When they had fairly entered the great hall, Robin truly and sincerely
wished himself safely out again; the more particularly when he saw,
mingled with the pages and servants in waiting, some tried and trusty
soldiers, by whom, if his disguise were penetrated, he would be better
known than trusted. It was one thing to steal and pry about a place, and
another to be only separated by a single plank of oak from Cromwell--the
all-powerful, all-seeing Protector of England--liable to be called at
once into his presence; for the Jew might mention--doubtless would
mention--that one who had served Sir Willmott Burrell, and knew much of
his doings, was in attendance.
This magnificent room, though used as a hall of audience on state
occasions, was generally occupied by the guards, retainers, and
petitioners of the Protectorate. There was a long table of rude
workmanship near the door at which they entered--above was a lamp,
similar in size and construction to that which swung outside:--many
assembled round, or sat close to, this table, while others walked up and
down--not passing, however, the centre of the hall, which was crossed
by a silk cord of crimson, fastened in the middle to two brass poles,
standing sufficiently apart to permit one person at a time to enter; and
also guarded by a single sentinel, who walked so as to pass and repass
the opening every half minute. Manasseh paced slowly towards the
soldier, still leaning on Robin. His conductor kept a little in advance,
bowing on either side, while a conciliating smile lingered on his lip,
until he came to the silken line.
"Only one may pass!" was the soldier's brief notice; and the Rabbi,
grasping his staff more firmly, walked to the door opposite the great
entrance, which was guarded also by another sentinel.
"You can find a seat--that is, if you choose to sit," said the servitor
sneeringly, to Robin, pointing at the same time to an empty corner of
the hall.
"Or would it please you I descend to the apartments of the lower
servants?" inquired the Ranger, remembering the meekness befitting the
character of a Jew.
"None leave this hall, after entering it by his Highness's permission,
till they receive orders to that effect," he replied, turning from
Robin, who slunk to the place assigned him, in no very agreeable mood.
If his imaginings were of an unpleasant description, still more so were
the observations made aloud by the pages, flippant both by nature and
usage, and the sarcastic and cool jests, given forth at his expense by
the more sober persons of the assembly.