“‘I should not; but still I can scarcely understand you, for, if he lives, I think he will aspire to one of rank and station. But if he did propose for Clare I should have no objection in the world. But you must understand, Ashton, that I speak thus in all confidence, for I fancy he would never do so, for, until very lately, Clare has been most distant towards him, and why it is that she shows so much liking for his company now is a puzzle to me.’
“‘Well, then, colonel,’ said Ashton, ‘as you have been so open-minded to me in this matter I will act likewise, and tell you all I know. Do you see any likeness in Lawrence to any great living personage?’ asked Ashton, in a serious mood.
“A likeness to any living personage?’ said the colonel, with an uncertain look. ‘Why, now I come to gaze on him the more, I think I do.’
“And whom does he resemble, think you?’
“‘Why, he is as much like what King Charles used to be when a young man as two peas in a pod,’ said the colonel. ‘I have often heard it remarked before.’
“‘Yes, he is like the king,’ said Ashton, ‘and I have remarked it also, but never named it to him; but certain circumstances have transpired to-day which make me think that there is more than a likeness between them.’
“‘Indeed! how?’ said the colonel, astonished and interested.
“‘At the review there were many distinguished people present, nobles among the number.’
“‘I know it.’
“‘But you do not know that the king was there?’