"
The king held out his hand, and Chaloner bent his knee and kissed it.
"And now, your majesty will be surprised that I should present to you
one of a house supposed to be extinct--the eldest son of Colonel
Beverley."
"Indeed!" replied his majesty; "I heard that all his family perished
at the ruthless burning of Arnwood. I hold myself fortunate, as a
king, that even one son of so loyal and brave a gentleman as Colonel
Beverley has escaped. You are welcome, young sir--most welcome to us;
you must be near us; the very name of Beverley will be pleasing to our
ears by night or day."
Edward knelt down and kissed his majesty's hand, and the king said--
"What can we do for a Beverley? let us know, that we may show our
feelings toward his father's memory."
"All I request is, that your majesty will allow me to be near you in
the hour of danger," replied Edward.
"A right Beverley reply," said the king; "and so we shall see to it,
Middleton."
After a few more courteous words from his majesty, they withdrew, but
General Middleton was recalled by the king for a minute or two to
receive his commands. When he rejoined Edward and Chaloner, he said to
Edward--
"I have orders to send in for his majesty's signature your commission
as captain of horse, and attached to the king's personal staff; it is
a high compliment to the memory of your father, sir, and, I may add,
your own personal appearance.
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