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Rh power been more nobly exercised? It remains for you to show that his influence extends for good even beyond the grave."

His enthusiasm carried his companion along with it.

"My sway here," he said, after a pause, "seems firmly enough established. Men have now seen too much of change to desire it more; and their security and mine are combined. I can detain the principal persons assembled in the lodge to-night as hostages."

"Yes," answered Evelyn; "And such a breach of faith will inevitably destroy the very confidence which it must be your object to create. Suspicion never obtains more than the mockery of security."

"At all events, there is no necessity of announcing the Protector's demise to-night."

"Out upon any temporising policy!" returned Evelyn; "concealment always implies fear; and dread is God's blessing to our enemies. Go at once to the hall, and dismiss your guests with the intelligence of your father's death, and your brother's accession."

The companions separated; the younger Cromwell to execute his most unwelcome mission, while Evelyn remained for a time pacing up and down,