Various were the comments drawn forth by the last volunteer stanza of
the old loyalist. With lowering looks, some of the guests conversed
apart in whispers, for there were a good many in the Assembly, who,
though not entirely approving the conduct of Bacon, were favourably
disposed to his cause. Sir William Berkeley himself restrained his
mirth out of respect for a venerable old man, who stood near him, and
towards whom many eyes were turned in pity. This was old Nathaniel
Bacon, the uncle of the young insurgent, and himself a member of the
council. There were dark rumours afloat, that this old man had advised
his nephew to break his parole and fly from Jamestown; but, although
suspicion had attached to him, it could never be confirmed. Even those
who credited the rumour rather respected the feelings of a near
relative, in thus taking the part of his kinsman, than censured his
conduct as savouring of rebellion.

FOOTNOTES:

[35] This jovial old colonist is referred to in the T. M. account of the
Rebellion.

CHAPTER XVII.

"And first she pitched her voice to sing,
Then glanced her dark eye on the king,
And then around the silent ring,
And laughed, and blushed, and oft did say
Her pretty oath, by yea and nay,
She could not, would not, durst not play."
_Marmion._

"How did _you_ like Major Presley's song?" said Bernard to Virginia, as
he leaned gracefully over her chair, and played carelessly with the
young girl's fan.

"Frankly, Mr. Bernard," she replied, "not at all. There was only one
thing which seemed to me appropriate in the exhibition."

"And what was that?"

"The coarse language and sentiment of the song comported well with the
singer."

"Oh, really, Miss Temple," returned Bernard, "you are too harsh in your
criticism. It is not fair to reduce the habits and manners of others to
your own purer standard of excellence, any more than to censure the
scanty dress of your friend Mamalis, which, however picturesque in
itself, would scarcely become the person of one of these fair ladies
here."

"And yet," said Virginia, blushing crimson at the allusion, "there can
be no other standard by which I at least can be governed, than that
established by my own taste and judgment. You merely asked me _my_
opinion of Major Presley's performance; others, it is true, may differ
with me, but their decisions can scarcely affect my own."

"The