gossip, but I do not credit it. I have not forgotten Preston and
Derby."

I made my last objection. "He has no posterity--legitimate
posterity--to carry on his line."

The four gentlemen smiled. "That happens to be his chiefest
recommendation," said Mr. Galloway. "It enables us to take the
House of Stuart on trial. We need a breathing-space and leisure
to look around; but unless we establish the principle of
monarchy at once the republicans will forestall us. Let us get
our king at all costs, and during the remaining years of his life
we shall have time to settle the succession problem.

"We have no wish to saddle ourselves for good with a race who
might prove burdensome. If King Charles fails he has no son, and
we can look elsewhere for a better monarch. You perceive the
reason of my view?"

I did, and I also perceived the colossal absurdity of the whole
business. But I could not convince them of it, for they met my
objections with excellent arguments. Nothing save a sight of the
Count would, I feared, disillusion them.

"You wish me to make this proposal on your behalf?" I asked.

"We shall make the proposal ourselves, but we desire you to
prepare the way for us. He is an elderly man, and should first
be informed of our purpose."