"I have wanted you, Chaloner," said Middleton; "we are raising a troop
of horse; the Duke of Buckingham commands it, but Massey will be the
real leader of it; you have influence in this county, and will, I have
no doubt, bring us many good hands."
"Where is the Earl of Derby?"
"Joined us this morning; we have marched so quick that we have not had
time to pick our adherents up."
"And General Leslie?"
"Is by no means in good spirits: why, I know not. We have too many
ministers with the army, that is certain, and they do harm; but we can
not help ourselves. His majesty must be visible by this time; if you
are ready, I will introduce you; and, when that is done, we will talk
matters over."
General Middleton then walked with them to the house in which the king
had taken up his quarters for the night; and after a few minutes'
waiting in the anteroom, they were admitted into his presence.
"Allow me, your majesty," said General Middleton, after the first
salutations, "to present to you Major Chaloner, whose father's name is
not unknown to you."
"On the contrary, well known to us," replied the king, "as a loyal and
faithful subject whose loss we must deplore. I have no doubt that his
son inherits his courage and his fidelity.
Pages:
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385