During the time occupied in partaking of the abundant repast, upon which the delighted Solomon had expended all due care and anxiety, there were few words spoken, and neither healths nor toasts passed round—the Puritans holding all such observances as profane things; nor was there any allusion made to the unfortunate occurrences of the past days, except as regarded the disappearance of the Preacher Fleetword, a circumstance which weighed heavily on the mind of Constantia.
"I assure your Highness," said Lady Frances, "this is a perfect island of romance; there has been as much mystery, and as many misunderstandings, as would form a Spanish play."
"I am sorry, Mistress Frances," replied Colonel Jones, "to find your thoughts still turning to these follies—follies anathematized in this regenerated land."
A smart reply mounted to the lady's lip, who was annoyed that the plain mistress had taken place of the title so universally ceded to her, but she dared not send it forth in her father's presence.
"I assure Lady Frances," observed her father, rising from the table at the same time, and laying a particular emphasis on the word lady, as if he would reprove Colonel Jones's plainness—"I assure Lady Frances that I am a most excellent unraveller of mysteries,—of all mysteries," he repeated with a stress on the word ALL, that made the blood rush into his daughter's cheek. "And if I may presume on such an accomplishment, I would request the honour of a private interview with Mistress Cecil."
Cromwell conducted the lady from the room with an air that would not have disgraced the descendant of a race of kings.
CHAPTER XI.
If you, my son, should now prevaricate,
And, to your own particular lusts, employ
So great and catholic a bliss; be sure
A curse will follow, yea, and overtake
Your subtle and most secret ways.
Ben Jonson.