ng Charles the First, and he
broke their vows; and that, had they proved faithful to the people, the
people would have proved faithful to them. We none of us believe it was
right to cut off King Charles's head; but when it was very evident that
James wished to make himself a despot, and to introduce the Romish faith
again, we all think it was quite right that he should have been
dismissed from the country."

"Oh, you are a dreadful Roundhead!" answered Alethea, in a half-vexed
tone, though she laughed at the same time. "I am afraid we shall never
convert you to our principles; and yet, if you come to view the matter
in the light we do, you may see that King James has right on his side."

Alethea then entered into arguments in favour of King James, more fully
than is necessary here, and which it might weary the reader to repeat.
Sometimes, indeed, so well did she argue her cause, that Jack was
inclined to agree with her. Then again remembering the opinions which
he had heard his father and Cousin Nat express, he thought the present
state of things was satisfactory. However, in the end Alethea contrived
to leave him very much in doubt about the matter, and certainly at that
moment, if she had put a sword in his hand, and told him that King James
was coming back, and that he must go and fight under his banner, he
would very probably have obeyed her orders.

The dinner hour at length arrived, when Mr Harwood returned with
several letters in his hand. The Squire treated him with every kindness
and attention, as the son of an old friend, and did not in any way
allude to the subject on which his daughter had been so energetically
expatiating. A stranger coming in would not have heard any thing to
make him suppose that the owner of Harwood Grange was one of the
greatest Jacobites in that part of the country.

"Remember," said Alethea, as Jack's horse was brought round to the front
door, and he was about to mount, "I shall expect to hear that my
arguments have had due effect, and that you will be ready to drink the
health of the king over the water, whenever you hear it proposed."

He gallantly kissed the fair hand held out to him; and receiving a
hearty shake from that of the Squire, he mounted his horse and took his
way towards Nottingham. He returned at a much slower pace than he had
come. A variety of thoughts and feelings troubled his head and his
heart. He thought Alethea the most beautiful creature he had eve