of Derby?"

"Joined us this morning; we have marched so quick that we have not had
time to pick our adherents up."

"And General Lesley?"

"Is by no means in good spirits: why I know not. We have too many
ministers with his army, that is certain, and they do harm; but we
cannot help ourselves. His majesty must be visible by this time; if you
are ready I will introduce you; and when that is done we will talk
matters over."

General Middleton then walked with them to the house in which the king
had taken up his quarters for the night; and after a few minutes'
waiting in the anteroom they were admitted into his presence.

"Allow me, your majesty," said General Middleton, after the first
salutations, "to present to you Major Chaloner, whose father's name is
not unknown to you."

"On the contrary, well-known to us," replied the king, "as a loyal and
faithful subject, whose loss we must deplore. I have no doubt that his
son inherits his courage and his fidelity."

The king held out his hand, and Chaloner bent his knee and kissed it.

"And now, your majesty will be surprised that I should present to you
one of a house supposed to be extinct--the eldest son of Colonel
Beverley."

"Indeed!" replied his majesty; "I heard that all his family perished at
the ruthless burning of Arnwood. I hold myself fortunate, as a king,
that even one son of so loyal and brave a gentleman as Colonel Beverley
has escaped. You are welcome, young sir--most welcome to us; you must
be near us; the very name of Beverley will be pleasing to our ears by
night or day."

Edward knelt down and kissed his majesty's hand, and the king said--

"What can we do for a Beverley? Let us know, that we may show our
feelings towards his father's memory?"

"All I request is, that your majesty will allow me to be near you in the
hour of danger," replied Edward.

"A right Beverley reply," said the king, "and so we shall see to it,
Middleton."

After a few more courteous words from his majesty they withdrew; but
General Middleton was recalled by the king for a minute or two to
receive his commands. When he rejoined Edward and Chaloner, he said to
Edward--

"I have orders to send in for his majesty's signature your commission as
captain of horse, and attached to the king's personal staff; it is a
high compliment to the memory of your father, sir, and, I may add, your
own personal appearance. Chaloner will see to your uniforms and
accoutrements;