“Sir Rufus,” said the King, gravely, “we ride at once to Oxford, our loyal, loving Oxford. Take order for this on the instant. The Lady Brilliana resumes her command of Loyalty House, with our royal thanks for her man’s spirit and our royal sympathy for her woman’s heart. As for the stranger within our gates, we have of our clemency given him full leave to go hence in all freedom, not without some private supplications that Heaven may be pleased to lift a misguided gentleman into a better way of life.”
Sir Rufus opened his lips as if to speak, and then closed them again without speaking. He knew well enough how stubborn the King could be on occasion, and that there was no hope for him to win his game with the King’s help. He saluted the King and left the presence with fury in his heart.
The King turned to Evander.
“Go, sir,” he commanded, “and make ready for your departure, which should follow promptly upon mine, for I do not think the atmosphere of Oxford will be sweet breathing for gentlemen of your inclining from this out. I give you half an hour from my riding to say your adieus to your sweet saint here. Farewell.”
Evander fell on one knee.
“Your Majesty,” he pleaded, “permit me to kiss your hand.” The King smiled whimsically, yet a thought wistfully.
“You are a gentle rebel,” he said, and held out his fine, white hand for Evander’s salutation. Then the young soldier rose, and with one look of love to Brilliana, left the room. Charles stood with his grave eyes fixed on his hostess, smiling.
“What a thing is civil war!” he sighed. “How it rips through the pretty web of workaday life, dividing sire from son, sundering brother from brother, parting lover from lass! But I was forced to it—I was forced to it.”
“It will end soon, sire,” Brilliana suggested, tears in her eyes at the sadness in his. The King seemed to catch at her speech.