ce. The impression was so strong upon her mind,
that she only regretted she could not speak of it to Constantia, who
bent her knee to salute the hand of her friend--the Protector of
England! while he, gallantly removing his hat, raised her from the
ground, and imprinted a grave and respectful kiss upon her brow--then,
having saluted his own daughter after the same fatherly fashion, he
presented a hand to each of the ladies, and walked, bareheaded, into the
hall, returning the salutations of the delighted domestics as he passed,
and inquiring in a low, earnest tone, after the health of his worthy
host and friend, Sir Robert Cecil. As they entered the apartment, in
which a suitable refection had been prepared, Constantia was about to
return to receive her other guests.

"Not so," observed the Protector, retaining her hand. "I have taken upon
myself for one day and one night the wardenship of Cecil Place, if your
excellent parent will so permit it; with the Lord's help we will
discharge the trust well and faithfully. Such as I wish to introduce to
you will join us soon, and to those who will not I have allotted
chambers. Our mutual friend, Major Wellmore," he added, smiling, "has
instructed me so perfectly in the bearings of this fine house, that I do
not at all feel as a stranger within its walls."

Constantia bowed, and from her heart thanked the Protector for the
kindness and delicacy of his thoughts.

"Great and glorious I knew him ever," she said to herself, "but I was
unprepared for the tenderness we usually consider the exclusive
attribute of our own sex."

Some five or six of the officers and gentlemen of Cromwell's household
were, in their turn, presented to her; but Sir Willmott Burrell came not
among them. Constantia trembled as often as she turned her head towards
the opening door.

During the time occupied in partaking of the abundant repast, upon which
the delighted Solomon had expended all due care and anxiety, there were
few words spoken, and neither healths nor toasts passed round--the
Puritans holding all such observances as profane things; nor was there
any allusion made to the unfortunate occurrences of the past days,
except as regarded the disappearance of the Preacher Fleetword, a
circumstance which weighed heavily on the mind of Constantia.

"I assure your Highness," said Lady Frances, "this is a perfect island
of romance; there has been as much mystery, and as many
misunderstandings, as would