latitude of opinion may and
doth exist among brethren with regard to the extent whereunto the
Sovereign power should go in imposing restraint. Some, with queasy
consciences, are for making most of the duties of life to be
practised, whether of a civil or religious nature, and also the vices
to be avoided, matters of public enactment; while others as honestly
hold, that the cause of virtue is not thereby promoted, but that,
contrariwise, the very prohibition, when not based either on the law
of God or the plain and unequivocal reason of the thing, doth act
oft-times as a stimulus or uneasy incitement to the breach of law,
besides making men hypocrites and time-servers. I may not dilate, but
merely hint this much, not doubting that your quick-conceiving minds
have already sounded the depths of the subject. And now, touching the
matter more immediately in hand, which is the proposition of Master
Endicott concerning apparel, and also the expediency of females
wearing veils in the congregation, it seems to me to belong plainly to
things indifferent, and not to be of instant or pressing importance,
requiring present action; and as there is a difference of opinion in
the Council respecting it, I propose that it be postponed, and
meanwhile referred to the grave judgments of the elders, more
especially as the wearing of veils is a thing connected with the
assembling together of the congregation in the Lord's house."

"We are content that it should take that course," cried several
voices. And such, accordingly, was the disposition made of Master
Endicott's sumptuary motion.

"Time doth wear," said Sir Richard Saltonstall. "Were it not well to
proceed to the examination of the woman?"

"If no objection be offered, I will consider such to be your minds,"
said the Governor. A silence following, the servitor was ordered to
conduct the person calling herself Lady Geraldine De Vaux to the
presence.

While awaiting her arrival, the conversation re-commenced upon a
subject which seemed to possess peculiar interest for Endicott.

"I cannot abide it," said he to his next neighbor.

"May I inquire what excites your indignation, master Endicott?" said
Winthrop.

"The detestable fashion of wearing long hair, after the manner of
ruffians and barbarous Indians, which is beginning to invade our
Canaan, contrary to the rule of God's word, which says that it is a
shame for a man to wear long hair, and contrary also to the
commendable cus