"Let no one speak but yourself, my liege, and there can be no wrangling, no contention." "That is indisputable," said Charles. At this moment a sound was heard in the passage. "Some one is without!" exclaimed the king. "But be it whom it may, I will not be disturbed." Thereupon Careless left the chamber, but almost immediately returned. "I have disobeyed your majesty," he said; "but I am sure you will pardon me." As the very distinguished-looking personage who had entered with him advanced slowly towards the king, Charles perceived who he was, and sprang forward, exclaiming: "Welcome, my dear Lord Derby! Welcome to Worcester! Of all men living you are the one I most desired to see. Once more, welcome! You have arrived most opportunely. We are on the eve of a great battle--a battle that must decide my fate!--and I could not have fought it successfully without you." "Thank Heaven I have arrived in time!" cried the earl. "I was aware that a battle was imminent, and almost despaired of reaching Worcester in time to take part in it; but here I am at last, ready to fight for your majesty." "You can do more than merely fight for me, my lord," said Charles. "You can give me the benefit of your advice. I sadly want a counsellor." "I fancied you had already too many counsellors, sire," observed the earl. "Nay, that is true," rejoined Charles. "But I want a leader like yourself--entirely devoted to me--one who will not thwart me. Heaven has sent you to me at the right moment, and my hopes are now revived." "If I had not been protected by Heaven, I could not have overcome the difficulties I have had to encounter in coming hither, my liege," replied the Earl of Derby. "Have you quite recovered from the hurts you got at Wigan, my dear lord?' asked the king, anxiously. "Not entirely, my liege," replied the earl. "Six-and-twenty wounds are not cured in a week. But I am able to sit a horse, and wield a sword. Finding myself strong enough for the journey, I left Boscobel this morn, attended by Captain Giffard of Chillington and his brother, with a dozen of their retainers. We got on without accident or interruption, till within a few miles of Worcester, and though we had quitted the high road, and taken to the fields and lanes in order to avoid the enemy, we were discovered by a party of skirmishers, and chased almost to the gates of the city. We found the Foregate walled up, and so entered by St. Martin's-gate." "The Foregate has been walled up as a matter of precaution," said Charles. "But you look pale, my good lord. Be seated, I beg of you. A cup of wine, Careless." The earl emptied the goblet proffered him. "That has marvellously restored me," he said. "I did feel somewhat faint and exhausted after my long ride." The colour was now, in some degree, restored to the earl's pallid countenance, but as Charles gazed at him with deep interest, he saw how severely he still suffered from his numerous wounds.