‘Not a man of them,’ said Redgauntlet.
‘I trust,’ said Dr. Grumball, ‘that there are no Catholic priests in his company. I would not intrude on the private conscience of my sovereign, but, as an unworthy son of the Church of England, it is my duty to consider her security.’
‘Not a Popish dog or cat is there, to bark or mew about his Majesty,’ said Redgauntlet. ‘Old Shaftesbury himself could not wish a prince’s person more secure from Popery—which may not be the worst religion in the world, notwithstanding. Any more doubts, gentlemen? can no more plausible reasons be discovered for postponing the payment of our duty, and discharge of our oaths and engagements? Meantime your king waits your declaration—by my faith he hath but a frozen reception!’
‘Redgauntlet,’ said Sir Richard Glendale, calmly, ‘your reproaches shall not goad me into anything of which my reason disapproves. That I respect my engagement as much as you do, is evident, since I am here, ready to support it with the best blood in my veins. But has the king really come hither entirely unattended?’
‘He has no man with him but young ———, as aide de camp, and a single valet de chambre.’
‘No MAN—but, Redgauntlet, as you are a gentleman, has he no woman with him?’
Redgauntlet cast his eyes on the ground and replied, ‘I am sorry to say—he has.’
The company looked at each other, and remained silent for a moment. At length Sir Richard proceeded. ‘I need not repeat to you, Mr. Redgauntlet, what is the well-grounded opinion of his Majesty’s friends concerning that most unhappy connexion there is but one sense and feeling amongst us upon the subject. I must conclude that our humble remonstrances were communicated by you, sir, to the king?’
‘In the same strong terms in which they were couched,’ replied Redgauntlet. ‘I love his Majesty’s cause more than I fear his displeasure.’
‘But, apparently, our humble expostulation has produced no effect. This lady, who has crept into his bosom, has a sister in the Elector of Hanover’s court, and yet we are well assured that our most private communication is placed in her keeping.’