"Not so," observed the Protector, retaining her hand. "I have taken upon
myself for one day and one night the wardenship of Cecil Place, if your
excellent parent will so permit it; with the Lord's help we will
discharge the trust well and faithfully. Such as I wish to introduce to
you will join us soon, and to those who will not I have allotted
chambers. Our mutual friend, Major Wellmore," he added, smiling, "has
instructed me so perfectly in the bearings of this fine house, that I do
not at all feel as a stranger within its walls."
Constantia bowed, and from her heart thanked the Protector for the
kindness and delicacy of his thoughts.
"Great and glorious I knew him ever," she said to herself, "but I was
unprepared for the tenderness we usually consider the exclusive
attribute of our own sex."
Some five or six of the officers and gentlemen of Cromwell's household
were, in their turn, presented to her; but Sir Willmott Burrell came not
among them. Constantia trembled as often as she turned her head towards
the opening door.
During the time occupied in partaking of the abundant repast, upon which
the delighted Solomon had expended all due care and anxiety, there were
few words spoken, and neither healths nor toasts passed round--the
Puritans holding all such observances as profane things; nor was there
any allusion made to the unfortunate occurrences of the past days,
except as regarded the disappearance of the Preacher Fleetword, a
circumstance which weighed heavily on the mind of Constantia.
"I assure your Highness," said Lady Frances, "this is a perfect island
of romance; there has been as much mystery, and as many
misunderstandings, as would form a Spanish play."
"I am sorry, Mistress Frances," replied Colonel Jones, "to find your
thoughts still turning to these follies--follies anathematized in this
regenerated land."
A smart reply mounted to the lady's lip, who was annoyed that the plain
mistress had taken place of the title so universally ceded to her, but
she dared not send it forth in her father's presence.
"I assure Lady Frances," observed her father, rising from the table at
the same time, and laying a particular emphasis on the word lady, as
if he would reprove Colonel Jones's plainness--"I assure Lady Frances
that I am a most excellent unraveller of mysteries,--of all
mysteries," he repeated with a stress on the word ALL, that made the
blood rush into his daughter's cheek. "And if I may presume on such an
accomplishment, I would request the honour of a private interview with
Mistress Cecil."