"Be constant to his memory, if you can—though I fear 'twill be a hard matter with you to be so," observed Cromwell. "But I have no further time for idle discourse. Since there is no chance of capturing Charles Stuart, I shall not tarry longer here. Take charge of this damsel," he added. "Her friends have left her. But mark me! she must not return to the city. Neither return thither thyself, if thou wouldst live to enjoy thy pension."
"Your excellency's injunctions shall be obeyed," replied Dame Gives, trembling.
"I thought I was a prisoner," remarked Jane, surprised.
"I do not make prisoners of women," replied Cromwell, coldly.
With this, he gave the word to Dighton, and immediately rode off in the direction of Perry Wood, followed by his troops.
No sooner was he gone, than Jane said to Dame Gives:
"Notwithstanding the Lord General's prohibition, I must, and will, return to Worcester. I must relieve my brother's anxiety on my account."
"Beseech you do not, dear lady," replied the young widow, earnestly. "Come with me to Droitwich, whither I am going, and I will undertake to provide you a faithful messenger, who shall convey a letter or a token from you to Colonel Lane or Sir Clement Fisher."
"You know me then!" cried Jane in astonishment.
"There are very few in Worcester who do not know Mistress Jane Lane," replied Dame Gives.