These studies in secret history follow no chronological order. The
affair of James de la Cloche only attracted the author's attention
after most of the volume was in print. But any reader curious in
the veiled intrigues of the Restoration will probably find it
convenient to peruse 'The Mystery of James de la Cloche' after the
essay on 'The Valet's Master,' as the puzzling adventures of de la
Cloche occurred in the years (1668-1669), when the Valet was
consigned to lifelong captivity, and the Master was broken on the
wheel. What would have been done to 'Giacopo Stuardo' had he been a
subject of Louis XIV., ''tis better only guessing.' But his fate,
whoever he may have been, lay in the hands of Lord Ailesbury's 'good
King,' Charles II., and so he had a good deliverance.

The author is well aware that whosoever discusses historical
mysteries pleases the public best by being quite sure, and offering
a definite and certain solution. Unluckily Science forbids, and
conscience is on the same side. We verily do not know how the false
Pucelle arrived at her success with the family of the true Maid; we
do not know, or pretend to know, who killed Sir Edmund Berry
Godfrey; or how Amy Robsart came by her death; or why the Valet was
so important a prisoner. It is only possible to restate the cases,
and remove, if we may, the errors and confusions which beset the
problems. Such a tiny point as the year of Amy Robsart's marriage
is stated variously by our historians. To ascertain the truth gave
the author half a day's work, and, at last, he would have voted for
the wrong year, had he not been aided by the superior acuteness of
his friend, Mr. Hay Fleming. He feels morally certain that, in
trying to set historians right about Amy Robsart, he must have
committed some conspicuous blunders; these always attend such