St. Marguerite, where the man in the iron mask was confined. The tradition of the story is this, and it seems to be nearly well authenticated:-Louis the Thirteenth of France had two sons twins, and there was some confusion at the time of their birth as to which was born first. The government became uneasy at this, from a suspicion that as the young men grew up, it might lead to contentions for the throne, and consequently to civil wars. They therefore determined to put an iron mask on one, that the resemblance might not be known, and to confine him for life in this castle. From the other son the King of France that was beheaded sprang.

"It is a curious story: but they show in the castle many antique remains; amongst other things, the iron mask, which appears to have been riveted behind. I have got two liards, or farthings, for William, connected with the French Revolution.

"I can hardly tell what my movements are to be, it will in some measure de

pend on contingent circumstances; but I shall write to your dear mother in the course of the week from some place or other, as I am constantly moving. I got her letter at Lyons, with William's sketch, which made me very happy. Tell your mother I have remembered her flowerseeds both here and at Paris.

"I hope you will consider this, however long, yet not a tiresome letter. I am obliged to write in a great hurry, as the post goes out at two o'clock in the day, and I have been much engaged with the authorities of this place. I often wonder how I get through everything. You must set a value on my exertions, and consider how much I do and suffer, for what may be of consequence to you hereafter.

"Remember me to Madlle M.

"God bless you, my beloved children. "Ever your affectionately attached

" W. K."

CHAPTER XIII.

Sir William Knighton despatched on a fresh Journey by the King-Letter from the Duke of Clarence.- Letters from Sir William to his own Family.-Letters from Sir Thomas Lawrence, Dr. Gooch, and the King.-Extracts from Sir William's Journal.

AFTER Sir William's return to England, no particular occurrence is noted in his handwriting until March 1825, when he was again despatched by the King on a distant journey. In the interval, however, his Majesty had a severe attack of gout; and the editor ventures to insert, on this and other occasions, letters, and extracts from letters, from different members of the Royal Family, which so strongly mark the affectionate feelings which existed towards his Majesty.

"Ir is not till evening I see the papers of the day, and I read with anxious concern that the King had had an accession of gout. I hope the fact is not so; but, being unable to be in town this morning, I write these lines to inquire after the health of his Majesty. At the same time, I cannot forget to-day is the anniversary of the King's accession to the throne: I must therefore request you will present my best, sincerest, and warmest wishes to my brother, and assure his Majesty in my name of the anxious and earnest desire I have, in common with all his loving subjects, that we may long, very long enjoy the happiness and advantage of possessing our present excellent Sovereign.

"Ever believe me, dear sir,

"Yours truly,

"To Sir William Knighton."

“ WILLIAM.”

The next letters from Sir William are from Calais.

"I CAN hardly hold the pen, I have been so very ill. The wind was fresh, and there was a good deal of uncomfortable sea; but we had a safe and quick passage of three hours. Left London at seven last night, arrived at Dover at a quarter past seven this morning, and shall set off from hence in an hour, travel all night, and hope to reach Brussels at three to-morrow afternoon, where I propose to sleep and have a long night. Please God this is accomplished, it will be very quick. I shall write one line to my beloved William, to say I am well.

"Yours, &c.

"W. K."