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The Buccaneer - A Tale

Page 312

"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."

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