"Jane Swaffham," she cried with delight, "I’ll swear I was just wishing for you. But what is the matter? Are you for a funeral? Or—is there another plot against Cromwell’s life discovered? If so, I am not in it. I do believe there are tears in your eyes." "Indeed, all England weeps to-day. Have you not heard that General Ireton is dead?" "A just retribution. Indeed, I will rejoice at it. More than any one else, more than Cromwell himself, he drove his late Majesty to the scaffold. He had no pity for the poor Queen, he was glad to make her a widow. I have no pity for the widow of Ireton. Let her drink of the cup her husband filled for a better woman. Let her drink it to the dregs." "She lacks not any sympathy that can comfort so great a loss; a loss public, as well as personal, for my father says Ireton was nearer to Cromwell than any other man—the wisest, bravest soldier, the truest patriot——" "Jane, do be more sparing of your praises, or you will have none left for your prime idol." "I must tell you that I have new praises for Cromwell. I have seen him this morning in a strange light—holding his weeping daughter to his heart; weeping with her, praying with her; ’tis said, ’like as a father pitieth his children,’ but indeed Cromwell was more like a mother. When I entered the room Mrs. Cromwell told Mrs. Ireton I was present, and she cried out, ’Oh, Jane, he is dead! He is dead!’ and then Cromwell with streaming eyes answered her in a tone of triumph—’Nay, but he has PREVAILED, Bridget. He has prevailed against the kingdom of death! Be comforted, dear child.’ I cannot tell you how good it was to be there—in the house of mourning." "I never found it good, and I was there for years. But with such a brother as Stephen, I may be there again, and that soon enough. Stephen keeps me on cracking ice night and day." "But he is in safety now, Matilda?" "He is never safe—and partly your fault, Jane." "I will not credit that, and ’tis a piece of great unkindness to make me accountable." "He is always pining to see you, and always fearing that some one is your servant in his absence; and so he is willing to take all risks if he may but come to England." Then looking steadily at Jane, she added, "He is here now. Will you see him?" "I will not," answered Jane positively. "I will not come to question about him if he is discovered. Do not ask me to put myself in such a strait, Matilda. It is far better I should be able to say, ’I have not seen him.’" "You are a very proper, prudent young woman. I think you must have set your heart on that young sprig of a Puritan noble I saw at Swaffham. What was his name?" "I am sure you have not forgotten it, but if so, it is little worth my repeating."