e
and energy: "the air is damp, I say, and good steel should be kept from
rust. Young men, keep your weapons in their scabbards, until God and
your country call them forth; then draw according to the
knowledge--according to the faith that is in ye; but a truce to idle
brawling."

"I would first know who it is," demanded Walter, still in fierce anger,
"who breaks in upon us, and commands us thus?"

"Have you so soon forgotten Major Wellmore, young man?" replied the
stranger in his harshest voice: "I little thought that he of the English
graft upon a French stock would have carried such brawling into the
house of my ancient friend.--Sir Willmott Burrell, I lament that the
fear of the Lord is not with you, or you would not use carnal weapons so
indiscriminately: go to, and think what the Protector would say, did he
find you thus employed."

"But, sir," said De Guerre, in no degree overawed by the imperative
manner of Major Wellmore, "I, at least, care not for the Protector, nor
am I to be baffled of my just revenge by any of his officers."

"Wouldst fight with me, then?" inquired the Major, with much good
temper, and placing himself between the opponents.

"If it so pleasure you," replied the youth, abating not a jot of his
determination; "when I have made this treacherous and false fellow
apologise to the Lady Constance, and afterwards to me, for his unproved
and unprovoked words."

During the parley, Constance had remained fixed and immovable; but a new
feeling now seemed to animate her, as she approached, and, clinging to
Major Wellmore's arm for support, spoke in an audible but tremulous
voice,--

"Walter, I entreat, I command you to let this matter rest. I shall not
debase myself by condescending to assert, what Sir Willmott Burrell
ought, and does believe--that I came not here to meet you by any
appointment. I say his heart tells him, at this moment, that such a
proceeding would be one of which he knows I am incapable."

"If any reflection has been made upon Mistress Cecil," observed Major
Wellmore, "I will be the first to draw steel in her cause. Sir Willmott,
explain this matter.--Young sir," he continued, noting Walter's ire and
impatience, "a soldier's honour is as dear to me as it can be to you."

Burrell felt and appeared exceedingly perplexed; but with his most
insinuating manner, and a tremulous voice, he replied:--

"Mistress Cecil will, I hope, allow for the excess of affection that
gave rise t