"His honour!" exclaimed Charles, startled. "I demand no such sacrifice. Ha! I understand," he added, as a light suddenly broke upon him. "He is fearful that evil and calumnious tongues may seek to blemish your spotless reputation." "Your majesty has divined the truth," she replied, casting down her eyes. "I might have guessed it before. But I judged Sir Clement differently. I deemed him superior to the ordinary run of men. Aware as he is of the feelings by which you have been actuated--confident as he must be of your rectitude of principles--how could a single doubt cross his mind?" "You do him an injustice, my liege. Sir Clement's confidence in me is unshaken. But he fears that others may not view my conduct in the same light." "There is a spice of jealousy in this," thought the king. "In the letter which I have just received from him," pursued Jane, "Sir Clement informs me that he is about to start for Abbots Leigh forthwith, and begs me to await his coming." "I would not have you do otherwise," rejoined Charles. "I am glad he has so decided. His presence will silence all scandal. When do you expect him?" "To-morrow, sire. I am sure he will be delighted to escort you to Trent." "His satisfaction will not be diminished by your companionship," remarked Charles, smiling. "No doubt you will have a great many things to say to each other, and that I may not interfere with the conversation, a slight change shall be made in our arrangements. If another horse can be procured, you shall no longer ride behind me." "Mr. Norton has plenty of horses in his stable, and will lend me one, I am quite sure," she rejoined. "But it is not necessary to make any change on my account." "Nay, let it be so," said Charles. "You will enjoy much greater freedom. I shall still continue to act as your groom." "The disguise has hitherto served your majesty so well that I should be sorry if you abandoned it." "'Twould be highly imprudent to do so," rejoined Charles. "If I reach Trent in safety, I may be compelled to play some new part. Till then I shall continue to be Will Jones. In the expectation of Sir Clement's early arrival, I will send off Major Careless to-morrow to announce my coming to Colonel Wyndham. The rest I leave to you." "And your majesty may rely upon my making all needful arrangements with Mr. Norton. When do you desire to set out for Trent?" "Nay, you must consult Sir Clement," observed the king, with a smile. "But should it suit him, we will start on the day after his arrival." "Your majesty's wishes will be his law," replied Jane. CHAPTER III. COLONEL FRANCIS WYNDHAM, OF TRENT. Understanding from Pope that a fugitive Cavalier had sought shelter at Abbots Leigh, Mr. Norton had a private interview with his guest, and on learning his name, offered him all the assistance in his power. Thanking him most heartily, Careless said if he would provide him with a horse he would esteem it a very great favour.