Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-15

Cromwell sat rigid not a muscle Of face
or body moving. The sword was held as
steady as a beam of the roof.
Il implore you to heed me-" continued
the young man, seeing the other did not
intend to speak. Il implore you, as II
were on my Bonded knees before you and
my life in your hands, instead of yours In
mine. Will you let the great affairs OF
state be jeopardized to thwart two lovers?
With you slain, the king wins, for there is
none in England can fill your place. Have
you sons and daughters of your own that
your heart goes out to? Think Of them
and be kind to u.s."
will you marry the girl?
Surely, surely.
Here. before you depart together?'
Here and now. if there is one to knot
u.s.
You know that a promise given under
coercion does not hold?
We'll l know it; but the word or Cen
eral Cromwell is enough for me, once IT
is passed. however given"
Then take down your SWORD; promise
and am well rid of you both"
With a deep sigh of relief Armstrong
sheathed his sword and lifted his hat from
the floor. Cromwell rose from his chair
and paced twice up and down the long
room between the great moonlit windows
and the table. He paused In his march
looked up at the dim gallery and said:
cobb, come down"
To Armstrong; amazement, who thought
he had been alone with the general, he
heard lurching heavy steps come clamp
ing down the wooden stair, and a trooper,
with primed musket in his hand, stood be-
fore his master.
Cobb, why did you not shoot this man
dead when you saw him draw his sword?"
Because, excellency, you did not give
the signal"
IF had, what then?''
"He was dead man before he could
move an arm, or your finger was on the
table again.
you have done well. That is what
like, exact obedience, and no panic. keep
ySur lips closed. Go and tell your colonel
20 come here
The man withdrew. and Cromwell resum-
ed his walk, making no comment on the
brief dialogue. William blew long whis-
tle then he laughed little.
When the colonel came in Cromwell turn
ed to him and said:
as that malignant brawler, chaplain to
Lord Rudby. in the cells yet?"
Yes, excellency."
Tell your men to clear out the chapel
at once and light it. There are some stores
in it, think and bring the reverend gray
beard to me.
In a few moments the colonel returned,
accompanied by aged clergyman, who.
despite his haggard and careworn look and
bent shoulders, cast a glance of hatred at
the general, which seemed to entitle him
to the epithet Cromwell had bestowed upon
him. To this silent defiance Cromwell paid
no attention, but said to him:
Sir, you may earn your liberty tonight
by marrying two young people in the
chapel"
THAT 1 will not" returned the clergy
man, stoutly, land all your tyranny can
not compel me to do So"
1.-The wench," continued Cromwell. I'M
moved, you already know. She is Fran
ces Wentworth, daughter of the late Earl
of STAFFORD. The groom stands here be-
fore you, William Armstrong, a Scot, who
had but lately carried a message from the
Charles at Oxford n Traunair "a
border. l should hang him, but he prefers
the moose you can tie to the one my hands
might prepare"
The old clergyman looked at Armstrong
with an interest he had not displayed on
entering the room.
Have you, then, seen his gracious ma
jesty, the king?"
Yes, reverend sir, and but a few days
ago."
And carried his message safe through
these rebellious hordes now desecrating the
land?'
There was some opposition, but L won
through thanks to my horse"
And thanks, no doubt to your own
loyal courage. God bless you sir. and
God save the king. The lady you have
CHOSEN is worthy of you, you of her In
Gods shattered temple 1 will marry you,
If its walls remain"
When the colonel came in with Frances
the girl turned frightened look upon the
group when she saw who stood there
Oh she cried, impulsvely, II told you
not to come
TITS you who are to obey, not he" said
Cromwell, harshly. He has come for Won
VIII you marry him?'
The girl allowed her eyes to seek the
moor and did not answer him. Even in
red. 0''
Come, come" cried Cromwell, impatient
ly, yes, or no, wench."
VIII not have her so addressed BY
any any, spoke up Armstrong stoutly. stepping
forward, but the girl flashed glance from
her dark eyes on the commander
Yes, she said with decision, then di.
rected her look on her lover and SO to the
floor again.
Are there candles in the chapel?''
Yes, excellency," replied the colonel.
BRING some of the officers. l think wit
nesses are needed, and your regimental
pooR' II there Is singing to be done. Twill
hoid them as fast as the parish register. ]
warrant. Then to the clergyman t.FoIIoW
me. sir, and the rest of you"
With that Cromwell strobe out and led
me u. way TO the chapel, so hastily converted
from a storehouse to it's former purposes
1he Old divine took his place with the
young people before him, the group of Off
GERS IN the dimness near the DOOR Crom-
We'll. however, stood near the girl
Slip off one of your rings and give it to
TINS pastor, he whispered to her. I'VE are
snort OF such gear here, and L doubt If your
man ever thought of it,
WilHoul d WOfQ, selected from
the number on her fingers that which had
been her mothers wedding ring ana handed
it to the clergyman.
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together
here in the sight of God and in the face of
this congregation to join together this man
and this woman in holy matrmony which
Is an honorable estate, instituted of God in
the time of mans innocency, signifying
unto us the mystical union that is betWixt
Christ and his church: which holy estate
Christ adorned and beautified with his pres
ence, and first miracle that he wrought in
Cana of Gallilee"
AS the sonorouS words reSounded in the
ancient chapel the old man Strengthened
himself, the former anger in his face gave
way to benfgnant expression and his atti-
tude took on all the grave dignity of MS
calling. He went on with the service until
he came to the words:
who giveth this woman to be married
to this man?'
Cromwell stepped forward and said
brusduely, Il do
The clergyman seemed to have forgotten
the commanders presence and now paused
when it was recalled to him, then he went
on to the end, and added in a voice trem-
bling with emotion:
God bless you, my children, sworn to
love and cherish each other in this time of
hatred and war. May you live to see what
my aged eyes may never behold-peace
upon this distracted land and the king
upon an unchallenged throne"