Page 284 - A Jacobite Exile

Chapter 16

: In England Again.

Charlie was received with delight by his father, whom he had not seen
since the spring of the previous year.

"Then you got my letter, Charlie?" Sir Marmaduke asked, when the first

greetings were over. "And yet, I do not see how you could have done so. It
is little over a fortnight since I wrote, and I had not looked for you for
another month yet."

"I have certainly received no letter, father. A fortnight ago I was in a

Russian prison, and my arrival here, in so short a time, seems to me almost
miraculous;" and he then briefly related his singular experiences.

"Now about the letter, father," he said, as he concluded. "I suppose you
must have written to ask me to get leave for a time, as it seems that you

were expecting me shortly. I suppose you felt that you would like me with
you, for a time."

"So I should, lad, of that you may be sure, but I should not have called you
away for that. No, I had this letter the other day from old Banks. You know

he writes to me once a year. His letters have been only gossip so far, for
you know my precious cousin kicked him out of the house, as soon as he
took possession; but this is a different matter. Read it for yourself."

Charlie took the letter, and with some trouble spelt through the crabbed

handwriting.

It began:

"Honoured sir and master, I hope that this finds you and Captain Charles

both well in health. I have been laid up with rhematis in the bones, having
less comfort in my lodgings than I used to have at Lynnwood. Your honour
will have heard that King William has fallen from his horse, and broken his