"But you observe God His line?"
"Yes, Sir. At least, I try to."
"We all do that, I suppose. The pity is that we do not succeed more consistently … Well, Mr. Mallock, I have nothing for you at present. I am a great deal too busy. These ladies, you know, demand so much. I suppose you heard one of them laugh just now?"
"I hear nothing but Your Majesty's commands," I said very meekly.
Charles laughed again and began to walk up and down.
"Well—and there are all these clockwork businesses, and chymical and the like. And there is so much to eat and drink and see: and there are the affairs of the kingdom—I had forgot that. Well; I have no time at present, Mr. Mallock, as you can see for yourself. But I will not forget you, if I want you. Where do you lodge?"
I named my lodgings in Covent Garden.
"And I have a cousin, Sir," I said, "who has bidden me to his house in
Hare Street. I shall be here or there."
"His name?"
"Thomas Jermyn, Sir."