As Elliot hurriedly obeyed, the door slowly opened, giving entrance to the Rector of S. Owen. The worthy clergyman still wore the gown and bands in which he had preached in the forenoon, and carried in his hand the four-cornered but boardless college-cap which formed part of the clerical costume of those days. Bestowing upon the youthful King a look whose awestruck humility was at curious variance with the respective ages and appearance of the two, and making an awkward obeisance, Mr. La Cloche spoke:—
"I crave your pardon, Sir. Receiving no reply to my knock I presumed to enter, deeming mine errand an excuse."
Charles pointed to a seat and drew himself up with dignity:—
"It needs no further excuse, reverend Sir, say on, and fear nothing." La Cloche seated himself on the corner of the chair.
"It is my humble duty to warn your Majesty that Jersey is no suitable place for your residence," he said.
"We are very much of your mind," answered Charles, "but how made you the mighty discovery?"
"I have been dining," answered the clergyman, "in company with the Honourable Sir Edward Nicholas, Knight, Secretary of State to your Majesty. Certain of your Majesty's affectionate servants and well-wishers were of the party, as also the Lieutenant-Governor, who was the host. The discourse was grave; and albeit without permission of the gentlemen—yet, in virtue of mine office, I hope I but anticipate their humble duty to your Majesty, if I take upon myself to lay their thoughts before you."
"And for your own part, Sir, as a Jerseyman having, both by religion and as a Member of the States, the means of knowing what the people think, you would fain join your own private word to those who are refusing an asylum to Charles Stuart in the dominions of his fathers. You had better let them speak for themselves."
The clergyman shuffled in his uneasy seat. The perspicacity of the young man—it is a part of a Prince's stock-in-trade—had taken him by surprise.
"I am an old man," he faltered, "unversed in affairs of State. If it be true, however, that the Lord Jermyn...."