f the room, prevented his being at first
struck with his appearance. As the young man advanced, Sir Robert
Cecil's gaze was fastened on his countenance with a gasping earnestness,
that shook every fibre of his frame; his lips trembled, and remained
apart, and he seemed for a few moments unable to move to the seat he had
quitted.

The "friend" he had alluded to was seated in a carved chair near the
fire, his foot placed upon a cushioned stool, and his arms folded over
his bosom, his head rested on his chest, but his eyes were fixed on the
beautiful face of Constance Cecil, who had risen on the stranger's
entrance; nor did it escape the notice of so keen an observer, that the
lady's cheek was suddenly suffused by a deep hue of crimson, as suddenly
succeeded by a pallor and trembling, that made her cling to the arm of
Lady Frances Cromwell for support.

"I beg to present," he rose, and said, "to my worthy friend Sir Robert
Cecil, and to you, Lady Frances Cromwell, and to you also, Mistress
Cecil, this young gentleman, by the name of Walter de Guerre, who,
though of French extraction, hath doubtless had an English godfather,
who hath favoured him with an English Christian name. And now, most
worthy baronet, as master of this mansion, I pray you to present me to
him who hath a swift arm and a ready hand for the defence of an attacked
soldier."

"Major Wellmore, young gentleman; a tried and trusty friend to the
English Commonwealth and its Protector!" said Sir Robert at last;
adding, as if in apology for his emotion--"Constance! this strange
megrim in my head!" And Constance, with the watchful care of an
affectionate child, led him to his seat, presented him a glass of
cordial; and not till he had declared himself quite recovered, did she
return to her station on the low sofa, beside her friend Lady Frances
Cromwell.

De Guerre was particularly struck, during the brief repast that
followed, by the extraordinary change in the manner of his companion,
who, from being an animated and sensible speaker, upon matters connected
with the state, had become more like a mystified and mystifying
preacher than a soldier, but whose out-pourings were listened to with
reverence and attention by the company. The Cavalier felt himself ill at
ease in his presence, and but for a governing motive, hereafter to be
explained, would have withdrawn from the house when the supper was
concluded, despite the specious invitation, and much pressing t