"No, you cannot, Trevanion, you cannot. Still you are not going to leave Trevanion."
"I am afraid it cannot be helped."
"Many things are possible when kings speak."
"I am afraid I do not understand," I said with a fast-beating heart.
"Then I will make you understand. I have, as I told you, but just returned from London; I have held converse with his gracious majesty, King George II. I have told him your story. I have informed him of the signal service you have rendered."
"Yes, my lord," I said, like one in a dream.
"He is not ungrateful, nay, he is much pleased; and as a reward for your fidelity and bravery, Trevanion is yours free of all incumbrances."
What followed after that I have but a dim remembrance, for indeed I was unable to pay much heed to the details which he communicated to me. Enough that Trevanion was mine, and that I could now give a home to my dear maid.
"With regard to the other matter," went on Hugh Boscawen, "the King could not interfere. The question of the law comes in, and the law is sacred. The matter is not yet settled, but I am afraid everything will pass to the next of kin."
I said nothing, and although I knew it would be a sore blow to my dear maid, I am afraid it troubled me but little, for had I not Trevanion to offer her?