When Barbara had pleaded thus far, she could get no farther, but
trembled, so that Lady Frances placed her on her cushion, and smilingly
replied, "So, for this woodbine-sort of assistance, you would have me rouse the
British lion, who has been in such marvellous good temper lately that I
fear me the wind will shift soon; but Cromwell, girl, is not one to
halve his mercy. I can promise, not from my influence, but the knowledge
of his mind, that Hugh Dalton will not be banished; nay, I am sure of
it. But see ye there, the helmets are stirring already. Constantia, your
chamber is delightful for a heroine, but a melancholy one for a curious
maiden. Only behold! one can scarcely catch a glimpse of the court-yard.
When I build a castle, I'll construct a turret with eyes, commonly
called windows, all round it: nothing shall be done in secret!--Good
morn to you, sweet friend! I can soon find out what the stir is about
from the head of the great staircase."
"Adieu, fair Lady Curiosity," said Constantia, as Lady Frances tripped
with a light step on her inquisitive mission: "I will now go to my
father's chamber;" and thither she went, resolved to perform her duty to
the last, though she shuddered at the remembrance of the crime he had
once meditated, and humbly, earnestly prayed that the sin might be
washed away from his soul.