Page 312 - A Jacobite Exile

"That is my father's name, sir."

"Do I remember him? Why, he was one of my closest friends when I was a
lad, and I once stayed with him at his father's place, for a fortnight, on a

journey I took to the north. But I will read his letter--

"What changes happen," he said, as he laid it down. "To think that Mat

Jervoise should be an exile, his old home in the hands of strangers, and he a
major in the Swedish service; and that I should never have heard a word

about it!

"Well, young sir," and he held out his hand to Harry, "I can promise you

my aid and protection, to the utmost, in whatever matter you may be
concerned. I seem to remember the name of your companion, too."

"His father, Sir Marmaduke, was a neighbour of ours. There has always
been great friendship between the two families."

"Of course, I remember him now. He was some fifteen or twenty years

older than your father. I remember that I went over with your father and
grandfather, and dined at his place. He is still alive and well, I hope?"

"He is both, sir," Charlie said; "but, like Major Jervoise, an exile."

"You amaze me, but I will not ask you to tell me more, now. I have to be at
Saint James's at twelve.

"Let me see, this evening I shall be engaged. Come tomorrow morning, at
half past eight, and I shall then be able to give you an hour, or maybe two,

if necessary, and will then hear the whole story fully."

The young men, on presenting themselves the next morning, at the hour

named, were at once ushered in.

"Now, let us lose no time," the duke said, after shaking hands heartily.
"Which of you will tell the story?"