I merely mention these circumstances to show the accuracy of my information." "If this is the extent of it, Sir," returned the knight, ironically, "you may spare yourself further trouble.

These particulars are familiar to all, who have any title to the knowledge." "Perhaps so," rejoined the stranger; "but I have others in reserve, not so generally known.

With your permission, I will go on in my own way.
Where I am in error, you can set me right .-- Your father, Sir Montacute Trenchard, who had been a loyal subject of King James the Second, and borne arms in his service, on the abdication of that monarch, turned his back upon the Stuarts, and would never afterwards recognise their claims to the crown.

It was said, that he received an affront from James, in the shape of a public reprimand, which his pride could not forgive.

Be this as it may, though a Catholic, he died a friend to the Protestant succession." "So far you are correct," observed Trenchard; "still, this is no secret." "Suffer me to proceed," replied the stranger.