They took their
leave of the prince, who thanked them for their long and meritorious
services; and they then hastened to King Charles, who had left Spain
and come to the Low Countries. At the time of their joining the king,
Richard, the son of Cromwell, who had been nominated Protector, had
resigned, and every thing was ready for the Restoration.
On the 15th of May, 1660, the news arrived that Charles had been
proclaimed king on the 8th, and a large body of gentlemen went to
invite him over. The king sailed from Scheveling, was met at Dover by
General Monk, and conducted to London, which he entered amid the
acclamations of the people, on the 29th of the same month.
We may leave the reader to suppose that Edward, Chaloner, and
Grenville were among the most favored of those in his train. As the
procession moved slowly along the Strand, through a countless
multitude, the windows of all the houses were filled with well-dressed
ladies, who waved their white kerchiefs to the king and his attendant
suit. Chaloner, Edward, and Grenville, who rode side by side as
gentlemen in waiting, were certainly the most distinguished among the
king's retinue.
"Look, Edward," said Chaloner, "at those lovely girls at yon window.
Do you recognize them?"
"Indeed I do not.
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