s Chaloner; we will tell him of our
arrangements in case we are disturbed by the military parties."

"It is a most excellent arrangement," said Chaloner, when Edward had
made the communication; "and it was a lucky day when I first fell in
with you, Beverley."

"Not Beverley, I pray you; that name is to be forgotten; it was only
revived for the occasion."

"Very true; then, Master Secretary Armitage, I think the arrangement
excellent: the only point will be to find out what troops are sent down
in this direction, as we must of course belong to some other regiment,
and have been pursued from the field of battle. I should think that
Lambert's squadrons will not be this way."

"We will soon ascertain that; let your horses be saddled and accoutred,
so that should any of them make their appearance the horses may be at
the door. It is my opinion that they will be here some time to-day."

"I fear that it will be almost impossible for the king to escape,"
observed Chaloner.

"I hardly know what to think of his leaving us in that way."

"I have reflected upon it," replied Edward, "and I think it was perhaps
prudent: some were to be trusted, and some not; it was impossible to
know who were and who were not--he therefore trusted nobody. Besides,
his chance of escape, if quite alone, is greater than if in company."

"And yet I feel a little mortified that he did not trust me," continued
Edward; "my life was at his service."

"He could no more read your heart than he could mine or others,"
observed Chaloner; "and any selection would have been invidious: on the
whole, I think he acted wisely, and I trust that it will prove so. One
thing is certain, which is, that all is over now, and that for a long
while--we may let our swords rest in their scabbards. Indeed, I am
sickened with it, after what I have seen, and would gladly live here
with you, and help to till the land--away from the world and all its
vexations. What say you, Edward; will you and your brother take me as a
labourer after all is quiet again?"

"You would soon tire of it, Chaloner; you were made for active exertion
and bustling in the world."

"Nevertheless, I think, under two such amiable and pretty mistresses, I
could stay well contented here: it is almost Arcadian. But still it is
selfish for me to talk in this way; indeed, my feelings are contrary to
my words."

"How do you mean, Chaloner?"

"To be candid with you, Edward, I was thinking what a