The ladies of the family remained at home; the Lady Frances feeling
assured that her father would not be present, as she had received no
intimation to such effect from Whitehall. Constance, however, had heard
too many tales of Oliver's sudden movements to feel satisfied as to the
certainty of any matter in which he was concerned. It was no secret
either that he had been displeased with his daughter for her obstinate
attachment to Mr. Rich; and that he desired her, for the present, to
remain in retirement and away from court.
We have said that Solomon Grundy had received permission to view the
sight; and for a time he proceeded on his way, accompanied by the other
domestics; but, under some sly pretext, he lingered behind them. The
worthy preacher had not left Cecil Place so early, but, notwithstanding
the ambling pace of his favourite jennet, he soon came up to Solomon,
who, seated under a spreading elm by the wayside, was rapidly
demolishing the contents of his wallet, freshened by frequent draughts
from a black bottle of vast rotundity.
"Master Solomon Grundy," he observed, reining up his steed, "could not
your stomach tarry, even for a short while? Ah! worthy cook, you have a
most professional longing after the flesh-pots."
Solomon grinned, and applied himself with renewed diligence to his
viands when the preacher had passed. He was now surrounded by a motley
party, who had crossed from the main land, all bearing towards the same
point. Puritans, whose cloaks were of the most formal cut, and whose
hats emulated the steeple of St. Paul's; Levellers, with firm steps,
wrinkled and over-hanging brows, and hard unchanging features, all
denoting inflexibility of purpose and decision of character; Cavaliers,
whose jaunty gait was sobered, and whose fashionable attire was
curtailed in consideration that such bravery would be noticed and
reproved by the powers that were; women attired in dark hoods and
sad-coloured kirtles; some of demure aspect, others with laughing eyes
and dimpled cheeks, who exchanged glances, and sometimes words, with
youths of serious apparel but joyous countenances; while here and there
might be recognised divines, whose iron physiognomies disdained to be
affected by any of the usual feelings that flesh is heir to; and ladies
on horseback, or in the lumbering heavy carriages, progressing from the
horse ferry, "with stealthy pace and slow," towards the centre of
attraction.
The English even now make a business of enjoyment; but in those days,
what we designate pleasure, was known by no such unholy term; it was
called "recreation," "the refreshment of the creature," "the repose of
the flesh,"--by any name, in fact, except the true one. But in the
particular instance to which we refer, it was considered a sacred duty
to uphold and applaud the Lord Protector whenever there occurred an
opportunity for so doing; and sound-hearted Puritans would make a
pilgrimage for the purpose with as much zeal as ever Roman Catholics
evinced in visiting the shrine of some holy saint. The ships rode
proudly in the harbour, and groups of the gentry were occasionally
conveyed on board by boats, that waited for the purpose both at
Queenborough and Sheerness. It was an animated scene, but the soul of
all was wanting, for neither Cromwell, nor any portion of the court,
made their appearance. When it was noon, the people hoped he would
arrive ere evening; but, as the evening advanced, and he failed to enter
upon the scene, there was a general manifestation of disappointment
throughout the crowd, although some few rejoiced at the occurrence,
holding it a sign of fear on his part, as if he dreaded to be seen among
them.