e. There's good music
here, Henry.

(He goes.)

_Bridget:_
Robert Hall sings beautifully.

_Ireton:_
Will you sing, too?

_Bridget:_
I expect so.

_Ireton:_
I once tried to learn the flute. It was no good. I couldn't do it unless
I watched my fingers.

_Bridget:_
Was it very terrible at Edgehill?

_Ireton:_
Yes.

_Bridget:_
Were we really beaten?

_Ireton:_
No. A few saved us from that.

_Bridget:_
Were you one?

_Ireton:_
Your father was chief among them.

_Bridget:_
Was he?

_Ireton:_
He will lead armies. Every man will follow him. He never faltered, and
there was no misjudgment, ever.

_Bridget:_
Did you keep the horses you had when you left London?

_Ireton:_
Yes, both of us.

_Bridget:_
I was glad to see you then.

_Ireton:_
You know what is coming?

_Bridget:_
Yes. I see it.

_Ireton:_
We shall live with danger now. It may take years. Many of us will not
see the end. We are no longer our own.

_Bridget:_
These are the best crusades.

_Ireton:_
To be called, thus. To be led by such a one. I know your father will
direct it--he must be the man. He is only a captain to-night, but in a
month or two you will see. And we shall be a mighty following. I see
them forming, terrible hosts. We must give all, truly. I shall give all,
I think. It is little enough. Bridget.

_Bridget:_
Yes.

_Ireton:_
You promised. I might speak again, you said.

_Bridget:_
Yes.

_Ireton:_
Will you wed a man so dedicated?

_Bridget:_
The more for that. Yes, Henry.

_Ireton_
(as they embrace):
May we tell your father now?

_Bridget:_
Yes--if I can but help you to serve.

_Ireton:_
You shape my service. In you shall all the figures of my service dwell.
Will he take this kindly?

_Bridget:_
Surely. He loves you, he has said it often.

(CROMWELL returns.)

_Bridget:_
Father, Henry Ireton has to speak to you.

_Cromwell:_
Eh?

_Ireton:_
Yes, Mr. Cromwell.

_Cromwell:_
Quite so. Mr. Cromwell. That's very interesting now, isn't it?

_Ireton:_
By your leave I would marry Bridget.

_Cromwell:_
I dare say. You would be a very foolish young man else. And, what of
Bridget's leave?

_Bridget:_
He has that.

_Cromwell:_
I should think so, too. Well?

_Ireton:_
You consent?

_Cromwell:_
I could do nothing more gladly. You have chosen well, both of you. I
rejoice for you. But you must wait until this business we have in hand
is gathered up a little.

_Bridget:_
Ye