ends, followed his fortunes, and
gained his good-will: they were rapidly promoted.

Time flew on, and in the year 1654 the court of France concluded an
alliance with Cromwell, and expelled King Charles from the French
frontiers. The war was still carried on in the Netherlands. Turenne
bore down Conde, who had gained every campaign; and the court of Spain,
wearied with reverses, made overtures of peace, which were gladly
accepted by the French.

During these wars Cromwell had been named Protector, and had shortly
afterwards died.

Edward, who but rarely heard from Humphrey, was now anxious to quit the
army and go to the king, who was in Spain; but to leave his colours
while things were adverse was impossible.

After the peace and the pardon of Conde by the French king, the armies
were disbanded, and the three adventurers were free. They took their
leave of the prince, who thanked them for their long and meritorious
services; and they then hastened to King Charles, who had left Spain and
come to the Low Countries. At the time of their joining the king,
Richard, the son of Cromwell, who had been nominated Protector, had
resigned, and everything was ready for the Restoration.

On the 15th of May 1660 the news arrived that Charles had been
proclaimed king on the 8th, and a large body of gentlemen went to invite
him over. The king sailed from Scheveling, was met at Dover by General
Monk, and conducted to London, which he entered amidst the acclamations
of the people, on the 29th of the same month.

We may leave the reader to suppose that Edward, Chaloner, and Grenville
were among the most favoured of those in his train. As the procession
moved slowly along the Strand, through a countless multitude, the
windows of all the houses were filled with well-dressed ladies, who
waved their white kerchiefs to the king and his attendant suite.
Chaloner, Edward, and Grenville, who rode side by side as gentlemen in
waiting, were certainly the most distinguished among the king's retinue.

"Look, Edward," said Chaloner, "at those two lovely girls at yon window.
Do you recognise them?"

"Indeed I do not. Are they any of our Paris beauties?"

"Why, thou insensible and unnatural animal! They are thy sisters, Alice
and Edith: and do you not recognise behind them my good aunts
Conynghame?"

"It is so, I believe," replied Edward. "Yes, now that Edith smiles, I'm
sure it is they."

"Yes," replied Grenville, "there can be no