devoured by the several auditors, while one, more gifted than
his fellows, drawled forth, amid ejaculations and thanks unto the Lord,
the doings of the Commonwealth, and especially of him who was a master
in the new Israel. But the information of the underlings of the house
was generally gathered from the pious pedlars, who sought entrance at
the gate, well stocked with wares of every possible description, and
with "gifts" of which they were always abundantly lavish to those who
hungered or were athirst.

The ladies of the family remained at home; the Lady Frances feeling
assured that her father would not be present, as she had received no
intimation to such effect from Whitehall. Constance, however, had heard
too many tales of Oliver's sudden movements to feel satisfied as to the
certainty of any matter in which he was concerned. It was no secret
either that he had been displeased with his daughter for her obstinate
attachment to Mr. Rich; and that he desired her, for the present, to
remain in retirement and away from court.

We have said that Solomon Grundy had received permission to view the
sight; and for a time he proceeded on his way, accompanied by the other
domestics; but, under some sly pretext, he lingered behind them. The
worthy preacher had not left Cecil Place so early, but, notwithstanding
the ambling pace of his favourite jennet, he soon came up to Solomon,
who, seated under a spreading elm by the wayside, was rapidly
demolishing the contents of his wallet, freshened by frequent draughts
from a black bottle of vast rotundity.

"Master Solomon Grundy," he observed, reining up his steed, "could not
your stomach tarry, even for a short while? Ah! worthy cook, you have a
most professional longing after the flesh-pots."

Solomon grinned, and applied himself with renewed diligence to his
viands when the preacher had passed. He was now surrounded by a motley
party, who had crossed from the main land, all bearing towards the same
point. Puritans, whose cloaks were of the most formal cut, and whose
hats emulated the steeple of St. Paul's; Levellers, with firm steps,
wrinkled and over-hanging brows, and hard unchanging features, all
denoting inflexibility of purpose and decision of character; Cavaliers,
whose jaunty gait was sobered, and whose fashionable attire was
curtailed in consideration that such bravery would be noticed and
reproved by the powers that were; women attired in dark hoods and
sad-coloured k