bluff sea-faring man, little used to obey, yet anxious, in that
presence, to be deferential; with an unmistakable pugnacity varnished
over with a gloss of _ruse_. There being but one arm-chair in the room
Charles took his seat upon it, and awaited the advice of his friends who
perforce remained standing.

"I have sent for you, my Lords and gentlemen, to confer on the matter
brought me by Mr. La Cloche, the Rector of St. Owen, and Chaplain to Sir
George Carteret."

Hopton opened the conference, speaking in a dull, precise manner, from
the lips only, hardly opening his teeth:--

"May it please you Sir, Mr. La Cloche hath reported to me, as I met him
returning from your presence, that while he was imparting to your
Highness--I may say, your Majesty--a matter of great moment, there was
one hid in the room that played the eavesdropper. Before proceeding
farther I would humbly ask...."

"Hold there, my Lord," broke in Charles. "Remember, I pray you,
that--howbeit our present power, by the malice of our enemies, be
brought to a narrow pass, we are still, by the grace of God your King,
of full age, moreover, and no longer to be schooled. As touching what
anyone may have heard here, by our consent, we need answer to no man;
neither to Mr. La Cloche nor to your Lordship. There is, however, no one
but ourselves in this room, as you may clearly see. As to the matter of
the priest's discourse, we opine that it is already known to you. It is
of that matter that we now seek to know your minds."

The words were not ungracefully uttered; but Hopton found no immediate