And there were not wanting particular reasons to dispose Charles to
favour and forgiveness in this instance. Though Elliot had concealed the
fact at Maufant, he was in fact a married man. His wife was the daughter
of the Mrs. Wyndham who had been the king's nurse. To this family
connection he owed his first introduction to the royal household, which
had been constantly improved by his lawless and pushing nature. A
contemporary remarked of Elliot that "he was not one who would receive
any injury from his modesty." The late king's grave and virtuous mind
had been greatly alienated by these things, and he had once dismissed
him from his family. The passionate youth had recovered his position
owing to the Wyndham influence, but he came back with illwill in his
heart. The memory of the royal martyr inspired him with scant reverence,
nor did he feel either respect or compassion for the queen-mother. From
these sentiments, however, one advantage flowed. Elliot was bitterly
opposed to Jermyn and the French interest, and made use of his
opportunities about the king's person to strengthen him in a like
opposition. So it came to pass that, after sulking an hour, the facile
master not only pardoned the petulant servant, but promoted him to be a
groom of the bedchamber; and the return was made in an increased
persistence in efforts on Elliot's part to amuse the king and flatter
all his propensities, whether political or personal.

The "Indian summer," or _été de S. Martin_, was at its height in Jersey,
when Carteret, obtaining Charles's ready acquiescence, resolved on
ordering a general review of the militia. Soon after daybreak on the
30th October the population began streaming in from all parishes, under
the mild splendour of a cloudless heaven. The scene was on the sands of
S. Aubin's Bay, between the Mont Patibulaire and Millbrook. On the right
wing stood two squadrons of mounted infantry, with their standards
displayed in the morning breeze. On the left were the parish batteries,