CHAPTER VI.
OF THE PARTING BETWEEN THE KING AND JANE LANE.
Next day, however, Charles's cheerfulness for awhile deserted him.He had to part with Jane Lane; and though he was fully prepared forthe event, it caused him a much greater pang than he had anticipated.They had been thrown together so much of late, and she had shown suchdeep and disinterested devotion to him, that he had began to regardher almost as a sister. Throughout their intimate association she haddisplayed so many high and noble qualities, such good judgment anddiscretion, such untiring zeal and intrepidity, that the king must havebeen insensible indeed if he had not rightly estimated her. Jane'scharacter was so pure, so simple, so irreproachable, that it could notbe misrepresented. Charles looked upon her as a superior being, andwhen speaking of her in after years, and alluding to the importantservices she had rendered him, always admitted that he had never metwith her like.
He was seated near a small table when she entered the room, followedby Sir Clement Fisher, who remained near the door, while sheadvanced towards him. Her mournful looks announced her purpose. Charlesimmediately arose, and prevented her from kneeling to him.
"I am come to take leave of your majesty," she said, in a voice thatbetrayed her deep emotion.
"I need not say how grieved I am to part with you, Jane," replied theking, sadly. "In losing you I lose my guardian angel, and I tremblelest my good fortune should desert me. To you--under Heaven!--I ammainly indebted for my preservation."
"If I thought I could render your majesty further assistance nothingwould induce me to quit you," said Jane. "But my task is fulfilled.Others, equally devoted, and better able to serve you, will perform therest. That your speedy deliverance from your foes is at hand I nothingdoubt; and it is that firm conviction which strengthens me at thismoment. My prayers will go with your majesty."
"I thank you from my heart," replied Charles. "I know that I am withthose who are devoted to me, yet somehow I cannot reconcile myself toparting with you. But I will not be thus selfish," he cried. "I willnot impose needless duties upon you. Others must be considered----"
"Jane has my free consent to remain, if she can be of any furtherservice to your majesty," said Sir Clement.
"No--no," cried Charles. "She has done too much already. My chiefregret in parting with you, Jane, is that I cannot requite yourservices, but a time, I trust, will come when I shall be able todo so. Of all who have served me, you have the strongest claim tomy gratitude, and the debt shall not remain undischarged. And now,since the word must be spoken, I will no longer hesitate to pronounceit--farewell to both! I need not wish you happiness, Sir Clement, sinceyou will possess a treasure, such as few men have been fortunate enoughto obtain."
"I know it, my liege," replied Sir Clement, earnestly.
Making a profound reverence to the king, Jane then retired, exclaimingin fervent tones, as she quitted the room:
"Heaven preserve your majesty!"
Charles was much affected by her departure, and remained for someminutes engrossed by painful reflections.
Roused from his reverie by a noise in the yard, he stepped to thewindow, and saw that Jane and Sir Clement had mounted their steeds, andwere bidding adieu to Colonel Wyndham and Juliana. She raised her eyesfor a moment towards the window at which the king was stationed, but hecould not tell whether she perceived him or not. The gate was thrownopen by Peters, hands were waved as they passed through it--and she andSir Clement were gone.
Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651 Page 87
