”</p> + +<p>“The risk was worth the issue.”</p> + +<p>Lady Sunderland toyed with her fan.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_401">[Pg 401]</span></p> + +<p>“What is the issue?”</p> + +<p>“How can I say, madam? It is for you to prompt me.”</p> + +<p>She laid a finger on her lips.</p> + +<p>“You’re over-bold, sir. I can give no promises.”</p> + +<p>“If I am over-bold, madam, you are over-cautious.”</p> + +<p>“Maybe. I am but the mouthpiece of my lord.”</p> + +<p>“Then your lord is over-cautious. Will he come to no decision?”</p> + +<p>She looked down at her white hands.</p> + +<p>“He waits. Who shall say which way the wind will blow?”</p> + +<p>“You mean?”</p> + +<p>“No more than I say. You ask us to risk all for—it may be nothing. We +wish to know what we are like to gain.”</p> + +<p>“He whom we will not name comes soon.”</p> + +<p>“Why, we will wait till then!”</p> + +<p>“And after?”</p> + +<p>“Who knows?” she smiled. “Must I promise?”</p> + +<p>“You will not. But do you hold out—hope?”</p> + +<p>“There is always hope,” she parried. “Have you seen who is here +to-night?”</p> + +<p>He frowned.</p> + +<p>“Ay. Once bit, twice shy.”</p> + +<p>“But the King is dead,” said my lady.</p> + +<p>“I’d have no dealings in that quarter. Unhappily I am otherwise +commanded.”</p> + +<p>She leaned towards him.</p> + +<p>“Mark my words, Trenchard. In Roxhythe you gain a powerful ally.”</p> + +<p>“I know it. But who shall trust him after what he did?”</p> + +<p>“Have I not said?—The King is dead.”</p> + +<p>He shrugged.</p> + +<p>Later in the evening Roxhythe passed Lady Sunderland’s couch. She +beckoned to him, and he had, perforce, to go to her.</p> + +<p>“Come and talk to me,” she invited. “I am very forgiving, am I not?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_402">[Pg 402]</span></p> + +<p>“Are you?” said Roxhythe. He sat down. “Why?”</p> + +<p>“You did not answer my note.”</p> + +<p>“Did I not?”</p> + +<p>“You’ll say you had forgot that I had written! I was minded to be +honest with you. Alack, the time has passed!”</p> + +<p>He regarded her languidly.</p> + +<p>“Honesty is a virtue which becomes not your sex, my dear.”</p> + +<p>“True!” She cast up her eyes. “’Tis our sweet deception that attracts. +Heigh-ho! Have you been to Whitehall, my lord?”</p> + +<p>Up went his brows.</p> + +<p>“Lady Sunderland feigns ignorance. Why?”</p> + +<p>She bit her lip.</p> + +<p>“You have not. Have you seen Mr. Trenchard?”</p> + +<p>“He obtrudes himself on one’s notice. A plain man.”</p> + +<p>“I had perceived it. But he has conversation. You should speak with +him; he would surprise you.”</p> + +<p>“Very little surprises me, madam.”</p> + +<p>“Except me?” She ogled him.</p> + +<p>He looked at her gravely.</p> + +<p>“In truth, madam, I am accustomed to woman’s vagaries.”</p> + +<p>“Aha! Yet in some ways I differ from the rest of my sex.”</p> + +<p>“In many. So few women have the brain for affairs.”</p> + +<p>She cast down her eyes.</p> + +<p>“Is it a compliment, my lord?”</p> + +<p>“I wonder,” said my lord.</p> + +<p>At that she raised her eyes, deep wells of innocence.</p> + +<p>“Let us be honest!”</p> + +<p>“I thought we had decided that it was not becoming, madam?”</p> + +<p>“But let us essay it. Do you dislike my poor Sunderland?”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe bowed.</p> + +<p>“I have a great admiration for Lord Sunderland’s cunning.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_403">[Pg 403]</span></p> + +<p>“Perhaps that feeling is reciprocated,” she answered. “You should have +speech with my lord.”</p> + +<p>“Why, then, there are two whose acquaintance you bid me cultivate. Your +lord, and Trenchard. A strange couple.”</p> + +<p>She laughed.</p> + +<p>“Are they not? But I do not think I bade you speak with both at once.”</p> + +<p>“To speak with them separately were too tedious, madam.”</p> + +<p>“Tedious?”</p> + +<p>“I weary of the same subject.”</p> + +<p>“Would both say the same things, think you?”</p> + +<p>“Since you advise me to speak with both it seems likely, madam.”</p> + +<p>“So you will eschew their company?”</p> + +<p>“I shall not seek them out.”</p> + +<p>“Ah! And if they seek you out?”</p> + +<p>“I shall count myself singularly honoured, no doubt.”</p> + +<p>“I wonder what you mean by that?” she said.</p> + +<p>“So do I,” smiled Roxhythe, and left her.</p> + +<p>My lady was thoughtful. She went home early to meet her lord.</p> + +<p>Sunderland entered her boudoir.</p> + +<p>“You are very opportune,” said my lady. “I want you.”</p> + +<p>“Good lack!” exclaimed Sunderland. “What ails you?”</p> + +<p>She curled her lip at him.</p> + +<p>“I am not grown maudlin of a sudden, Spencer, rest assured. I have +worked to-night.”</p> + +<p>He sat down.</p> + +<p>“Let’s hear it, my dear.”</p> + +<p>“I have had speech with Roxhythe. Also with Trenchard.”</p> + +<p>“Oddsbody! Is Trenchard in town?”</p> + +<p>“Ay, and wants an answer.”</p> + +<p>“What said you?”</p> + +<p>“I told him that we should wait until we might clearly see the result. +He asked for hope. I gave him that.”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_404">[Pg 404]</span> She smiled slowly. “Monmouth +desires to treat with Roxhythe.”</p> + +<p>“It was to be expected. What is Roxhythe’s attitude?”</p> + +<p>“I cannot tell. He is to be feared, Sunderland.”</p> + +<p>“Ay. I’d think seriously of Monmouth if Roxhythe were to take charge of +his affairs.”</p> + +<p>“So would a-many others. Roxhythe has the cool sagacity that Monmouth +lacks. He would change the whole complexion of the matter.”</p> + +<p>Sunderland tapped his teeth with one finger-nail.</p> + +<p>“H’m. I do not think he will join Monmouth.”</p> + +<p>“No, but have you thought what else he might do?”</p> + +<p>“Warn James? Ay.”</p> + +<p>My lady rose, drawing her wrapper about her.</p> + +<p>“I’ve given you something to rack your brains over,” she said, and +laughed. “You would not be the man you are if you had not me to wife.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t deny your intelligence,” he retorted.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>When Mr. Trenchard waited on Lord Roxhythe he went straight to the +point.</p> + +<p>“My lord, once you betrayed us.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe paused. He was in the act of pouring out a glass of wine.</p> + +<p>“I did not know you had come to indulge in reminiscences,” he remarked.</p> + +<p>“Nor have I. You betrayed us to your master. Perhaps I do not blame +you.”</p> + +<p>“How magnanimous!” Roxhythe handed him the glass.</p> + +<p>“Thank you. Well, now you have no master. Things have changed. Papist +James was never to your taste.” He paused. Roxhythe was sipping his +wine, and did not speak. “Things have changed. His Highness remembers +that you aided him to escape when our plot was exploded. Have you still +a fondness for him?”</p> + +<p>“Had I ever?” asked Roxhythe, mildly surprised.</p> + +<p>“It is for you to say. Have you ever considered that His Highness +might—plot again?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_405">[Pg 405]</span></p> + +<p>“I never consider the obvious,” said my lord.</p> + +<p>“Then have you considered that it might be to your advantage to—plot +with him?”</p> + +<p>“I have not,” said Roxhythe rather drily.</p> + +<p>“But then you do not consider the obvious, do you?”</p> + +<p>“No more than I consider the impossible.”</p> + +<p>“Is this impossible?”</p> + +<p>“Say, rather, ludicrous.”</p> + +<p>Trenchard flushed.</p> + +<p>“His Highness offers you—a place of command if you will join him.”</p> + +<p>“Delightfully vague,” commented my lord.</p> + +<p>“Prove yourself, sir, and I may safely promise a high place.”</p> + +<p>“It seems that His Grace is afraid of me,” murmured Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“What is there to be afraid of?” sneered Trenchard.</p> + +<p>“Why does he want me so urgently?”</p> + +<p>“He wants all men.”</p> + +<p>“Oh? You take quite the wrong tone with me, you know. I do not like the +offer.”</p> + +<p>“You like the offer but not the way in which I make it?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps even that.”</p> + +<p>“I thought so. Let me tell you that His Highness begs you will join him +in Holland.”</p> + +<p>“I think the climate would not agree with me.”</p> + +<p>“Does the English climate suit you so well?”</p> + +<p>“I think it will.” Roxhythe played with his rings.</p> + +<p>Trenchard curbed his impatience.</p> + +<p>“What is your objection to my offer?”</p> + +<p>“It is altogether too vague. What prospects has His Grace?”</p> + +<p>“Do you expect me to tell you that?”</p> + +<p>“Do you expect me to join you in the dark? If Sunderland would not, how +should I?”</p> + +<p>The chance shot found its mark. Trenchard sprang up.</p> + +<p>“What do you know of Sunderland?”</p> + +<p>My lord smiled.</p> + +<p>“What more do you know?” cried Trenchard.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_406">[Pg 406]</span></p> + +<p>Again my lord smiled. If the weight within him were less he could enjoy +this game. He essayed another shot.</p> + +<p>“I might mention the name of a Scotsman,” he said.</p> + +<p>“If you know that Argyle is with us, what more do you want?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing,” yawned my lord. “So I’ll give you good-day.”</p> + +<p>“You will not join us?”</p> + +<p>“It is too much trouble,” apologized his lordship. “Convey my respects +to His Grace of Monmouth.”</p> + +<p>He bowed his guest out and returned to the library.</p> + +<p>He had flung away that last chance; his master had not wished Monmouth +to come to the throne. As to Sunderland—pah! He wanted no power under +any man; his day was done. He was only waiting now until he could join +his King.</p> + +<p>His glance fell on his gold comfit-box, given him by Charles. In +diamonds was written on the lid:—</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe: C.R.”</p> + +<p>He picked it up, a smile that was more terrible than tears upon his +lips. Slowly his hand clenched on it; his face had grown very grey. +He sat down, resting his arms on the table, gazing dry-eyed at the +jewelled box in his hand, He was still smiling, looking back across the +years.</p> + +<p>“... So we are linked together, Davy, you and I.”</p> + +<p>“Always, Sir. I stand or fall with you.”</p> + +<p>“And always you had my love, David....”</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>There was a long, long silence. The proud head sank over my lord’s +hands; the comfit-box was pressed to his lips.</p> + +<p>“Ah, Sire ... Sire...!” whispered Roxhythe.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_407">[Pg 407]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_Xe">CHAPTER X<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE SHOT</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>LADY Fanny turned the page.</p> + +<p>“... My Heart bleeds for my deare Master. Give him Love, and Tell him +howe Grately I do feel for him. The Newes of King Charles His Deathe +shocked me beyond Measure. I dare not think what must be my Lord His +Feelings. Howe I wish thatt I might be with Him nowe! Alas, it cannot +be, but I am looking forward eagerly to the Day when I may once againe +press His Hand. I do hope to come to England soone for a shortt Time. +I cannot tell you howe I am longing to see You once more. I thank +Heaven I came to Holland, for I have found Peace, and, in a Measure, +Happiness. But after these Many Yeares my whole being is crying out to +see You againe, and my deare Lord. I live for the Moment when I shall +once more hear His Beloved Voice....”</p> + +<p>“I wish he might come now,” sighed Frances. “Indeed, indeed, Roxhythe +needs him.”</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>Mr. Trenchard held counsel with Mr. Wildmay.</p> + +<p>“Roxhythe knows too much. He will not join us.”</p> + +<p>“And Sunderland?”</p> + +<p>“Wavers. I think he will always play for safety. He will hazard naught. +But Roxhythe....” He paused, pursing his lips. “He knows too much.”</p> + +<p>“What does he know?”</p> + +<p>“That Argyle is coming, and that Sunderland is irresolute.”</p> + +<p>“Gad, Trenchard! If he splits——!”</p> + +<p>“He will. Somehow he must worm himself back into favour at Court. What +surer way than to warn James ’gainst us? Since he refuses to join us +that must be his intention.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_408">[Pg 408]</span></p> + +<p>“Unless he is with Sunderland, and waits.”</p> + +<p>“He is not with Sunderland; I know that. And I misliked his bearing: +’twas a thought too sinister.”</p> + +<p>Wildmay was dismayed.</p> + +<p>“What then is to be done?”</p> + +<p>Trenchard drew his chair a little closer.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>Across the ballroom Lady Frances espied her cousin. She beckoned him.</p> + +<p>“You, David?”</p> + +<p>“Why not?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“No reason. I am very glad to see you. I have a message for you.”</p> + +<p>“From Chris.... What does he say?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, from Chris. How did you know?”</p> + +<p>“I suppose I was thinking of him. How is he?”</p> + +<p>“Very well. He sends his dear love to you and wishes he might be at +your side during this—unhappy time.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe shook his head.</p> + +<p>“Too late,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Yes. He hopes to come to England soon, though, and bids me tell you +that—well, I’ll give you his own words—that he is living for the +moment when he may once more hear your beloved voice.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe’s eyes softened.</p> + +<p>“Does he say that? And is he coming soon?”</p> + +<p>“So he says. You—you will like to see him, David?”</p> + +<p>“Can you ask? After seven years.... And he still loves me. He is very +faithful.”</p> + +<p>“Dear Chris! Yes, he’s faithful. He left his whole heart with you.”</p> + +<p>“I had thought he would have recalled it long since—for little +Hook-nose.”</p> + +<p>“He writes admiringly of William, but I think he does not love him.”</p> + +<p>“Foolish. William would make a fine heroic figure.”</p> + +<p>Fanny drew him closer.</p> + +<p>“Do you think William—will strike at the King?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_409">[Pg 409]</span></p> + +<p>“You are growing treasonable, Fanny. It seems possible. But he will +only strike at the right moment. There is nothing foolhardy about the +Orange.”</p> + +<p>“No. I don’t like James. I think that there will be trouble.”</p> + +<p>“You are really most unwise, my dear. You will find yourself clapped +up in the Tower if you speak these shocking sentiments aloud,” said +Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Jasper is most annoyed. I think he hopes for William.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was amused.</p> + +<p>“I shall enjoy seeing Jasper turned intriguer. But tell him to leave +Monmouth alone.”</p> + +<p>Frances started.</p> + +<p>“Heavens! Is Monmouth to rise?”</p> + +<p>“I should not be surprised. He planned once—why not again?”</p> + +<p>“He could never be King!”</p> + +<p>“Of course he could not. He has not the head.”</p> + +<p>“And Jasper would never support him.”</p> + +<p>“Then all is well.” Roxhythe glanced round the room. “I counsel you, +Fanny, to remark Mrs. Challis. The fair woman with the roguish smile. +Yes, with Birchwood.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances looked, obediently.</p> + +<p>“What of her?”</p> + +<p>“She is rather <i>piquante</i>, is she not?”</p> + +<p>“Am I to believe that you are once again in love?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, no! She serves to distract me for the time.”</p> + +<p>Frances tapped his arm with her fan.</p> + +<p>“David, I am sure you have some dark scheme in mind! What do you +purpose doing?” She found it quite impossible to read his face.</p> + +<p>“You are so inquisitive,” sighed Roxhythe.</p> + +<p>“Belike I am. Do you intend to win James his favour?”</p> + +<p>“If you were a man, my dear, I should offer you my comfit-box.”</p> + +<p>She stared.</p> + +<p>“What am I to understand by that?”</p> + +<p>“I forgot. You do not know. It was an old joke of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_410">[Pg 410]</span> Saint-Aignan’s. He +used to aver that when I wished to turn the subject I offered him a +sweetmeat.” He smiled a little, remembering. She pouted.</p> + +<p>“Then I am snubbed. How hateful of you! I don’t want you to go over to +James.”</p> + +<p>“Tut-tut! I suppose you would like me to join the Orange?”</p> + +<p>“Well!... Why not?”</p> + +<p>“<i>Cordieu</i>, I could name an hundred reasons! Have you ever spoken +with him?”</p> + +<p>“No. What is he like?”</p> + +<p>“He resembles nothing so much as an iceberg. And his Court is composed +of Puritanical gentlemen who give themselves the airs of small sultans. +I wish you had met him; it would have amused you.”</p> + +<p>Fanny laughed.</p> + +<p>“I think it would have depressed me! I was never Puritanical, David!”</p> + +<p>“No,” he said. “Certainly not that. Do you remember the little Vicomte, +I wonder?”</p> + +<p>Fanny was not yet too old to blush.</p> + +<p>“David, how dare you? I’ll not be reminded of my youthful +indiscretions! How frightened I was to be sure! Papa was so strict for +all his wickedness.”</p> + +<p>“You were perturbed. So was the Vicomte.”</p> + +<p>She chuckled behind her fan.</p> + +<p>“Luckily you were in Paris at the time. I was so thankful!”</p> + +<p>“So was not the Vicomte.”</p> + +<p>“No. Dear me, how long ago it is! I cried when I heard that you had +wounded him.”</p> + +<p>“Did you? But then, you were young and foolish.”</p> + +<p>“So I was. And now I am old and foolish. Very virtuous, however.”</p> + +<p>Roxhythe nodded.</p> + +<p>“Strange....” he pondered. “I never thought Jasper would have held any +fascination for you.”</p> + +<p>“Like to unlike,” she retorted. “We are prosaically blissful.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_411">[Pg 411]</span></p> + +<p>“You are. Quite depressing, in fact. Had you married me—pouf!” he +snapped his fingers.</p> + +<p>“Oh, I was never as foolish as that!” she said.</p> + +<p>“Say rather that we were neither of us as foolish as that.”</p> + +<p>“You are most objectionable,” she dimpled, and beckoned to Sedley who +was passing.</p> + +<div class="tb">* * * * * </div> + +<p>My lord descended the steps of Lady Mitcham’s house, drawing on his +gloves. As was always his custom, he was leaving the ball early. His +coach awaited him.</p> + +<p>It was a fine moonlight night, very still and beautiful. My lord stood +for a moment on the steps, looking round. The door closed behind him. +He walked to where his coach stood, and there he paused again, looking +into the shadows by the wall. A little smile that was almost triumphant +curved his lips. He turned his head.</p> + +<p>“Shoot, my friend.”</p> + +<p>The footman stared at him in amazement. My lord stood still.</p> + +<p>Something moved in the shadows. There was a flash, a roar, and then +smoke.</p> + +<p>The Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe fell back into the footman’s +arms.</p> + +<p>“<i>Touché!</i>” he gasped. “No! Let him—go!”</p> + +<p>The other footman stopped in his pursuit.</p> + +<p>“Let—him go, my lord?” he asked, stupidly.</p> + +<p>“What else, fool?” My lord’s hand was pressed to his side. “Take me +home!”</p> + +<p>“Sir, you are hurt! I’ll carry you into the house!” said William +distractedly.</p> + +<p>“No.” Roxhythe held fast to his consciousness. “I +command—you—take—me—home!”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_412">[Pg 412]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIe">CHAPTER XI<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE GREAT ROXHYTHE</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p>“MY lady, there is a lackey from Bevan House who desires speech with +you.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances was surprised.</p> + +<p>“So? I’ll come.” She went downstairs. When she saw John she smiled. +“Well John? You’ve a mess—” She stopped short, staring at him. “John! +What is it?”</p> + +<p>The man’s face worked.</p> + +<p>“My lady—my master—” he choked.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances drew nearer.</p> + +<p>“Quickly, John! What—what is it?”</p> + +<p>“He is—dying!” John’s voice trembled. “He—desires to see you.”</p> + +<p>All the colour ebbed slowly from her face.</p> + +<p>“Good—God! No, no!”</p> + +<p>“He was—shot—last night.” John’s head was bowed. “I cannot tell you, +madam. He wishes you to come.”</p> + +<p>“Shot! Oh, heaven, ’twas that we heard, then! Yes, yes, I’ll come at +once! Only wait one moment!” She turned, and flew upstairs.</p> + +<p>In three minutes she was back again, seated in the coach. She had +commanded John to sit with her. Her eyes were wide.</p> + +<p>“It was last night? When he left the ball?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, my lady. They—brought him home—unconscious.”</p> + +<p>“Dolts! Fools! Why did they not take him back to the house?”</p> + +<p>John brushed his hand across his eyes.</p> + +<p>“It—was not—my lord’s will, madam,” he said simply.</p> + +<p>Lady Frances burst into tears.</p> + +<p>“Can’t they—save him? Surely, surely, it is not mortal?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_413">[Pg 413]</span></p> + +<p>“Dr. Burnest was with him through the night, madam. Nothing—can be +done.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances wept.</p> + +<p>Outside the door of my lord’s room she met the surgeon. Eagerly she +caught at his arm.</p> + +<p>“Tell me he will live! Oh, he cannot die! He cannot!”</p> + +<p>Burnest took her hand.</p> + +<p>“I beg you will be calm, Lady Frances. The bullet entered a vital part. +Don’t grieve my lord!”</p> + +<p>She wiped her eyes.</p> + +<p>“I will be calm. Is he—is he conscious?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, madam, but very weak. He commanded that you should be sent for. +You’ll not excite him?”</p> + +<p>She drew herself up.</p> + +<p>“Of course I shall not.”</p> + +<p>Burnest opened the door for her.</p> + +<p>My lord lay in bed, raised slightly on pillows. He was wrapped in an +elegant bed-gown, and he wore his wig. His eyes were closed, but he +opened them as Frances entered.</p> + +<p>He smiled.</p> + +<p>“My dear Fanny—all my difficulties are solved.”</p> + +<p>She bent over him.</p> + +<p>“Dear, wicked Roxhythe!” In spite of herself, tears stole down her +cheeks.</p> + +<p>Up went his brows.</p> + +<p>“I thought you knew that I could not bear a weeping woman?” His voice +was full of mockery.</p> + +<p>“Since you cannot weep for yourself, David....” she whispered, and +flicked away the tear-drops.</p> + +<p>“Weep? I?” The faint voice was disdainful. “I am only too well +satisfied.”</p> + +<p>John put a chair for her ladyship. Frances sat down.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe allowed her to take his hand. He was staring before him.</p> + +<p>“The ... welcome end. Gad, but I was glad to see the fellow ... lurking +in the shadows!... He little knew ... little knew....”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_414">[Pg 414]</span></p> + +<p>“Who was it, David?” Lady Frances was surprised at her own calm.</p> + +<p>“Trenchard. He thought ... I should betray him.... Sapient man.” +Suddenly Roxhythe chuckled. “I told him ... to shoot. He was ... so +surprised ... he—” He broke off, coughing.</p> + +<p>Burnest was at his side in a moment. The handkerchief that came away +from my lord’s lips was stained red.</p> + +<p>“Sir, I beg you will keep quiet.”</p> + +<p>“No doubt. You want ... to prolong ... life. Unfortunately ... I +want ... to end it.”</p> + +<p>“Sir—”</p> + +<p>“My ... dear Burnest ... we have dealt with ... one another ... before. +Don’t ... you realize ... the futility of ... argument?”</p> + +<p>“You were always very stubborn, sir.” Burnest put a spoon to his lips, +smiling.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe took the restorative. His eyes closed.</p> + +<p>For a long time there was absolute silence. My lord lay in a kind of +stupor. Presently a deep furrow appeared between his brows. He began to +speak, muttering.</p> + +<p>“... vain ... regrets!... Not I, sir. There was ... never a question ... of +it. If you ... think that ... Fanny ... you do not ... know me. +Always I am Roxhythe. Roxhythe ... C.R. ... linked together.... Sire, +all my ... life....” His voice died away. He moved uneasily; his hand +was very hot.</p> + +<p>“My dear ... Saint-Aignan! ... a maker of ... gloves. Blue ... +entwined. Did ... Colbert tell you, Madame?” His eyes opened. They were +shining with a strange, feverish light. “When ... you ... are gone ... +nothing matters. The ... better ... part. Fools! ... fools! ... Someone +said ... that. The better ... part!... Always your ... faithful ... +servant, Sir.” He struggled up on his elbow. “It is ... Cromwell’s +lucky day! How ... could we ... hope to win? Courage, Sir! This is ... +not the end!”</p> + +<p>Burnest put him back on his pillows.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_415">[Pg 415]</span></p> + +<p>“Hush, sir! Be still.”</p> + +<p>He was shaken off.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen ... the King ... is dead!... Who was it ... uttered the +accursed ... words? His hand ... is cold ... Sire ... Sire!”</p> + +<p>“Give me that bottle!”</p> + +<p>John put it into his hands, weeping. Burnest measured out a spoonful. +The mixture trickled between my lord’s parted lips. Frances watched in +silent agony.</p> + +<p>The brown eyes opened.</p> + +<p>“Fanny ... why weep? Do you ... think I ... mind?”</p> + +<p>“My lord, I beg you will not talk!”</p> + +<p>“You ... intrude ... Burnest.” The eyes were haughty.</p> + +<p>“I am sorry, sir. I am responsible for you, you see.”</p> + +<p>The fine lips curled.</p> + +<p>“No one is responsible ... for Roxhythe ... save himself. You would ... +oblige me ... by retiring.”</p> + +<p>Lady Frances laid her hand on the surgeon’s.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Burnest, let him have his way. You cannot help now.”</p> + +<p>“Madam, I cannot allow him to——”</p> + +<p>“<i>Mordieu!</i> Am ... I to be set ... at naught?”</p> + +<p>“You only excite him. Please, please stand back!”</p> + +<p>Burnest shrugged and walked away.</p> + +<p>“Another ... of those ... who dislike me. I have ... inspired ... great +love, or great ... hatred ... never a ... luke-warm ... liking, I thank +God!”</p> + +<p>Frances stroked his hand.</p> + +<p>“In truth, you are Roxhythe,” she smiled.</p> + +<p>“Always. They ... would have liked ... to see me ... fall. Had I +lived ... I would have shown them that Roxhythe ... can stand ... alone! +But it is ... better so. I am ... going ... to my master.” Again his eyes +closed. After perhaps ten minutes they opened. They did not see Lady +Frances.</p> + +<p>“It is ... no laughing matter, Sir!... I am ... too old to be ... +ordered ... by petty princelings<span class="pagenum" id="Page_416">[Pg 416]</span> ... Thank God ... for Whitehall ... +and my ... own master. Curse ... the dolt! Why ... must he sit ... in +your place?... So you will leave ... me, Chris? After all these ... +years. Did you bring my mask?... You know me ... very well ... don’t +you? You will ... not stay with me? You make too much ... out of ... +too little. I regret ... nothing.... The better ... part ... the +better ... part.... <i>Cor</i> ... <i>dieu!</i> I would choose the +same ... the same....” The brown eyes were frowning. “Why ... must +you sit ... in his place? Memories ... only ... memories.... What if I +did ... lose all? The ... one friend ... the one friend.... Nothing +matters ... save your pleasure, Sir. I am ... busied with ... your +affairs.” Suddenly he laughed. “They ... remind me of ... cabbages!... a +fruitful topic!” He drew his hand away, passing it across his eyes. “You +remember ... the green hangings ... don’t you, Chris?” His hand fell +away. He looked at Lady Frances’ bowed head. “I ... have been ... dreaming. +I thought Chris was ... here. Fanny?”</p> + +<p>“Dear David?” Lady Frances tried to choke the sobs that rose to her +lips.</p> + +<p>Roxhythe was smiling now.</p> + +<p>“You ... remember how Chris ... laughed? It always ... pleased me. He +laughed ... because I objected ... to the green ... hangings. They are +gone ... now. I had them ... changed. It is ... eight years. A ... long +time, my ... dear.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, David. You still have—me.”</p> + +<p>“Of course. You ... could never ... quite ... disown me ... could you?”</p> + +<p>“I am always—your friend, David. We understand one another.”</p> + +<p>The smile grew.</p> + +<p>“But then you ... are not ... impenetrable, you know!”</p> + +<p>“Am I not? How—you love to—tease me, David!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_417">[Pg 417]</span></p> + +<p>“<i>Vraiment</i> ... I am a trial. Don’t let Jasper meddle ... in +Monmouth’s cause!”</p> + +<p>“I will not.”</p> + +<p>“I ... ought to send ... some farewell ... messages. I always ... +disliked ... the heroic pose ... off the stage. Do you ... remember +Crewe?”</p> + +<p>“And the silly wife! That was unlucky, David.”</p> + +<p>“A ... mistake ... I admit. Give ... my love ... to Chris. I would +I ... had seen him ... just once ... again. You ... won’t believe me ... +but I cared ... for him.”</p> + +<p>“I know that you did, dear. I always knew it. If I said hard things I +am very sorry!”</p> + +<p>“My dear ... according ... to your lights ... you spoke ... rightly. +You ... could not ... understand.”</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“We won’t speak of it, David.”</p> + +<p>“We might ... quarrel ... an we did. I regret ... I cannot ... repent, +weeping. It ... is not in ... the part.” He paused, and his hand +tightened on hers. “I could have ... regained ... all my lost ... +power. It was ... within my grasp. But it ... was not ... worth it. +You ... understand?”</p> + +<p>“Perfectly, David.”</p> + +<p>“Your chief ... attraction. What ... is the ... time?”</p> + +<p>She glanced at the clock.</p> + +<p>“Just after three, dear.”</p> + +<p>“Ah!... <i>He</i> died ... at noon. I shall not wait ... much longer. I +am ... very content.” The weary lids drooped. “I have to ... thank +you ... for your ... kindness. I knew ... that you would ... come.”</p> + +<p>“I would have come from the ends of the earth, David.”</p> + +<p>“Happily ... you were ... nearer. I should have been ... loth to put +you ... to such ... inconvenience. It is ... very dark. Draw the +curtains ... further apart! No ... matter....” The whisper ceased.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_418">[Pg 418]</span></p> + +<p>Burnest tiptoed to the bed.</p> + +<p>“It is nearly the end,” he murmured in Lady Fanny’s ear. “Just sit +where you are.”</p> + +<p>She nodded. Her face was drawn.</p> + +<p>John crept up to the bed and knelt beside it, his head buried in the +coverlet. Lady Frances laid her hand on his shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Do not grieve, John,” she said pitifully. “You know he would not wish +it.”</p> + +<p>Only a strangled sob answered her. Roxhythe moved his hand.</p> + +<p>“Devil ... take you ... John! What now?”</p> + +<p>John carried the hand to his lips, smothering it with kisses.</p> + +<p>“My lord! My dear lord!”</p> + +<p>“Chut!” Roxhythe pressed his fingers feebly. “Have ... a care to +him ... Fanny.”</p> + +<p>“I promise.”</p> + +<p>There was a long, long silence. Nothing broke it save the laboured +breathing. John was quiet now, clasping my lord’s hand. Lady Fanny sat +very still.</p> + +<p>Over by the fire was the surgeon, staring into the red embers. He did +not move.</p> + +<p>Half an hour crept by; yet another. Somewhere outside a clock chimed +mournfully.</p> + +<p>My lord’s eyes opened. There was a far-away look in them not of this +world.</p> + +<p>“I must ... to Whitehall. To ... my little ... master.” Faintly, very +faintly came the whisper. His beautiful smile curved my lord’s lips. +“Sire ... Sire....”</p> + +<p>The eyelids fluttered, closed. My lord’s hand quivered. He gave a deep +sigh, full of peace.</p> + +<p>“Only ... your ... pleasure ... Sir....”</p> + +<p>His head fell sideways a little on the pillow. The smile was still on +his lips, but the light had gone out.</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2"><span class="allsmcap">THE END</span></p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<div class="transnote spa1"> +<p class="nindc"><b>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</b></p> + + +<p>Simple typographical errors have been silently corrected; unbalanced +quotation marks were remedied when the change was obvious, and +otherwise left unbalanced.</p> + +<p>Punctuation, hyphenation, spelling and ligatures were made consistent +when a predominant preference was found in the original book; otherwise +they were not changed.</p> + +<p>A Table of Contents has been added.</p> +</div></div> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76816 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + diff --git a/76816-h/images/cover.jpg b/76816-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7d1cd9 --- /dev/null +++ b/76816-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/76816-h/images/logo.jpg b/76816-h/images/logo.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2d676b3 --- /dev/null +++ b/76816-h/images/logo.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. 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