“Under which King, Bezonian?” King Henry IV Part II...

To my mother and father....

A large gentleman was strolling from group to group in one of the great galleries of Whitehall. He was very exquisite, this gentleman, adorned with all the coloured silks, velvets and furbelows which ...

A large gentleman was strolling from group to group in one of the great galleries of Whitehall. He was very exquisite, this gentleman, adorned with all the coloured silks, velvets and furbelows which ...

By the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, an...

Roxhythe made his way back to the gallery. He found it crowded, and across the room caught sight of the King sitting with la belle Stewart, and laughing boisterously at some witty shaft aimed by Killi...

Thus did Christopher enter the service of Roxhythe against his will, against his inner promptings. When once the step was taken, he resolutely choked the warning voice within him, and refused to recon...

During the coach journey to Rotterdam, Christopher suffered from suppressed excitement, much to Roxhythe’s amusement. As soon as they arrived at the inn Roxhythe retired to his room, leaving Christoph...

Roxhythe clattered through the streets of Delft until he came to a likely inn. There he drew rein, and there he lunched. In spite of his air of leisure he was well on his way again within the hour. By...

Roxhythe had scarcely finished his breakfast next morning when once again Mr. Dart was announced. Roderick was colder than ever. He returned King Charles’ ring to my lord. “His Highness commands me to...

To Christopher, waiting by the window, came the hoot of an owl, twice repeated. In an instant he was on his feet, and had leant out of the casement. Roxhythe’s voice reached him. “That rope, Chris! ’T...

Gorgeous in a pale-blue velvet suit with crimson facings and ribbons, and much rich lace, the Most Noble the Marquis of Roxhythe entered the doors of Whitehall. He carried his gloves and his cane in o...

Christopher settled down very quickly on his return from Holland and took up his abode at Bevan House, Charing Cross. His duties as secretary were not arduous, and consisted for the most part of atten...

Christopher settled down very quickly on his return from Holland and took up his abode at Bevan House, Charing Cross. His duties as secretary were not arduous, and consisted for the most part of atten...

James, Duke of York, sat at the table drumming on it with restless fingers. Charles, the King, lolled as usual on the window-seat, playing with one of his spaniels. Sir Thomas Clifford, Chancellor, sa...

Thus began the negotiations between the Kings of France and England. They were necessarily slow, and they entailed many journeys for the favourite to and from Paris. Christopher noticed that the Frenc...

“That nice child has been here today,” remarked Lady Frances, suddenly. “I am at a loss.” Her husband looked up, smiling. “A novel experience for you, my dear. What child?” “Christopher Dart. David’s ...

It was some weeks later that Christopher met an old friend, whom he had not seen for some years. He saw him in the Strand one morning, coming out of one of the houses. He caught his arm. “Sydney Harco...

Before Roxhythe went again to Paris he craved and was granted an interview with the King. The Duke of York was present, and from his uneasy bearing and his black looks, Roxhythe guessed that he was as...

On Friday, two days after Roxhythe’s departure for France, Christopher set out to visit his friend Harcourt at his house in Great Queen Street. He was pleased to renew the acquaintance, but he could n...

Roxhythe proceeded to Paris in a blaze of magnificence, and on his arrival went at once to the Louvre, to the apartments of M. le Comte de Saint-Aignan. The doors flew open before him, and he was ushe...

Lord Ashley-Cooper desired to see Mr. Dart. Lord Ashley-Cooper was conducted to the library. Christopher was not there, so my lord was requested to wait. My lord sat down. He surveyed his surroundings...

During the weeks that followed Roxhythe lived almost entirely in France. At first Louis refused to countenance Charles’ demands, and it needed much skilful diplomacy and tender handling to persuade hi...

Summer. Christopher sat on the broad terrace at Bevan Court, looking out across the gardens into the blue haze. Before him the great house reared up its turrets, creeper-hung, against the cloudless sk...

“Never was there a man so beset!” Roxhythe looked amusedly across at his master. “Was there not, Sir?” “Never.” Charles spoke gloomily. “I swear I do not know why ever I came back to such an importuna...

“Never was there a man so beset!” Roxhythe looked amusedly across at his master. “Was there not, Sir?” “Never.” Charles spoke gloomily. “I swear I do not know why ever I came back to such an importuna...

Lady Crewe was disconsolate. Out of the corner of her eye she watched my Lord Roxhythe paying his respects to Mlle. Charlotte d’Almond. Charlotte was of the Duchess of Portsmouth’s household, somethin...

Roxhythe shut the door. “And now what is it?” Crewe was standing by the fire. At my lord’s words he swung round. “It is this, sir! I’ll not have my wife’s name dishonoured by such as you! For nearly t...

At Drury Lane Christopher met Harcourt. They sat side by side in the Pit, and during the intervals, exchanged confidences. After the play they went together to partake of supper. When the dishes had b...

’76 dawned softly. In England there was no Parliament, for in November of ’75 it had refused Charles a grant of money; had even dared to insinuate that he should be in possession of a surplus. It was ...

My lord lay in bed, propped up on pillows, rather weak from copious bleeding, but otherwise himself. The surgeon had been amazed at his nonchalance, well as he knew him, for the wound was deep, and th...

The wound was slow in healing, and Roxhythe grew impatient. Then, unexpectedly, came the King. As before, he was ushered into the sick room, but this time he barely waited for Roxhythe to speak before...

Contrary to his expectations Christopher met with no opposition on his journey to Flanders. He encountered but a single inquisitive gentleman, and he was inquisitive only on one point. The point was w...

Christopher settled down to his old life very quickly. England was in a state of unrest. In February of the next year Parliament met again. There was universal excitement, and some cries were directed...

All that day and the next Christopher avoided Roxhythe. He was battling with himself, fighting against what he believed to be wrong. The blow to his patriotism had been severe, the blow to his love fo...

In April of 1677 Christopher left Roxhythe after nine long years and took rooms in Cheapside. After the first struggle he seemed to sink into a state of apathy. He hardly stirred from his rooms and he...

In April of 1677 Christopher left Roxhythe after nine long years and took rooms in Cheapside. After the first struggle he seemed to sink into a state of apathy. He hardly stirred from his rooms and he...

“My dear David, it is a marvellous scheme.” Roxhythe turned his hand so that the rings on it flashed in the sunlight. “It seems very well. But what says the Prince?” He was walking with the King in th...

My Lord Roxhythe escorted His Highness round the Privy Gardens. William surveyed the scene interestedly. “It is almost⁠—Holland!” he said. Roxhythe smiled. “His Majesty is very proud of the garden. He...

Lady Frances received the Darts very cordially. She succeeded in captivating Roderick, no easy task, and he afterwards told his brother that she was the most charming woman he had ever met. Fanny was ...

When William of Orange was wedded to the Lady Mary, in November, England rejoiced. On the eve of the wedding-day the streets of London were packed with jubilant citizens who made bonfires, and cheered...

Christopher wrote to Roderick, advising him of his coming to the Hague, and quickly made all his arrangements. Now that he had made his decision he was almost glad to be going. He longed to leave Engl...

It was very cold. Outside a drizzling rain fell on the bleak gardens. The gaunt tree branches were wet and shining. Charles sat by the fire in his room, nursing a spaniel. His dark eyes were brooding,...

After ten years Christopher returned to Holland. Much of it he had forgotten, much brought back old memories, poignant in their nearness to him. He had travelled from Harwich to Rotterdam, spending on...

“Trouble, trouble, naught but trouble!” Charles flung out his hands hopelessly. “Shaftesbury, Russell, Cavendish! What is to be done?” Roxhythe smiled. “Do you despair, Sir?” “Do I ever despair? But t...

“Trouble, trouble, naught but trouble!” Charles flung out his hands hopelessly. “Shaftesbury, Russell, Cavendish! What is to be done?” Roxhythe smiled. “Do you despair, Sir?” “Do I ever despair? But t...

Cautiously did my Lord Holles set about the business of snaring Roxhythe. It took some little time to win this trump card to his side, but he did it at length, marvelling at his own sagacity and cunni...

So the Duke of Monmouth went to Scotland. A mysterious tale arose. It was rumoured that the King had married Lucy Walters. There was much talk of a marriage certificate sealed in a certain box. Roxhyt...

Sir Jasper came slowly into his wife’s room. Lady Frances knew from his face that he was troubled. She could guess the cause. She was reading a letter from Christopher, but it fell to the ground as sh...

“David, ye are a rogue! We see you less and less at Whitehall!” said Charles. Roxhythe smiled. “I crave your pardon, Sir. In truth, I am busied with Your Majesty’s affairs.” “Let be! They are very wel...

“All is meet for the sacrifice,” remarked Roxhythe. Charles looked up, interested. “Am I to know at last?” Roxhythe smiled. “In truth you have been very much in the dark, Sir. You are to know.” “Then ...

Lady Frances regarded her cousin thoughtfully. “I often wonder, David, how you triumphed.” Roxhythe showed signs of interest. “When? And how?” “When Russell died, and Essex killed himself.” Roxhythe r...

“Madam, my lord sees no one.” Lady Frances stamped. “I tell you I am his cousin! I will enter!” The footman held his ground. “I crave your ladyship’s pardon, but I dare not admit you.” Lady Frances co...

My Lord Sunderland spoke humbly. “Sire, I think it were best to leave Roxhythe.” James’ eyes flashed. “What now? Does he refuse to leave the country?” “He hinted, Sir, that it would serve him better t...

Lady Fanny turned the page. “… My Heart bleeds for my deare Master. Give him Love, and Tell him howe Grately I do feel for him. The Newes of King Charles His Deathe shocked me beyond Measure. I dare n...

“My lady, there is a lackey from Bevan House who desires speech with you.” Lady Frances was surprised. “So? I’ll come.” She went downstairs. When she saw John she smiled. “Well John? You’ve a mess⁠—” ...