“‘No, I dare say not—at present, perhaps; but you will, ere many years,’ said Ashton, smiling. “‘Well, you may talk in riddles as much as you like; but, if I knew the scamp who did this, he should have to pay dearly for it.’ “‘I feel certain of that. You may rest assured he will never die a natural death, if he lives a hundred years.’ “Ashton spoke in parables to the old man, who did not comprehend; but there was so much earnestness and solemnity in his few words, that Colonel Temple was curious to divine his meaning, but could not. “‘I do not understand you yet, sir,’ said the old colonel, with a red face. ‘I know that there is a strong party growing up in the land against King Charles; but surely Captain Lawrence can have nothing to do with it? He is too young yet to be mixed up deeply in politics.’ “‘No, colonel, he is not; but, on the contrary, is one of the finest writers of the day, and has aided the king’s cause not a little.’ “‘Indeed.’ “‘Yes. Do you know much of this Redgill, who was at Lord Stoner’s ball to-night?’ “‘Redgill—yes. He is one of the loud-mouthed party who cry against the king, and that, for one reason, makes them enemies. But you do not mean to say, surely, that Redgill did this horrid deed?’ “‘All I mean to say, colonel, is this,’ said Ashton—‘there is a deadly hatred between them, for I believe Redgill has offered his hand to your daughter Clare, and been refused.’ “‘Why, I’d rather have the devil for a son-in-law than him. But what makes your lip tremble, Ashton?’ “‘Because I hold a great secret regarding Lawrence!’ “‘Indeed!’ “‘Yes; but before I tell it to you let me ask you one question.’ “‘Name it.’ “‘Would you ever object to Clare marrying the man of her choice?’ “‘Marrying the man of her choice?’ said the old colonel, in surprise. ‘Why, of course not; if he was a fit and proper person, you know.’ “‘Well, if Lawrence here were to propose for your daughter, I mean.’ “‘I should not; but still I can scarcely understand you, for, if he lives, I think he will aspire to one of rank and station. But if he did propose for Clare I should have no objection in the world. But you must understand, Ashton, that I speak thus in all confidence, for I fancy he would never do so, for, until very lately, Clare has been most distant towards him, and why it is that she shows so much liking for his company now is a puzzle to me.’ “‘Well, then, colonel,’ said Ashton, ‘as you have been so open-minded to me in this matter I will act likewise, and tell you all I know. Do you see any likeness in Lawrence to any great living personage?’ asked Ashton, in a serious mood. “A likeness to any living personage?’ said the colonel, with an uncertain look. ‘Why, now I come to gaze on him the more, I think I do.’ “And whom does he resemble, think you?’ “‘Why, he is as much like what King Charles used to be when a young man as two peas in a pod,’ said the colonel. ‘I have often heard it remarked before.’