Careless's appearance caused some excitement among the company. As we have intimated, he was known to Lady Wyndham, who received him very cordially, and after he had said a few words to her he was presented in due form to the other ladies. When the presentation had taken place, Colonel Wyndham remarked: "Major Careless brings us very good news. The rumour we have heard of the king's death at Worcester is utterly unfounded. His majesty is safe and well." "I can vouch for that, since I only left him this morning," added Careless. Joyful exclamations arose from all. Juliana clapped her hands together, and called out: "I knew it! I knew the king was safe. Nothing would persuade me to the contrary. And I am just as sure now that he will escape his enemies, and regain the throne." "His majesty will be delighted to find he has such a zealous partisan," observed Careless, smiling at her vivacity. "You must give him the assurance from your own lips." "I should like to have an opportunity of doing so," she rejoined. "Then your wish will be speedily gratified, Juliana," said Colonel Wyndham. "You will very soon have an opportunity of conversing with the king." His wife and Lady Wyndham were greatly surprised by the announcement, and questioned him as to its meaning by their looks; but Juliana called out: "You are jesting with me, Frank." "Not so," he rejoined. "But I won't keep you longer in suspense. Learn then that the king is coming here." "His majesty coming to Trent!" exclaimed Juliana, again clapping her hands. "Oh! that is delightful. I have longed so much to see him." "Moderate yourself, my love," said Mrs. Wyndham, who looked scarcely less pleased. "You are his majesty's harbinger, I suppose?" said Lady Wyndham to Careless. "Your ladyship is right," he replied. "I have attended the king ever since the great disaster at Worcester. Several attempts which he has made to escape to France, have been frustrated, and he has therefore resolved to abide a time when the vigilance of his enemies shall relax. With this design he has fixed upon Trent House as a retreat, feeling well assured that he has not a more devoted adherent than Colonel Francis Wyndham." "His majesty has formed a just opinion of my son," said Lady Wyndham. "He will be quite safe under his roof." "Women are not generally trusted with important secrets," observed Mrs. Wyndham. "But his majesty need fear no indiscretion on our part. Juliana is sometimes rather thoughtless, but she will now see the necessity of keeping strict guard upon her tongue." "I have never yet had a secret confided to me," said the young lady in question; "but if everybody is as careful as I shall be his majesty won't be in much danger." "I have already assured Major Careless that the servants can be relied upon," said Colonel Wyndham. "Yes, they are all perfectly faithful and honest," said his wife. "But of course every precaution shall be observed."