"And after that we may have a Jewish Sanhedrim in place of a Puritan Parliament."
"The good people of England will never bear such innovations," said Sir Thomas with great indignation.
"None of us know how much the good people of England will bear," answered Hollis.
"And pray what part does Cromwell take in these changes? Surely he is the leader of them?" asked Lady Jevery.
"He takes no part in them, madame," answered Walton; "gives no advice, uses no authority."
"Oh, indeed he is just waiting till his Assembly of Saints have made themselves beyond further bearing," said Matilda. "Then he will arise to the rescue, and serve them as he did the last Parliament."
"And then, Lady Matilda, what then?" asked Doctor Hewitt.
"He will make himself Emperor of these Isles."
"I do not think he has any such intent; no, not for an hour," said Sir Thomas.
There was a cynical laugh at this opinion, and Matilda's opinion was, in the main, not only endorsed, but firmly believed. Many could not understand why he had waited so long. "When he sheathed his sword at Worcester he could have lifted the sceptre, and the whole nation would have shouted gratefully, 'God save King Oliver,'" said Sir Thomas. "Why did he not do so, I wonder?"