he play."

He looked at me as if he could not believe his ears; but my Lord Dorset
who was just behind came up and took him by the arm.

"He is right," he said. "Mr. Mallock is quite right. Beg his pardon, I
tell you."

"Why the devil--" began Sir Charles again, still not recognizing me.

My Lord clapped him sharply on his hat, driving it over his eyes.

"He is blind now, Mr. Mallock," he said, "in every sense. You would not
be angry with a blind man!"

When Sir Charles had got his hat straight again he was now angry with my
Lord Dorset, and very friendly and apologetic to myself, whom I suppose
he had remembered by now; so the two drove away presently, after the
ladies, still disputing loudly. But I think my Lord's behaviour shewed
me more than ever that I was become a person of some consequence. Yet
this kind of manners, in the midst of the crowd, though it commended
gentlemen as well known as were those two--to the ruder elements among
the spectators, who laughed and shouted--did a great deal of harm in
those days to the Court and the King, among the more serious and sober
persons of the country; and it is these who, in the long run, always
have the ordering of things. God knows I would not live in a puritanical
country if I could help it; yet decent breeding is surely due from
gentlemen.

* * * * *

A week or two later I was at a _levee_ in Her Majesty's apartments; and
had a clearer sight than ever of the relations between the King and
Queen.

Now His Majesty had behaved himself very ill to the Queen; he had
flaunted his mistresses everywhere, and had even compelled her to
receive them; he had neglected her very grossly; yet I must say in his
defence that there was one line he would not pass: he would not on any
account listen to those advisers of his who from time to time had urged
him to put her away by divorce, and marry a Protestant who might bear
him children. Even my Lord Bishop of Salisbury, Dr. Burnet, had,
thirteen or fourteen years ago given as his opinion that a barren wife
might be divorced, and even that polygamy was not contrary to the New
Testament! This, however, Charles had flatly refused to countenance;
and, when he thought of it, now and again, shewed her a sort of
compassionate kindness, in spite of his distaste for her company. Yet
his very compassionateness proved his distaste.

It was on occasion of a reception by Her Majesty of some Moorish
deputat