Charles promised obedience, and doffing his cap to Mrs. Lane, who was exchanging adieux with Mr. Petre and his wife, rode on. Colonel Lane and his party did not follow them for some minutes, and by that time those in advance had nearly reached the gates of the park. [Illustration: CHARLES AND JANE LANE SETTING OUT FROM BENTLEY HOUSE.] On gaining the high road to Darlaston and Wednesbury, the horsemen proceeded side by side, in order that the ladies might converse together, and Jane did not seem to feel the king's presence as a restraint, for she chatted very pleasantly with her sister. Charles, of course, took no part in the conversation, and never spoke unless addressed, but he was amused by what he heard. Mrs. Petre talked about the events at Worcester, and wished to have a particular description of the king from her sister. "I have already described him to you," said Jane. "Yes, you told me he did not realise the notions you had formed of him; that his manner was somewhat light and reckless; and that he wanted the gravity and dignity of his father." "You must have misunderstood me," observed Jane, uneasily. "I said he had many royal and noble qualities." "But you added that he rarely displayed them." "If I said so, I did him an injustice. I never think of his majesty--never speak of him, save with enthusiasm." "Colonel Lane is equally enthusiastic," remarked Mr. Petre. "In his eyes the king has not a fault." "He is a brave and chivalrous monarch," cried Jane, "and deserves far greater success than he has obtained." "I am sure I should know the king were I to see him," observed Mr. Petre. "Colonel Lane has often described him to me as tall and well-made, but harsh-featured, and dark as a gipsy." "Why that description would exactly apply to Will Jones," said Mrs. Petre. "So it would," remarked her husband, laughing heartily. Having passed through Wednesbury, they were now on the road to Birmingham, but not desiring to enter the latter town, they soon struck off into a by-road, which led them through a very beautiful country, where one large park succeeded another, and the only houses that came in sight were large and important. Most of the persons who resided in these old mansions were friends of the Lanes, but Jane and her sister called upon none of them, but pursued their journey for nearly three hours without halt of any kind. Hitherto they had encountered no obstacle of any kind, and Charles, though he ran the greatest risk, enjoyed the ride far more than any one else in the party. Without addressing him, Jane contrived to give him such information as she thought would be interesting, and whenever they skirted a large park, or came in sight of an ancient mansion, she mentioned the name of the owner.