The impression of the priest and Charles Radclyffe was that he was come to prepare a rising, and when they learnt his real design they could scarcely conceal their disappointment. Neither of them, however, ventured to offer a remonstrance, till Father Norham, being urged by the prince to speak out, said: “I fear your majesty will find the queen impracticable. Moreover, she has already named the Elector of Hanover her successor.” “But she may change her mind, good father.” “Her ministers will not allow her to do so, my liege. They are resolved upon a Protestant succession--and so is she. Renounce your religion, and you will succeed--not otherwise.” “I have already said as much to his majesty,” observed Lord Derwentwater. “But he entertains a better opinion of the queen than I do.” “I am unwilling to believe that she will disregard her father's dying injunctions,” said the prince. “Bear in mind that she has never seen me. When we meet, the voice of natural affection will make itself heard. She will then become sensible of the great wrong she has done me, and hasten to make atonement. She will feel that by her wicked and unnatural conduct she has incurred Heaven's displeasure. Her own children have been taken from her. Other severe chastisements may follow, if not averted. These are the arguments I shall employ.” “And they will fail in effect, my liege, because her heart is hardened, and she is blind to her sinfulness,” said the priest. “She would rather sacrifice her brother than help to re-establish our religion.” “Trust me, my liege, Father Norham has formed a just estimate of the queen's character,” said Lord Derwentwater. “'Tis vain to appeal to good feelings, where none exist.” “But I do not believe she is so utterly devoid of natural affection as her conduct would seem to bespeak,” said the prince. “You shall judge from what I am about to tell you. I have solicited a private interview with her in Saint James's Palace, and she has granted my request.” “Granted it!” exclaimed Lord Dervventwater in astonishment, that was shared by the others. “Ay,” replied the prince. “My letter was conveyed by a faithful friend, and the answer to it was that her majesty would see me. Nothing more. But that was all I asked. She felt compunction for her ill doing, or she would have refused my request.” “But how will you obtain admittance to her, my liege?” asked Lord Derwentwater. “Easily,” replied the prince. “The Earl of Mar will usher me into her presence.” “This certainly seems favourable, and alters my view of the matter,” said the earl. “Yet it may be a device of Harley to ensnare your majesty. Are you certain that your letter reached the queen?” “My emissary would not deceive me,” replied the prince. “He is as loyal as yourself.” “If I may speak plainly to your majesty,” remarked Charles Radclyffe, “I would say that I have still great doubts. The queen may delude you with false hopes to keep you quiet.”