I could swear to the truth of that conviction, on the
Saviour's Cross--on the hilt of my own sword, were it necessary."

"Which it is not," observed the Major. "But how reconcile you that with
the high opinion you entertain of the lady?"

"I cannot reconcile it. If I could, I should feel almost at peace with
her and with myself. It is mystery all--except that the accursed bridal
will be the stepping-stone to her grave! That is no mystery."

"You would prevent this marriage?"

"Yes, truly, were my heart's blood to rush forth in so doing; if," he
added sorrowfully, "its prevention could be indeed accomplished;--but it
is too late now."

"It is not too late," said the old officer, "if you will listen calmly,
and learn that there is no necessity for such profaneness as you have
used. Oaths and exclamations cannot destroy facts, any more than
sunbeams can dissolve iron: so, avoid, I pray you, idle or wicked words,
and listen. You would prevent this marriage?"

"Most undoubtedly, were it possible; but I know, I feel it is too
late:--the damning----"

"Sir!" interrupted the Roundhead warmly, "I have just cautioned you
against the use of profane words; yet you stuff them down my throat. I
am crammed, sir, with your blasphemy."

"Is this a time to stand on words?" inquired De Guerre, with great
quietude of manner. "We have different modes of expression, but they
tend towards the same end--at least so you would have me believe. We
have both in view the happiness of Mistress Cecil."

"You speak truly," replied the other; "and having so good an object to
attain, it is meet that we use the worthiest means to achieve it; a lily
should not be trained and nourished by a sullied hand."

The youth bowed, though, when he afterwards thought upon the simile, he
pondered on the strangeness that one like Wellmore should seek metaphors
from the flowers of the field. But nature and its feelings are rooted in
the heart of the warrior and the statesman, as well as in that of the
tenderest maid who tends the sheep or milks the lowing kine; the
difference alone is that many things besides find place within the
worldling's bosom, while her breast is one sweet and gentle storehouse
for God and for his works.

"You would prevent this marriage?" reiterated the soldier. Walter again
bowed; but the gesture intimated impatience.

"You are opposed to the present system, and would have it changed?" he
continued.

"Where is the use of this re