28 Mistress Jane Lane. 
Soon it was rumoured that the Lanes had been instrumental in” 
favouring the escape of the King, and Colonel Lane and his sister 
became objects of suspicion, and so closely were they watched that 
they had to make their escape out of England by going on foot to 
Yarmouth in disguise, and from thence crossing to France. Charles 
in the meantime was safe in Paris, to which city Mrs. Jane Lane 
Monarchy was conducted by the King’s friends. Charles himself 
ech and the Queen Mother went out to meet her with the 
p- 162. Dakes of York and Gloucester. Can we wonder at the 
man, whom this heroic woman had saved (possibly from an 
ignominious death) by her sagacity and thoughtfulness, coming 
forward to greet her with the memorable words “ Welcome, my life” ? 
This meeting of the King and his preserver took place early in 
December, 1651, but the lady ‘and her brother appear to have 
returned in the spring of 1652 to England. 
There is extant a kind letter written by Charles to her, which I 
am able to transcribe :— 
Historical Commission, “1652. The last of June’ 
eect err a ae “Mrs. Lane—I did not jthinke I should ever have 
MSS, T.S. Raffles, Esq. hoon a letter to you in'chiding, but you give so just cause 
by telling me you feare you are wearing out of my memory that I cannot chuse 
but tell you I take it very unkindly that after the obligations I have to you, ’tis 
possible for you to suspect I can ever be so wanting to myselfe as not to remember 
them on all occasions to your advantage, which I assure you I shall, and hope 
before it be long I shall have it in my power to give you those testimonyes of my 
kindnesse to you which I desire. I am very sorry to hear that your father and 
brother are in prison, but I hope it ’tis upon no other score than the general 
claping up of all persons who wish me well, and I am the more sorry for it since 
it hath hindered you from coming along with my sister, that I might have assured 
you myself how truly I am 
‘Your most affectionate friend, 
* For Mrs. Lane.” “CHaries R.” 
Meanwhile “this banished heir of the English crown takes his 
sanctuary in the Court of France, where he is caressed, and made 
Letters writ by a to believe great things they will do towards his 
ie ee Sey restoration. But interest supersedes all arguments 
vol. iv., p. 224. of affection and consanguinity. They (the Court) 
are more solicitous for the success of their embassy than for the 
rights of the poor exiled prince. He narrowly escaped the trains 
