Great Britain -- History -- Charles I, 1625-1649 -- Fiction
Too early for the _reveillee_--before the hour of _orisons_--what could
it all mean? So queried they in the grounds of Montserrat House,
gathering into groups. Certainly, something unusual; as the fracas not
only continued but seemed growing greater. To the instrumental sounds
were added human voices, shouting in the streets, calls and responses,
with a hurried trampling of feet--men rushing to and fro!
Only for a short while were Madame Lalande's guests in suspense. Nor
had they to go outside for explanation. There was an eminence in the
grounds which commanded a view of most part of Bristol, with the country
beyond the fortified line, south-eastward. On its summit stood a
pavilion; the same which on that night had been the means of revealing
more than one secret. And now from this spot an anxious crowd--for
scores had rushed up to it--learnt the cause of the excitement. Close
in to the city's walls, about to enter one of the gates, was the
shattered remnant of Hesselrig's Horse--all that was left of Waller's
defeated army!
If the dresses of those who clustered round the pavilion--most in fancy
costume--were diversified, varied also were the feelings with which they
regarded this new spectacle presented to them. A surprise to all; to
many an unpleasant one, but most viewing it with delighted eyes. For,
unlike as with the crowds clustering other eminences outside, within
that precinct, hitherto almost sacred to Cavalierism, this was, of
course, in the ascendant. And what they saw seemed sure evidence of a
crushing defeat having been sustained by their adversaries; so sure,
that many who had all the night behaved modestly, and worn masks, now
pulled them off and began to swagger in true Cavalier fashion.
Sir Richard Walwyn, Eustace Trevor, and other Parliamentarian officers
present were compelled to listen to observations sufficiently offensive.
Had they been themselves unmannerly, or even without it, they could
have stopped all that, being still masters in Bristol. But there was no
need for their showing spite by taking the initiative; as this was
forced upon them, whether or no, by command and the simple performance
of duty. While Madame Lalande's guests were hastening to take their
departure, a man, newly arrived, made appearance in their midst; an
officer, wearing _sabretasche_ and other insignia of an aide-de-camp.
Entering unannounced at the outer gate, without ceremony he strode on up
to the house, inquiring for Sir Richard Walwyn.
"Here!" responded the knight, himself about to leave the place; and he
stepped forth to meet the new comer.
"From the Governor, Colonel Walwyn," said the aide-de-camp, saluting,
and drawing a slip of folded paper from his sabretasche, which he handed
to the Colonel of Horse, adding, "In all haste."
Tearing it open, Sir Richard read:--
"_Re-arrest all prisoners on parole, whether soldiers or civilians.
Search the city through, and send them, under guard to the Castle_.
"Fiennes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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