“‘Well, then, colonel, to speak plainly, I cannot, and must not, if I would. My great surprise is that I was not also a victim.’
“‘You a victim? Why, you speak strangely, as if there existed some conspiracy. I cannot understand it.’
“‘No, I dare say not—at present, perhaps; but you will, ere many years,’ said Ashton, smiling.
“‘Well, you may talk in riddles as much as you like; but, if I knew the scamp who did this, he should have to pay dearly for it.’
“‘I feel certain of that. You may rest assured he will never die a natural death, if he lives a hundred years.’
“Ashton spoke in parables to the old man, who did not comprehend; but there was so much earnestness and solemnity in his few words, that Colonel Temple was curious to divine his meaning, but could not.
“‘I do not understand you yet, sir,’ said the old colonel, with a red face. ‘I know that there is a strong party growing up in the land against King Charles; but surely Captain Lawrence can have nothing to do with it? He is too young yet to be mixed up deeply in politics.’
“‘No, colonel, he is not; but, on the contrary, is one of the finest writers of the day, and has aided the king’s cause not a little.’
“‘Indeed.’
“‘Yes. Do you know much of this Redgill, who was at Lord Stoner’s ball to-night?’