And as he spoke he took a leather bag from his saddle-bow.
"Put back the bag, Sir John," said Charles. "I do not require the money."
And he made a movement as if about to depart.
"For Heaven's sake stay, my gracious liege, and say something kind to him," whispered Juliana to the king. "You will break the old man's heart if you depart thus. I will answer for it that he is devoted to your majesty."
"Well, perhaps, I have been too easily moved," replied Charles in the same low tone. "I have bethought me, Sir John," he added to him. "I may need this money, and I will therefore borrow it from you. Take the bag, Careless. That you are sincere in your professions of zeal I nothing doubt, but I now want energetic action."
"Were my sons at home, my liege," said Sir John, whose accents showed that he was much distressed, "they would procure you a vessel, I am certain. But I am too old——"
"Enough!" cried the king. "I have been too hasty in my judgment. I perceive that I was wrong."
And as he spoke he extended his hand towards the old Cavalier, which the other pressed gratefully to his lips.
This gracious action operated like balm upon Sir John's wounded feelings. He attended the king to the park gate, and as they rode thither, Charles conversed with him in the most affable manner, and completely effaced all painful impressions.