y
excuses for aiding a person, known to be an enemy of your crown, to
escape from your dominions; but, if I may so far presume to say--it,
there was a reason as well as an excuse which suggested itself to my
mind at the time, and in which your majesty's interests were
concerned."
The King had listened attentively: the frown had gone from his brow;
and he had so far given a sign of approbation, as, when Wilton
mentioned the conduct of the Duke of Berwick, to make a slight
inclination of the head. When the young gentleman concluded, however,
he paused in order to let him go on, always more willing that others
should proceed, than say a single word to bid them do so.
"What is your reason?" he said at last, finding that nothing was
added.
"It was this, sire," replied Wilton; "that I knew the Duke of Berwick
was connected with your majesty's own family; that he was one person
of high character and reputation amongst a vast number of low and
infamous conspirators; that he was perfectly innocent of the dark and
horrible crimes of which they were guilty; and yet, that he must be
considered by the law of the land as a traitor even for setting his
foot upon these shores, and must be concluded by the law and its
ministers under the same punishment and condemnation as all those
assassins and traitors who are now expiating their evil purposes on
the scaffold. In these circumstances, sire, I judged that it would be
much more agreeable to your majesty that he should escape, than that
he should be taken; that you would be very much embarrassed, indeed,
what to do with him, if any indiscreet person were to stop him in his
flight; and that you would not disapprove of that conduct, the first
motive of which, I openly confess, was gratitude towards the man who
had saved my life."
"Sir, you did very right," said William, with scarcely a change of
countenance. "You did very right, and I am much obliged to you."
At the same time, he held out his hand. Wilton bent his knee, and
kissed it; and as he rose, William added, "I don't know what I can do
for you; but if at any time you want anything, let me know, for I
think you have done well--and judged well. My Lord of Portland here,
on application to him, will procure you audience of me."
With those few words, which, however, from William III., conveyed a
great deal of meaning, the King bowed his head to signify that
Wilton's audience was over; and the young gentleman withdrew from his
presence, very well satisfied with the ter