eed no counsel. You are sure that Cromwell was not coming
to-night.

_Neal:_
That was as he said, sire.

_Charles:_
Then let us consider. These Scots. What was it? Did you set it down?

_Neal:_
Yes, sire.

(He gets the paper that he put in the bureau, and gives it to CHARLES.)

_Charles_
(reading it):
Yes. Write.

(NEAL does so on a large folio sheet.)

Clause I. For the reason that the Scots should invade England. Let the
intrigues of Parliament with the army and its leaders--notably Oliver
Cromwell--to the peril of the Church and the King, stand to the world
in justification. Clause 2. The royal forces in England shall move
when and as the Duke of Hamilton directs. Clause 3. The King shall
guarantee Presbyterian control in England for three years from this
date. But the King shall for himself be at liberty to use his own form
of divine service. Clause 4. All opinion and practice of those who
call themselves Independents are to be suppressed. To see that this
is diligently done may be left to the King's pleasure.... Yes--once
we are at Carisbrooke.... Copy that, Neal. I will sign it. Let it go
by Andrews to-night.

_Neal:_
Yes, sire.

_Charles:_
Do it now.

(NEAL proceeds to do so. CHARLES moves across to a book-case between the
table and the main door. As he stands there, there is a knock at the
door.)

_Charles:_
Yes?

(The door is opened by CROMWELL, with whom is IRETON.)

_Charles:_
Mr. Cromwell. We did not expect you.

_Cromwell:_
No, sir. It is unexpected.

(As the two men come into the room, CHARLES covers NEAL from them as he
can. The secretary has no time but to conceal his note by placing it
under a case of folio papers on the table. As the others approach the
table, he bows and retires. CHARLES sits, and motions the others to do
the same. CROMWELL takes NEAL'S place.)

_Cromwell:_
We came, sir, to reassure ourselves.

_Charles:_
As to what?

_Cromwell:_
Your Majesty knows that, in treating with you as we have done these
months past, we have been subject to suspicions.

_Charles:_
I imagined that it might be so. But your character and your reputation,
Mr. Cromwell, can ignore these.

_Cromwell:_
It is suggested that we become courtiers, and susceptible as courtiers
are. But that is nothing. Continually we are told that Your Majesty will
outwit us.

_Charles:_
But that is too fantastic. Between men so open one with another. Our
scruples--persu