Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-04-02
CHAPTE |.
Swaffham and De Wick.


had sort of personality. 1t was the
history of the Swaffham family in
stone and timber.
The central tower-built Of the
white stone of the neighborhood-was
the fortress which Tonbert Swaffham
erected A. D. $40, 10 defend his lands
from an invasion Of the Danes; and
five generations of Tonbert's descen-
dants dwelt in that tower, before VIII
liam of Normandy took possession OF
the crown of England. The Swaffham
of that date became friend OF the
Conqueror; and the Manor House had
the singular fortune to be identified
with the stirring events of every
dynasty.
In the middle of the seventeenth
century it still retained this character.
Puritan councils of offense and de-
tense had been held in its great hall,
and parliamentary soldiers drilled in
it's meadows. For Capt. Israel Swaff-
ham was the friend of Gen. Cromwell,
and at the time this story opens was
with Cromwell in Scotland.
great fighter. he had no parlia-
mentary talent. and no respect for
parliaments. He believed England S
religious and civil liberties were to be
saved by the sword, and when the
Kings fast-and-lOose proposal IS had
been discussed by the men Of Cam
bridgeshire, in Swaffham, he had
closed the argument with this passion
ate declaration:
There is no longer disputlng with
such a double mind as the mind OF
Charles Stuart. The very oath of God
would not bind him. Out, instantly,
all of you who CAM"
His three sons rose at his words and
the rest of the council followed, for
all felt that the work was but half
done-there was to be a Second Civil
War. Then home was again deserted
for the battlefield. and Capt. Swat
hams wife and daughter were once
more left alone in the old Manor
House.
Mrs. Swaffham was the child of a
Puritan minister, and she had strong
she had pitied the late hing, excused
his inexcusable treacheries, and re-
GREETED the pomps ana ceremonies Of
royal state.
Jane Swaffham was of a different
spirit. She had soul of the highest
mettle; and she had listened to those
English mystics, who came out of the
steel ranks or triumphant Puritanism,
until she had caught their spirit and
been filed through and through with
their faith.
This was the maiden who was sit
ting, one sunny afternoon, at the open
window of the household parlor in
Swaffham. She was thinking of her
father and brothers, Of the unhappy
condition of England, and of the I'M
rest in their own household. For she
knew that her mother was worried
about many things, and the fret that
was bred in the kitchen and the farm
offices-in spite of all her efforts
insinuated itself into the still order
Of the handsome room in which she
was sitting.
At this moment there was the
sound of wheels and the tramp of
horses, and Jane said 1T is Matilda
de Wick. | know the roll of the car
riage" Then Jane lifted her sewing
and the wheel began to hum, and the
door opened swiftly and Matilda de
Wick entered.
II have just been at Ely" she said
and if l live seven-and-ffty years
longer in this sinful world, shall not
forget the visit. | have been visiting
Lady Heneage, and | have heard sc
much of the Cromwell's full cup that
in faith, think it has gone to my
head"
Il trust Lady Heneage is well,
said Mrs. Swaffham.
She had need to be well. Hel
house is as full as the ark. Mrs
Elizabeth Hampden is there, ant
daughter Flambord. and daughte
Clayton, and all their children anC
retainers. 1t is their last gathering
before they go away. Do you wisl
to know where they are going? tt
London, of Course"
And they are going to London? Il
it really so?" asked Jane.
IT'S not very civil to doubt 1t. Blu
that is not all of my news-I hear
also that Jane Swaffham was goin
to LOndOn-a thing | would not be
lieve without James assurance"
1T is very uncertain" replied Mrs
from Mary Cromwell, and if Docto
Verify comes here soon, he may fin
the time to take her to London wit
him. We know not assuredly, a
yet"
Jane must move mountains to e
The Cromwells are now living in tn
stately Cockpit. They will hold coul
there. and Jane Swaffham will be {
it,"
II am sure of one thing" answere
Jane. Public honors please not Gel
Cromwell. He would thank God I
escape them"
Il do not say that the wish to sc
him honored is universal" continue
Matilda. Father Sacy thinks thel
are few thousand men still living
England who have not bowed the knt
10 this Baal."
Children! Children! can you fir
nothing more lovely to talk abou
Matilda, you know that you are ba
ing James temper only that you ms
see her lose It,"
Then Matilda laughed, and stoopiI
20 her friend. kissed her and sal
Come, little Jane, win ask 20
pardon. Kiss and be friends, Jane.
came to get your receipt for lavend
,onseryes and this is nothing to