s Crawley, having gone
over to the Prince of Orange's side--my lord became the most considerable
person in our part of the county for the affairs of the king.

It was arranged that the regiment of Scots Greys and Dragoons, then
quartered at Newbury, should declare for the king on a certain day, when
likewise the gentry affected to his Majesty's cause were to come in with
their tenants and adherents to Newbury, march upon the Dutch troops at
Reading under Ginckel; and, these overthrown, and their indomitable little
master away in Ireland, 'twas thought that our side might move on London
itself, and a confident victory was predicted for the king.

As these great matters were in agitation, my lord lost his listless manner
and seemed to gain health; my lady did not scold him, Mr. Holt came to and
fro, busy always; and little Harry longed to have been a few inches
taller, that he might draw a sword in this good cause.

One day, it must have been about the month of July, 1690, my lord, in a
great horseman's coat, under which Harry could see the shining of a steel
breastplate he had on, called little Harry to him, put the hair off the
child's forehead, and kissed him, and bade God bless him in such an
affectionate way as he never had used before. Father Holt blessed him too,
and then they took leave of my lady viscountess, who came from her
apartment with a pocket-handkerchief to her eyes, and her gentlewoman and
Mrs. Tusher supporting her.

"You are going to--to ride," says she. "Oh, that I might come too!--but in
my situation I am forbidden horse exercise."

"We kiss my lady marchioness's hand," says Mr. Holt.

"My lord, God speed you!" she said, stepping up and embracing my lord in a
grand manner. "Mr. Holt, I ask your blessing:" and she knelt down for
that, whilst Mrs. Tusher tossed her head up.

Mr. Holt gave the same benediction to the little page, who went down and
held my lord's stirrups for him to mount; there were two servants waiting
there too--and they rode out of Castlewood gate.

As they crossed the bridge Harry could see an officer in scarlet ride up
touching his hat, and address my lord.

The party stopped, and came to some parley or discussion, which presently
ended, my lord putting his horse into a canter after taking off his hat
and making a bow to the officer who rode alongside him step for step: the
trooper accompanying him, falling back, and riding with my lord's two men.
They cantered over the G