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.




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