"A most desperate villain; still there is a boldness--a native
majesty--a---- Dalton has so often praised his bravery."
"Dalton! Did Dalton speak well of Cromwell?" interrupted Wellmore.
"Yes, well, greatly of him, as an intrepid soldier, as a being to wonder
at. Yet he has no right to the high place whereon he sits; and----"
"You would pull him down?"
"I confess it."
"The time will come when I will discuss the merits of this case with
you," said Wellmore, after a pause; "albeit I like not discussion; 'tis
not a soldier's weapon; but you are worthy of the effort. I like you,
though you are mine enemy, and that is more than I can say of many
friends. You know nothing of what the country suffered. You know nothing
of the sacrifices that man has made for its good. Were not Cromwell and
Ireton accused by their own party of favouring the man Stuart? Was not
Cromwell obliged to say to Ashburnham and Berkeley, who came to him, as
the Parliament thought, on all occasions, and about all things, 'If I am
an honest man, I have said enough of the sincerity of my intentions; and
if I am not, nothing is enough?' Was he not overpowered by the people's
clamours?--They would have a king no longer; the name, sir, the very
name was as a foul stench in their nostrils; the time had arrived when
the lawgiver was to depart from Judah. Could he, or could any man--ought
he, or ought any man to fight against the Lord, or the Lord's people?"
He spoke thus far with strength and energy, then suddenly pausing, he
added, "But, as I said before, there is time enough for this. As to
yourself, young man, if your love towards the lady be firm and true, if
your wishes for her welfare be pure and holy, if you are a true
patriot--behold! I will tell you--for this came I hither--say that you
will be one of the standing army of England! say but the word--to enjoy
rank, opportunities of distinction, honour, and Constance Cecil as your
bride!"
He paused as for reply, but the Cavalier made none; he only leaned his
head against his hand, as if communing with himself.
"She will be miserable," persisted the crafty soldier; "inevitable
misery will be her lot; and you can prevent it, if you please." He fixed
his eyes upon Walter, as if to read the secrets of his soul; then,
unsatisfied with the scrutiny, continued--"Burrell, as you have
observed, cannot make her happy: so much beauty, so much worth!--you
cannot hesitate--your single arm could not accomplish the end you aim
at."