William wrote a few lines to say that, if the Scots would remain quiet, he would pledge his honour for their safety; and, some hours later, it was known that James had returned to his capital.

Dundee repaired instantly to London, [281] There he met his friend Balcarras, who had just arrived from Edinburgh.

Balcarras, a man distinguished by his handsome person and by his accomplishments, had, in his youth, affected the character of a patriot, but had deserted the popular cause, had accepted a seat in the Privy Council, had become a tool of Perth and Melfort, and bad been one of the Commissioners who were appointed to execute the office of Treasurer when Queensberry was disgraced for refusing to betray the interests of the Protestant religion, [282] Dundee and Balcarras went together to Whitehall, and had the honour of accompanying James in his last walk, up and down the Mall.

He told them that he intended to put his affairs in Scotland under their management.
"You, my Lord Balcarras, must undertake the civil business: and you, my Lord Dundee, shall have a commission from me to command the troops." The two noblemen vowed that they would prove themselves deserving of his confidence, and disclaimed all thought of making their peace with the Prince of Orange, [283] On the following day James left Whitehall for ever; and the Prince of Orange arrived at Saint James's.

Both Dundee and Balcarras swelled the crowd which thronged to greet the deliverer, and were not ungraciously received.