CHAPTER I. A PURITAN MAIDEN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2248, 4 December 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHAPTER I. A PURITAN MAIDEN.

The early evening of a day in June. Roses climbing over the cottages that btood on either side of the lane leading into the village of Brentfoid. Roses pushing their white and red clusters through the small lattice windows — roses everywhere— filling the air with their fragrance, and growing in wild profusion side by side with honeysuckle and the small star-like clematis. Down the lane, with the reins of his horse held loosely in his hands, rode Harry Vane, as handsome a young Royalist as ever fought for the ill-fated Charles Stuart. His horse walked slowly along, and his rider was ia no hurry to reach hia destination, which was that of the large square house, standing back from the road, and belonging to .Sir John Hampton, who was at the present time staying with his wife and children. Faith Hampton, a cheerful, loving little woman — with no thought beyond her husband and her two boys — had sacrificed a good deal when, in opposition to her parents' wishes, she had married her elo\crly lover, Sir John Hampton. Herself tho child of Puritan parents, it. had bepn contrary to their wishes that she should wed a staunch Royalist. However, that had been years ago, and her mother and father were dead now, and their daughter never regretted the step she had taken in kaving her somewhat stern parents, and taking for 'better or worse" the husband who thought that no one could every approach hia wife in goodness or in cleverness. She was standing at the gate of the garden now, talking to a young girl. ' Good-bye, Dorothy,' she was saying ; 'come to-morrow, if your father can spare you, and we will finish our work. ' Dorothy Hanbury said ' Good-bye,' and leaving her fiiend still standing at the gate, she walked sedately down the lane and back to her own home. Coming towards her was someone on horseback. At a glance the saw it was a young Royalist. Now Mistress Dorothy would not have done credit to the careful training she had received from her father, Master Giles Hanbury, a severe old Puritan, if she 'had given more thau a passing glance to the haudsorae young Royalist. So with eyes modestly bent on the ground, and her sweet young face, she went on her way. But something happened — quite unlooked for — and in a most unexpected way. Jusfc one of these chances in life which make or mar the destinies of so many, and which was now to be the turning-point in two lives. Fiom a cottage near a lar/jfo, fiercelooking dog broke loose. It ran across the road, barking loudly and fiercely. Perhaps the poor animal was only delighted at having procured his freedom, but Mistress Dorothy, walking along in her quiet demure way, looking straight in front of her, was startled. She lost her self-possession which, at the best ©f times she could not boast of, and she gave a frightened little cry as the large dog came bounding upon her. In a second Harry Vane had sprung from the saddle and beaten off the dog, and now stood, hat in hand, by the side of the Puritan maiden. "I thank thee," said Mistress Dorothy, in a sweet, low voice. "Truly, it was foolish of me to be so alarmed." And she gave the handsome young Cavalier a shy little look from her dark eyos as she spoke. So this gallant young Royalist was a specimen of the clas* of men called "Dangerous" by her f.nher. "Surely be is different fiom the re»st," w&3 the unspoken thought of Mistress Dorothy's heart. ' I do not wonder at your being frightened, madam," said Harry Vdne, and he glanced at the sweet modest face and the small hand and icct with a look of decided approbation. But Mistress Dorothy, having a little recovered from her fright, bethought her of her father's warnings. "Good - night," she said courteously; "my home ia quite near, and I thank thee for thy help." But Harry was iv no haste to part with this fascinating little Puritan. " I could not allow you to go alone," he said, decidedly. "Asit is only a little "way you must let me see you home in safety." Mistress Dorothy, unaccustomed as she was to society and its many crooked paths and turnings, know not how to dismiss him ; and yet she had an instructive feeling tint it would not be pleasing to her father, but the young man was already prepared to accompaay her. He had the horse's bridlo in his hand, and walked along by her Bide, The pale crescent of the moon shone

in the summer sky. There seemed a hush, a silence in the air— the tall trees just bent as a little breeze came over them, and, save for a soft twitter from a sleepy bird, all was still. And Harry Vane walked along, and now and again stealing" a look at the sweet, fair girl by his side. This was a new experience for hi,m. Just come from the court, with the influence of the vivacious Queen and her maids of honour still upon him, to ir.eet in thiß quiet littlo village, seeming so far from the bu«y world, nuch a beautiful girl, whose greatest charm, in the eyes of the young Royalist, was her perfect simplicity and unconsciousness. Her soft grey gown, with the white collar and cuffs, the long- lace apron, and the hood, resting on her soft brown hair, which wa^ brushed back from the pure white forehead, all so different from the long sweeping- trains, the silks and velvets, the glitter of precious jewels, to which he had bpen accustomed. "Do you live here, madam?" said Harry at last, finding- his companion did not speak to him. " We live at the end of the lane, my father and I — in that red-brick house we can now see," replied Mistress Dorothy, thinking, as Bho spoke, that the lane seemed very short to-day, and the evening breeze unusually soft' and refreshing. " Will you tell me your name ?" replied Harry, becoming bolder. ."Dorothy Hanbury. My f.ither is Master Giles Hanbury, hhe said, turning his head a littlo aside, for the undisguised look of admiration which this young Cavalier bestowed upon her becoming rather embarrassing. " My name is Harry Vane," he said ; " and I am goiug to .see Sir John Hampton, who lives here, I believe." Dorothy's dark eyes beamed upon him. "We know Master John Hampton well," she said with a senso of relief that this gallant young Royalist should be known to her friends. "My father thinks him a worthy man, though somewhat worldly and misguided." Harry smiled to himself at Mistress Dorothy's candour and simplicity. "He is for tho King, as I am," he said. "Yes," said Dorothy, with a little sigh, which he interpreted rightly, "I see that thou art not on our sidf>," And sho looked at the fair flowing ringlets and tho large hat Aviththe sweeping feather. "That will not prevent our being friends," said tho young man, a little eagerly ; and he bent towards her as he spoke. But Mistress Dorothy drew back, with her little heart beating quickly. How very different this young Royalist was when contrasted with Master Reuben Joyce, a young man who frequented her father's house, ostensibly for the purpose of listening to Master Hanbury's ideas on the present state of affairs. "This is my home," said Dorothy, as a bend in tha lane brought them in front of a large old howse, with stone steps and narrow small windows; "I thank thee for thy courtesy towards me." "It has been a great pleasure," said Harry Vane ; and he held out his hand. Mistress Dorothy timidly gave him hers. " Perhaps 1 shall see you again," said Harry, thinking that each moment this Puritan maiden became more bewitching. "I cannot say," said Dorothy, demurely. • ' Would you like us to meet again ?'' he asked. "Surely I should, friend Vane," replied Dorothy, truthfully. " Sweet Mistress Dorothy, good night," said Harry ; and, with the courtesy of the day, he lifted his large plumed hat and kissed her hand. Mistress Dorothy flushed up, and withdrew her hand with alacrity. She turned from him without saying any more, and did not look round e\en while she waited for the door to be opened. What would her lather say ? Need she tell him this handsome young stranger had kissed her hand ! And, with these thoughts filling her mind, Dorothy entered her home ; and Harry Vane rode away down the lane, already thinking what he would say when next he met her. That night, alone in his room, before he went to bed, Harry untied a red ribbon from his sleeve, but he put the crimson rose which matched the ribbon into water, that it might revive. It was a fancy of his ; ho always kept the flowers that fair hands had fastened into his coat. And, as he lifted the glasa by the window, his thoughts went back to tho beautiful maid of honour whom he had parted from that morning. She, too, had a red rose, that Harry had given her, carefully watched and tended. This handsome youug Royalist, dispensing his smiles, his gallant speeches so lavishly ; enforcing them, too, by tender looks from his blue eyes — looks and words already making an impression upon Mistress Dorothy. Looks and words treasured up by another— the girl whose colour he had worn, and upon whose hands he had also left a kiss, after the courteous fashion of the day. Ah ! well a day for the lover. Ah ! well a day for the lass ; But hearts must break, if words are said That never come to pass. And so the world goes on its way — smiles and tears, joy and sorrow. And the angels keep watch over all. The next day a meeting was to be held in the Puritans,' place of worship. The Puritans were coining from far and near, for the preacher had already become famous. His eloquence was great, and his appearance was an attraction by itself. He had recently lost both ears, owing to some pamphlets he hail circulated and to some sermons he had delivered to an enthusiastic audience — sermons not appreciated by the Royalists. Master Giles Hanbury and his daughter started early. Mistress Dorothy had told her father about the dog and the prompt aid of the young Cavalier, but she said nothing about the homeward walk, or the pirting at the bend ot the lane. This morning Mistress Dorothy walked along by her father's side. The lace kerchief folded round her white neck and crossed in front was a little more dainty than usual, and a pure white rose nestling among the green leaves, and fastened at the side, was her only ornament. She carried her velvet bag hung on her little wrist by long cords, which held her psalm book and handkerchief. Among the leaves of the book were a few sprays of rosemary and lavender, all dainty and fresh as Mistress Dorothy herself. They were passing Sir John Hampton's house, and standing in the garden, talking to Sir John, was Hary Vane. Sir John came forward with a few words of greeting, and his guest followed. A flush like the wild rose came into the Puritan maiden's face as Harry lifted his plumed hat and bowed, but she kept by her father's side, and did not speak. "We are going to the meeting house, Dorothy and I, to hear a discourse from Master Prynne," said Master Giles Hanbury. "Heis a truly goodly man, and his expositions of the Scriptures are very edifying." "I should like to hear his discourse," said Harry, who had not missed the suddeu blush on Mistress Dorothy's face. "Truly, young man, thy remark does not savour of the woildly cause to which thoubclongest," responded Master Hanbury, rather severely. " However, our meeting-house is free to' everyone, and none c m tell where the good seed ma} r fall." "I shall come," said Harry Vaue. " Perhaps, Master Hanbury, you can give me a scat, as I am a stranger."

This bold request, for which Mastpr Hanbury was uot prepared, met with silence ; but presently Master Hanbury, strong in his fervour for the good cause, and forgetful of his pretty daughter, said that "he might be able to aecotnodate Master Vane." Then they weut on thenway, leaving Harry to follow. Mistress Dorothy's little heart was in a strange state of flutter and excitement, which she vainly tiied to subdue. She bent her head in prayer when she reached the meeting-house, but the handsome Cavalier, with his tender blue eyes, and his smooth, soft speeches, seemed to come before her ; and Master Prynne, in his plain round collar and his clipped hair, minus cars, bluo eyes, and flowing ring lets, seemed positively repulsive on this bright June morning, Master Pryuue stepped forward to deliver his discourse. His small round eyes wandered over the rows of faces all turned towards his direction. They stopped when they came to the seat occupied by Master Hanbury and his daughter. His heart seemed to swell with fervour and devotion as he gazed on the sweet, modest face of Mistress Dorothy. " Verily T will stay at Master Haubury 'a house and refresh myselr after my labours," thought Master Prynne. " Truly, little Rachel, the maid is good to look upon." Master Prynne did not think of his own wife, who always stayed at home to mind the children, "Not being," as Master Prynne frequently observed to the women among his flock, '■ of a fervent or sympathetic spirit." Perhaps Mistress Prynne had formed too just an opinion of her husband's homp qualities to feel anxious to know more about his public movements. The entrance of Harry Vane created quite a sensation. Everyone looked round excepting Mistress Dorothy. She knew from the click of the spurs who it was, so she fixed her eyes upon Master Prynne's round and oily countenance, and tried to forget that Harry Vane was coming to sit with them. Straight towards Master Giles Hanbury walked Harry, his long curls scenting the air as he passed, and his hat in his hand. Master Hanbury moved aside to let him pass, there being a seat vacant next but one to Dorothy. The chair by her side was occupied by an elderly Puritan lady of virtuous but ugl) mien. "By your leave, kind madam," whispered Harry, with a persuasive smile, and the elderly Puritan found herself moving to the next chair, and Hairy settled himself by Mistress Dorothy. Master Prynne observed this new advent with strong disapproval, but was constrained to continuo his discourse, which here became slightly wandering; and disconnected. The discourse ended. Another brother gave out a psalm, the tune of which he requested some member of the congregation to start. Mistress Dorothy, half doubting the propriety of so doing, offered the young Royalist half of her psalm book. Harry, after reading the words of the chosen psalm, starteq^a tune, which was quickly joined in by the others. 'Perhaps, if the same brother would kindly btart another tune, we might sins: one more psalm before we pait,' sud Master Prynne. ' Truly there was a sound of holy mirth in the one we have just had that doeth us all good.' With a smile to himself Harry started a second psalra, and tho whole congregation were soon singing to the tune of one of the Court glees. The meeting over, the congregation dispersed. Master Hanbury was drawn aside by a tall, spare man, with a severe countenance, a but look of ill- concealed triumph on his face. He whispered something evidently of importance, for Master Hanbury's eyes suddenly lit up, and his whole f -ice was expressive of great satisfaction. 'I •will come back with thee, friend GileV lie said. 'I must hear more of thy communication.' Forgetful of his daughter and Harry Vane, whose dangerous but attractive society Mistress Dorothy already found strangely interesting 1 , Master Hanbury turned towards the common and walked away, accompanied by Friend Giles. 'Your f 'lther has left you in my charge,' remarked Harry to Mistress Dorothy, 'so I must take you home.' They turned down the loag lane lending towards the village; neither saw Master Prynne behind all red and flustered with the haste the had made to oveitake the maiden before she left the meeting-house; neither saw the .severe glances cast upon them by one or two Puritan raarons ; or the looks of envy, thinly v^ile.l by pious astonishment, from most of the girls-. This was the most perfect June d:iy Dorothy had ever known. The sky was so blue, the dew drops glistened on the 'emerald blades of grass' with a fetrange brillianci?, the swallows darted joyously through tho balmy air, tho very humming and buz/Aog of the tiny sparkling- insects had a sound of rejoicing that was new to the Puritan maidon. A spray of wild ro^es flung their delicate blossoms in front of the two as thov walked slowly along. Harry stoppel and gathered them. 'Ah mind the thorns/ cried Dorothy, and Harry Vane only smiled down upon her and placed the beautiful spray with the crimson-tipped petals and frosh green leaves in her hands. 'Will you wear them?' he said. Well, tho words look very ordinal y and commou'place written, but ah ! they did not sound po when accompanied by a tender look, and spoken with a gentle intonation that was far more eloquent than the words >ilono, and Mistress Dorothy took the roses with a blu^h that matched them. It was all part of the 'Love Idyll' of the romance, if not reality of most lives. And when a handsome young Royalist walks silently along by the side of a sweet Puritan maiden with a face like Mistress Dorothy's and when the maiden for the first time notices the strange beauty of the scenery which she sees every day and is also silent, well, it is not difficult tn guess tho end. They parted ut the little gate of Iho old brick house. There was no one h O'lnd them. Master Prynne had been ovettiken by a matron, with two us?ly c'.'iu^hters, and had found escape impossible, so le&igned himself to circumstances ; still he had his reward — tV.e mother and daughters thanked him for his heavenly discourse, and administered large doses of flattery — not too large, however, for Master Prynne to swallow. 'When shall I see you again ?' asked Hurry, holding- "Mistress Dorothy's little hand in his, whilo he said good-hye. 'I do not know, friend Vane,' said Dorothy, in a low voice. 'Master Pi-ynno will be here until to-movrow — ' She stopped aud did not finish her sentence. Harry Vane bent his handsoim head. 'If I come down the lane this evening )"' he said, and paused. Mistress Dorothy did not understand him, and Harry had to explniu. •Will you come out, sweet Mistress Dorothy ?' The girl's sweet fu^e was raised to his, and her truthful dark eyes were lifted. 'My father likes me to be with him when our preachers come,' she said ; 'and, in truth, their conversations are instructive and godly.' 'Good-bye,' said Harry, releasing the little hand, with a sense of disappointment. 'Good-day,' replied Dorothy softly, and then they parted.