Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/284

 "Is by no means in good spirits: why I know not. We have too many ministers with his army, that is certain, and they do harm; but we cannot 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 anti-room, 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."

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 towards 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.