"Perhaps your reverence can prevail on Mistress Jane Lane to sit down with us and share our supper," said Charles to Father Huddlestone. "I shall need no entreaty, for in truth I am very hungry," replied Jane, taking a place at the table, while the priest sat down beside her. "How are you named, good youth?" asked Charles of the supposed page. "Jasper," was the reply. "Then come and sit down by me, Jasper," said the king. "Shall I, madam?" inquired the page of his mistress, who signified her assent, and the so-called Jasper took a place by the king. Fortunately, Mary Penderel had made such bountiful provision that there was plenty for the new-comers. "No accident, I hope, has happened to your mistress, young sir?" observed Charles to the page. "We were on our way from Wolverhampton to Bentley Hall, when we were attacked by a patrol of rebels in the forest, who were in search for the king," replied Jasper. "They did us no injury, but took our horses." "How came it that you did not defend your mistress better?" asked Charles. "How could I defend her against half a dozen armed men?" cried the page. "If I had had a pistol, I would have shot the first Roundhead rascal who came up through the head." "Rather through the heart, I should say," remarked the king, with a smile. "Heaven preserve his majesty, and deliver him from his enemies!" exclaimed Father Huddlestone. "May their devices be confounded." "Amen!" ejaculated Jane Lane, fervently. "Could I communicate with his majesty, I would counsel him to embark for France as speedily as may be." "Such, I doubt not, is his design," remarked the priest. "But there is danger on every side," he added in a significant tone, and looking at the king as he spoke. "I have heard no particulars of the battle of Worcester," observed Jasper. "His majesty has escaped, I know, but I would fain learn that his aide-de-camp, Major Careless, is safe." "Rest easy on that score, Jasper," said the king. "I saw Major Careless this morning." "Indeed!" exclaimed the page, unable to repress his emotion. "Oh, I am so glad. You have taken a great weight from my breast." "You appear greatly interested in Major Careless," remarked Charles. "Have you known him long?" "Only since his majesty arrived in Worcester. I hope I shall see him again." "Have you any message for him, in case I should meet him?" whispered Charles. "None," replied the page, in the same tone. "But he will remember the house in Angel-lane." "Ah! then you are----" The page imposed silence by a look. Just then Richard Penderel arose, and glanced significantly at Charles, who at once took the hint, and rose likewise. "Don't let me disturb the company," said Dick. "But Master Jackson and I have a long walk before us, and must be moving." "Quite right, my son," replied the priest. "But I should like to say a word to Master Jackson before he sets forth."