"Ask yourself, acquainted as you are with both natures," persisted De
Guerre, "if one like Mistress Cecil could love such as Sir Willmott
Burrell?"
"I grant the apparent impossibility of the case; but mark ye, it is
easier to believe in the existence of impossibilities, paradoxical as
such a phrase may sound, than to fathom the mind of a woman, when she
pleases to make secret what is passing within her, or when she has taken
some great charge into her heart. Howbeit, whether she loves Sir
Willmott or not, she is little likely to love one who seeks, like you,
the ruin of his country."
"The ruin of my country!" repeated the Cavalier.
"Even so: dissatisfied with present things in England, you cannot deny
that you hunger and thirst after a Restoration, as the souls of the
Israelites thirsted after the luxuries of Egypt, and would have endured
a second bondage to have tasted of them again. Young man, you should
know that those who bring war into their country care little for its
prosperity."
"I shall not deny that I desire a change in this afflicted kingdom," he
replied; "but as to bringing war again into England, those who first
drew the sword should think of that."
Major Wellmore knit his brows, and looked fixedly at the Cavalier. Then,
after a few moments' pause, recommenced the conversation, without,
however, withdrawing his eyes from their scrutiny.
"We will again talk of your own individual affairs, good youth; for we
are not likely to agree upon the political bearing of this land. You
believe that Mistress Constance is but little affected towards the man
she is about to marry?"
"Affected towards him!" repeated Walter, kindling at the idea. "Unless
affected by deep hatred, nothing else affects her, as far as he is
concerned. I could swear to the truth of that conviction, on the
Saviour's Cross--on the hilt of my own sword, were it necessary."
"Which it is not," observed the Major. "But how reconcile you that with
the high opinion you entertain of the lady?"
"I cannot reconcile it. If I could, I should feel almost at peace with
her and with myself. It is mystery all--except that the accursed bridal
will be the stepping-stone to her grave! That is no mystery."
"You would prevent this marriage?"
"Yes, truly, were my heart's blood to rush forth in so doing; if," he
added sorrowfully, "its prevention could be indeed accomplished;--but it
is too late now."