The Buccaneer - A Tale

"Yet his wit, in my estimation, was his least good quality. Methinks the

Commonwealth has reason to be most proud of two such men as John Selden

and Archbishop Usher."

"But the glory has departed from Israel," was Frances' reply, "for they

are gathered to their fathers."

"The sun may be shorn of its beams," said Constantia, with something of

her former energy of manner, "but it is still a sun. Cromwell is the

Protector of England!"

That was the rallying point of Lady Frances' feelings, and she embraced

her friend with increased affection.

"I love you more than all," said the kind girl, "for your appreciation

of my father; I only hope that posterity may do him equal justice. But

why, I ask again, dear Constance, have you not permitted me to speak to

him about this wedding? You reap sorrow, and not joy, of the contract.

Well, well," she continued, perfectly understanding Constantia's mute

appeal for silence, "I will say no more, for I ought to be satisfied

with the privilege of being thus enabled to disturb the solitude you

consider so sweet."

"How lessened," exclaimed Constance, "I must appear in the eyes of all

good and wise people! How they will jeer at the lofty Mistress Cecil

selling herself--for--they know not what!"

"Lessened!" repeated Frances; "on the contrary. You certainly do

sacrifice yourself to fulfil this contract; but that deserves praise.

Besides, Burrell is a man whom many admire."

"There, talk not of it, Frances--talk not of it: henceforth, the world

and I are two--I mix no more in it, nor with it."

"Now, out upon you for a most silly lady!" retorted Lady Frances. "It

may be my fate, despite the affection I bear poor Rich (I like the

linking of these words), to wed some other man--one who will please my

father and benefit the state. Is not the misery of being chained to a

thing you loathe and detest sufficient cause for trouble, without

emulating bats and owls! No, no; if I must be ironed, I will cover my

fetters with flowers--they shall be perfumed, and tricked, and trimmed.

I shall see you gay at court, dear Constance. Besides, if you are to be

married, you must not twine willow with your bridal roses--that will

never do."

There was no smile upon Constantia's lips at her friend's kind and

continued efforts to remove the weight that pressed upon her heart.

"This is the last night that I can dare trust myself to speak of Walter.

Frances," she said, after a long pause, "I have no fears for his

personal safety, because I know with whom he left this house: but, one

thing I would say; and if, my dearest, kindest friend, I have not prated

to you of my sorrows--joys, alas! I have not to communicate--it is

because I must not. With all the childish feeling of a girl you have a

woman's heart, true and susceptible, as ever beat in woman's bosom. I

know you have thought me cold and reserved; an iceberg, where nothing

else was ice:--true, I am chilled by circumstances, not by nature. I am

sure you can remember when my step was as light, and my voice as happy,

though not as mirthful, as your own: but the lightness and the

mirthfulness have passed:--only, Frances, when the world dyes my name in

its own evil colour, I pray you say----" She paused as if in great

perplexity.