Charles: Do it now.

(NEAL proceeds to do so.  CHARLES moves across to a book-case between the table and the main door.  As he stands there, there is a knock at the door.)

Charles: Yes?

(The door is opened by CROMWELL, with whom is IRETON.)

Charles: Mr. Cromwell.  We did not expect you.

Cromwell: No, sir.  It is unexpected.

(As the two men come into the room, CHARLES covers NEAL from them as he can.  The secretary has no time but to conceal his note by placing it under a case of folio papers on the table.  As the others approach the table, he bows and retires.  CHARLES sits, and motions the others to do the same.  CROMWELL takes NEAL’S place.)

Cromwell: We came, sir, to reassure ourselves.

Charles: As to what?

Cromwell: Your Majesty knows that, in treating with you as we have done these months past, we have been subject to suspicions.

Charles: I imagined that it might be so.  But your character and your reputation, Mr. Cromwell, can ignore these.

Cromwell: It is suggested that we become courtiers, and susceptible as courtiers are.  But that is nothing.  Continually we are told that Your Majesty will outwit us.

Charles: But that is too fantastic.  Between men so open one with another.  Our scruples—­persuasion—­yes, these may take time.  We may not always easily understand each other there.  But that there should be any question of duplicity between us—­it is monstrous.  We may disagree, stubbornly, Mr. Cromwell, but we know each the other’s thought.

Cromwell: I believe it.  You know nothing of these Scotch agents in London?

Charles: Scotch?

Ireton: They arrived yesterday.

Charles: Who are they?

Cromwell: You do not know, sir?

Charles: I?  Indeed, no.

Cromwell: I did not suppose it.  But already I am beset by warnings.  I dismiss them, giving my word in this for your integrity, as it were.

Charles: Minds are strained in these days, It is shameless of them to say this.

Ireton: It means so much, you see, sir.  Intrigues with Scotland—­there are none, we are assured, but if there were it would almost inevitably bring civil war again.  The mere shadow of that in men’s minds is enough, indeed, to overthrow them.  No man can consider the possibility of that without desolation.

Charles: No.  That is unquestionable.

Cromwell: And so I was minded to come, and be sure by word of mouth, so to speak.  Your Majesty knows how suspicions creep in absence, even of those whom we trust.  And I have shown, sir, that I trust you.

Charles: We are not insensitive.

Ireton: It is of that trust, truly worn, sir, that we may all yet look for a happy settlement.