"He is the bread-finder of the King as well as his defender. So much I knew, and ’tis well done in him." "The latest news is the drowning of Prince Maurice." "That is the worst of news. Rupert loved this brother of his so tenderly. They were not happy apart. Poor Rupert! His last letter said, ’he was kept waking with constant troubles’; this will be a crowning misfortune. Sir Hugh Belward told me that his disasters have followed one on the heels of the other; that he had no port, and that poverty, despair and revenge alone guided his course." "Sir Hugh Belward! Was he not the companion of your brother Stephen—_that night_?" "Yes. He is now at The Hague with the King, and he has been over on secret affairs. I saw him at de Wick the day before I left. He was so shocked at my appearance that he burst out weeping, and knelt down and kissed my hands. Aunt begged him to leave my presence, for indeed I was like to faint away." "Then you must have heard all about the doings of Prince Rupert?" "I had not heard of the drowning of Prince Maurice. That affliction will bring Rupert to shore, and then what will the King do for money?" "He is said now to be in great need of it, though Prince Rupert sent home a rich prize this past summer; and ’tis further said he resigned his own share of it to his cousin, Charles Stuart." "’Twould be most like him." "Some English sailors taken on a prize were put on one of the Royalist ships, and they overpowered her officers, and brought the ship to London a few days ago. I like not to tell you what they said of Prince Rupert to the Parliament." "It will not vex me, Jane. Evil is said of people so universally that no one is hurt by it." "They declared, then, that the delight of Prince Rupert and his crews was in swearing and plundering, and in sinking all English ships they could lay their talons on; but also, they added to this account, that there was a chaplain on the Admiral’s ship, and that they rode still on Sundays, and did the duties of the day in the best manner they could—the same at evening. Many believed not this report, and many made a mock at, what they conclude, is a travesty of true worship." "Indeed, Jane, the Puritans have not all the religion in the world, though they think so. However, if Prince Maurice be dead, I am sure that Rupert will not keep the high seas wanting him. Thank you for this intelligence, Jane. ’Twill be some comfort to hear that Rupert is on dry land again." This conversation had many asides and deviations, and the night was far spent when Matilda was willing to sleep. And in the morning, while they eat breakfast together, the subject was renewed; for sorrow is selfish, and Matilda forgot that she had never even asked after the welfare of Jane’s family. As they talked, Lady Jevery joined them. She bid Delia bring her some capon and white wine, and then thanked Jane for her visit, adding—