CHAPTER X.
The Flight of James known; great Agitation--The Lords meet at Guildhall--Riots in London--The Spanish Ambassador's House sacked--Arrest of Jeffreys--The Irish Night--The King detained near Sheerness--The Lords order him to be set at Liberty--William's Embarrassment--Arrest of Feversham--Arrival of James in London--Consultation at Windsor--The Dutch Troops occupy Whitehall--Message from the Prince delivered to James--James sets out for Rochester; Arrival of William at Saint James's--He is advised to assume the Crown by Right of Conquest--He calls together the Lords and the Members of the Parliaments of Charles II .-- Flight of James from Rochester--Debates and Resolutions of the Lords--Debates and Resolutions of the Commoners summoned by the Prince--Convention called; Exertions of the Prince to restore Order--His tolerant Policy--Satisfaction of Roman Catholic Powers; State of Feeling in France--Reception of the Queen of England in France--Arrival of James at Saint Germains--State of Feeling in the United Provinces--Election of Members to serve in the Convention--Affairs of Scotland--State of Parties in England--Sherlock's Plan--Sancroft's Plan--Danby's Plan--The Whig Plan--Meeting of the Convention; leading Members of the House of Commons--Choice of a Speaker--Debate on the State of the Nation--Resolution declaring the Throne vacant--It is sent up to the Lords; Debate in the Lords on the Plan of Regency--Schism between the Whigs and the Followers of Danby--Meeting at the Earl of Devonshire's--Debate in the Lords on the Question whether the Throne was vacant--Majority for the Negative; Agitation in London--Letter of James to the Convention--Debates; Negotiations; Letter of the Princess of Orange to Danby--The Princess Anne acquiesces in the Whig Plan--William explains his views--The Conference between the houses--The Lords yield--New Laws proposed for the Security of Liberty--Disputes and Compromise--The Declaration of Right--Arrival of Mary--Tender and Acceptance of the Crown--William and Mary proclaimed; peculiar Character of the English Revolution NORTHUMBERLAND strictly obeyed the injunction which had been laid on him, and did not open the door of the royal apartment till it was broad day.

The antechamber was filled with courtiers who came to make their morning bow and with Lords who had been summoned to Council.

The news of James's flight passed in an instant from the galleries to the streets; and the whole capital was in commotion.
It was a terrible moment.

The King was gone.

The Prince had not arrived.