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ANDREW MARVEL AND HIS FRIENDS.

A STORY OF THE SIEGE OF HULL.

BY MARIE HALL, née SIBREE.

Author of "Sermons from the Studio,"
""The Sculptor of Bruges," &c.

CHAPTER VII.-SIR HARRY VANE.

In the beginning of September there was a great stir in Hull, because of a letter received by the Mayor from Lord Strafford, wherein he said that the King had directed a regiment of foot soldiers to come to this town, under the command of Sir Thomas Glenham, who was thereupon to be appointed governor. The Mayor was indignant at having his authority set at nought without any apology; and he told his Lordship curtly, that, by virtue of his office, he was rightful governor of Hull, and he did not see how there could be two governors at the same time. Already soldiers were plentiful enough in the town, there being a guard night and day on the walls; the Hessle gate was quite closed up, and an enormous chain was drawn every night across the mouth of the haven.

Ten days later came another letter from the Earl, in which he courteously begged the Mayor to admit Sir Thomas. But at the same time came a communication from the Colonel, who was still at York, urging the Aldermen to support their Mayor in his most reasonable and lawful protest. This they did, and sent to inform the haughty nobleman of their resolution. On the 20th of September a despatch arrived from Court, intimating that His Majesty would pay the town a visit in person in less than a fortnight, and requesting the Mayor to make suitable preparation for his reception. The King was now evidently displeased with his "right loyal subjects" in Hull, and they were in no mood to rejoice at the prospect of seeing him. The Colonel again prayed the authorities to do their duty and fear nothing-adding, nobly, that he and Sir William Lister would bear all the expenses of entertaining the King and his train. He told them also that there was little doubt of the King granting their rights, when Lord Strafford was not at his elbow. But the majority of the people were alarmed, and loudly called upon the Mayor to yield. Much against his own judgment, he at last reluctantly consented, consoling himself in some degree by saying that perhaps, after all, the King would have obliged him to submit.

In a few days Sir Thomas Glenham appeared at the gates with a

thousand men, and received the keys of the town and castle. Of course, no more was heard of a royal visit.

Colonel Lister returned home in October. He was deeply grieved at the Mayor's concession, for he saw, in those comparatively small acts of tyranny and lawlessness, the steps by which Charles was advancing towards despotism. The King, having been defeated in most of his schemes, had been compelled to summon another Parliament, which was appointed to assemble on the third of November. Sir Harry Vane was chosen, without any seeking of his, to serve again for Hull, with Mr. Pelham, and was requested to visit the town and attend a meeting at the Town Hall, on his way to London from his northern home at Raby Castle.

The meeting was to be held on the last day of October, and there was quite a holiday in Hull. Many ladies went early to secure seats in the little gallery, amongst whom were Alice and Dorothy, under the care of good Dame Crowle. About ten o'clock the hall became densely crowded, the officers from the garrison mingling with the civilians; and just as Trinity clock struck the Mayor entered, in his robes, followed by the Aldermen, the membersVane and Pelham-and several other gentlemen of influence, including Colonel and Sir William Lister. The latter looked up at Alice, and kissed his glove; he had learned many gallantries at Court, and indeed the young Knight's manners were much improved by his short stay in York, and more suited to his rank and quality. Master Barnard, the Mayor, spoke first, but Alice, for one, heard little of what he was saying, being too much taken up with gazing at Sir Harry. His was a remarkable face, and well worth a study; when he spoke a bright light came into his eyes, illuminating every feature as by an inspiration; his thoughts were clearly and quietly uttered, for he wished every townsman plainly to understand what were the principles of their representative at this momentous crisis, and he wished also to explain to the uninformed something of their individual duties and privileges as Englishmen.

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Once during the address two or three of Glenham's officers called out" Republican!" but it angered the people, who cried, "Order," and "Turn out the military." Vane took small notice of the disturbances, going on in the same strain as before, and long afterwards his words rung in his listeners' ears, and perhaps influenced their after conduct. 'Deny," said he, "that there are any fundamental, irrepealable laws, and who can be secure as to life, liberty, or estate? And here I affirm that the whole aim of my actions shall be to preserve the ancient, well-constituted Government of England on its own basis, and primitive, righteous foundation. Our rights are not destroyed, but their exercise is laid for awhile

asleep, till the season comes for their revival and restoration." These words came from Vane's heart, and were carried out afterwards in his daily life.

Mr. Pelham rose next, but he should have spoken before his friend. He seemed conscious of this, and did not say much, though all knew him to be a true lover of the constitution.

When Alice descended the gallery stairs she found her father waiting for her, to say that Sir Henry Vane would pay them a short visit after the Mayor's banquet. "Then we must prepare the great parlour," said Alice, deeply impressed with the intended honour. "No, no," said the Colonel. "The Knight is coming to talk of grave matters. Move some of the litter from the library, and I will receive him there."

As Alice anticipated, this arrangement did not please Janet at all. "To think of a great gentleman coming-that lives in a big castle of his own, as fine as the King's palace, folks say—and we not to use the best room. He will be supposing we have no better place than the library, which is mostly like a lumber chamber. him! was born without a notion of order.

happen to be a woman."

Master, bless A mercy he didn't

"But we can put the room in order, Janet; and you know how well you made it appear when the Earl of Newport stayed here last year."

This could not be denied, and all the time she was grumbling Alice knew that Janet would do what her father wished to the very letter, and would have been very angry if any one else had called the library ill names. To gratify her pride in the family, Alice put" on her best satin gown, and wore some of her mother's jewels, that now seldom saw the light. The glitter of the diamonds brought back the housekeeper's good humour, and she ordered a fire to be lighted in the little ante-room for the young lady's own use. The meeting had excited Alice so much that she could settle to nothing, and was glad to hear Ann Marvel's voice in the hall. As she opened the ante-room door Ann had just come into collision with Janet, whom she had nearly upset in her impatience.

"Bless me, child," exclaimed the old woman.

"I ask your pardon," said Ann.

"And well you may," replied Janet shortly; for Ann was not favoured like her brother.

"Isn't she a cross woman, Alice? I wonder how you can bear her," said poor Ann, when the door of the little room was shut. "Oh, she is really good; it is only her manner. You must not mind it; she has something to vex her to-day."

"Does she ever speak so to you?" asked Ann, seating herself on Alice's lap.

"Yes; when I am naughty."

"But you never are naughty now you are grown up. I don't believe you ever did such things as I do."

"Perhaps not just the same, but quite as tiresome. I often worry Janet by forgetting things, and by not dressing grandly."

"You are dressed finely enough to-day, Alice," said Ann, standing up to survey her from head to foot. "What splendid stones those are! How they flash! just like Andrew's eyes when someone said—_—_—_—___',

"Said what?" said Alice; for Ann had stopped short, as if ashamed to finish.

"Why-why, that you were going to marry Master Hildyard." "Who said so?"

"Oh, I forget! You are not angry with me, are you, dear Alice ? your cheeks are so red."

Come and sit on my knee again."

"Nay, I am not angry.
"It was not true, was it,
"No, dear; of course not.

things?"

Alice ? "

Why do people say such foolish

"I am very glad," said Ann, putting her arms round her friend's neck.

Alice laughed. "Why are you glad?"

"I don't think Master Hildyard likes Andrew. I saw him looking so at him one day, it made me dislike him ever since." "Perhaps he was not thinking of your brother.

some one else. How is your little step-sister ? "

Let us talk of

"She does not get very strong; I wish she would, I think I love: her more every day."

"You must be very gentle to the tender, little creature."

"Mother says I shall never be a gentlewoman-I am so wild; but it is hard to walk straight when I feel so gleeful."

"Yes, I know it is," said Alice.

"But I behaved so well when Andrew was at home, and he helped me all the time."

"Then if you love him, you will do well in his absence." Alice knew that affection was the only thing that could control her high spirits, and induce her to submit to any restraint. Yet she was a

pleasant child, and Alice always liked her company.

"Why are you dressed in this gown to-day, Alice?" asked Ann, presently.

"Sir Harry Vane is coming this evening."

"Then I must not rumple your laces. What a long while you have had this gown, and not one hole in it; I am always tearing my clothes. I wish you could teach me how to behave better, Alice." Ann sighed, and looked very grave for the space of a.

minute, but she was soon laughing heartily, and went away, shutting the door with such a bang that Janet again exclaimed, "Bless me!"

Later on came Colonel Lister, bringing Vane and his nephew Will. "This is my daughter," said the Colonel, taking Alice's hand and leading her forward. The knight touched her fingers with his lips as if she had been a queen, saying that he had heard Lord Newport mention her name, but was better pleased to make her acquaintance in person. His face seemed to the maiden still more attractive on a nearer view, and she was ashamed to be caught several times looking intently at him; but his manners soon put Alice quite at ease, and she marvelled to find herself talking to him without her usual reserve. He wore a black velvet suit, with collar and ruffles of point lace, and the hilt of his sword was set with precious stones; but his presence was always such that the fashion of his clothes was a small matter.

When Vane had withdrawn with the Colonel to the library, Will remained to bear his cousin company. He had lately been a much more frequent visitor than formerly, consulting his uncle on every matter, and evidently wishful to be not quite unworthy of the noble order of knighthood. He and his fair cousin were soon vieing with each other in their praise of Sir Harry, and his courage in speaking so plainly that morning.

"His speech was highly commended at the banquet," said Will; "but there are some in this town that are incensed and say he is Republican."

"What that may mean, I hardly know," replied Alice; "he seemed a godly man and one that will serve not himself, but God and his country."

The talk then turned upon more homely matters, for Alice's embroidery lying beside her, Will took it up, and condescended to admire the pretty trifle. His cousin smiled, for at one time he disdained to notice such "silly toys." His ideas had undergone, to a great extent, the change that Alice had predicted, and he was then wearing a very richly ornamented scarf.

"This is for my father," said Alice; "he says he likes to wear what love has wrought."

"Well, he is right, sweet cousin," replied Will, playing with the end of his sash. "I bought this gay thing in York, and I like it well enough, but I should value it and wear it proudly, had some one made it for whom I care. When it got old I should still prize it; now my servants will wear it when it is soiled or I see another that pleases me better."

"I hope you will not throw away your gold like that, Will; there may come a time in this land-

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