nd, just in time to
see the doors at the bottom of the room thrown open with much
ceremony:--the Protector, attended by his pages, followed by Dalton,
Fleetword, and Robin, entered.

Constance rose respectfully from her seat, glanced upon the form of the
fearful Buccaneer who now stood before her, and laying her hand on the
arm of her friend, would have withdrawn, had not Cromwell commanded her
to stay.

"Mistress Cecil, you will remain;--both remain," he said, while an
expression of exceeding kindness lent to his harsh countenance the
effect that sunlight gives to a rugged landscape, softening without
destroying a single point of its peculiar and stern character. "I have
no dread of objection on the part of the Lady Frances, and I must
request your presence." He took a large chair at the head of the table,
and seating himself, delivered a slip of writing to his page, who
immediately quitted the room.

"Our young friend will pardon this intrusion upon her privacy, and
moreover allow us to continue an investigation that has already been
attended with much pain, but we should hope with some satisfaction
also."

As he spoke, the door again opened, and Manasseh Ben Israel, pale and
trembling with agitation, walked, or rather, so submissive was his
attitude, crept forward, saluting the Protector and the ladies as he
advanced.

"Will your Highness permit?" inquired Constantia, rising from her own
seat, and pushing it towards the Rabbi.

"Most certainly," was Cromwell's prompt reply; "our friend is aged, but
he is welcome; and we have news that will gladden his heart." In an
instant all trace of the servility which custom had imposed upon the
manners of the children of Israel vanished. The Rabbi stood upright, and
clasping his hands together, exclaimed, "My child! my child!"

"The lost sheep is found--blessed be the Lord!--safe here, within this
house--and I lay my commands upon her father that she be received as a
stray lamb from the fold, and warmed within his bosom. We have all
children, good Rabbi; and the Lord judge between us and them, they are
stiffnecked and stubborn! All, more or less, all--except one or two who
shine forth as bright examples;--such is my own Elizabeth, and such also
is Mistress Constantia here."

"She is found!" repeated the Jew; "but they talked of crime--of her
having--I cannot speak it, please your Highness, but you know what I
would say. Peradventure gold might be made to atone."

"P