"I will escape to New England, even as some of our forefathers did," I cried. "Some of her forefathers are also there."
"And if you did this what would you do?"
"I am not a fool, even although you say I am," I cried. "I am young, and at her side I shall be strong. Men no better than I have had a career in other lands, and I will be in no whit behind them."
My father smiled sadly. "Well, come with me to the old home, and then we can think of these things together," he said presently.
"If mother were where Constance is, what would you do?" I asked again.
At this my father became silent for a time, then he burst out.
"Have you any of these Puritan beliefs?"
"Which would you rather I became?" I said. "A Puritan, or like unto the swashbucklers which I am told throng the king's court?"
"But hath this woman converted you?"
"I do not know," I replied; "but I would be worthy of her. Whom would you have me wed, father, a woman such as she is, or one of the women whom Charles loves to have around him."