The Buccaneer - A Tale

When Barbara had pleaded thus far, she could get no farther, but

trembled, so that Lady Frances placed her on her cushion, and smilingly

replied, "So, for this woodbine-sort of assistance, you would have me rouse the

British lion, who has been in such marvellous good temper lately that I

fear me the wind will shift soon; but Cromwell, girl, is not one to

halve his mercy. I can promise, not from my influence, but the knowledge

of his mind, that Hugh Dalton will not be banished; nay, I am sure of

it. But see ye there, the helmets are stirring already. Constantia, your

chamber is delightful for a heroine, but a melancholy one for a curious

maiden. Only behold! one can scarcely catch a glimpse of the court-yard.

When I build a castle, I'll construct a turret with eyes, commonly

called windows, all round it: nothing shall be done in secret!--Good

morn to you, sweet friend! I can soon find out what the stir is about

from the head of the great staircase."

"Adieu, fair Lady Curiosity," said Constantia, as Lady Frances tripped

with a light step on her inquisitive mission: "I will now go to my

father's chamber;" and thither she went, resolved to perform her duty to

the last, though she shuddered at the remembrance of the crime he had

once meditated, and humbly, earnestly prayed that the sin might be

washed away from his soul.