In the meantime Mrs. Swaffham and Jane were going slowly up-stairs. "We can have two or three hours sleep, Jane," said Mrs. Swaffham; and Jane answered, "Yes" like one who either heard not, or cared not. Her mother understood. She said softly, "He was thinking of Cromwell when he said 'one that was never thought of'—about the crown I mean, Jane?"
"Yes, mother—Oliver Rex!"
"It might be."
"It ought to be. He has conquered England, Ireland, Scotland:—William of Normandy had not a third of his right."
"I wish I could forget the man; for I must lose myself for an hour or two, or I shall be good for nothing when daylight comes. You, too, Jane, go and sleep."
She said, "Yes, mother." But sleep was a thousand miles away from Jane Swaffham.
CHAPTER III
WOVEN OF LOVE AND GLORY
"Because right is right, to follow right
Were wisdom in the scorn of consequence."
"See that thou lovest what is lovely."
For the next three days there was a busy time at Swaffham. All the neighbours were summoned to hear the news, and a sermon from Dr. Verity; and he did not spare the rod in the way of his calling. There were some wealthy young men present, and he let them know that they ought not to be present; furthermore, he told them how many miles it was to Duty and to Scotland.