“The circumstance, sir, that brings me here is by no means a happy one,” replied the lady, in tones that thrilled even the iron nerves of Oliver Cromwell.  “I am Lady Rae, General; the wife of John Lord Rae, at present a prisoner in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh for his adherence to the cause of the late king.”

“Ah, my Lady Rae, I am sorry for you—­sorry for you indeed; but doubtless you have found consolation in the same source whence your afflictions have sprung.  Truly may I reckon—­indeed may I, doubtless—­that the Lord, who has seen fit to chastise you, has also comforted you under this dispensation.”

“None, Sir General, who seek the aid of the Almighty in a true spirit ever seek that aid in vain,” replied Lady Rae; “and I have been a seeker, and have found; nor have I, I trust, been wanting on this occasion in a due submission to his will.”

“Truly, I hope not; indeed do I,” replied Cromwell.  “Then, what would ye with me, fair lady?  What would ye with one so feeble and humble as I am, who am but as a tool, a mean instrument in the hand of the artificer?” And the speaker assumed a look of the deepest humility.

“I dare not utter it!  I dare not utter it, General!” exclaimed Lady Rae, now giving way, for the first time, to that emotion which was agitating her whole frame, although she had hitherto endeavoured, and not unsuccessfully, to conceal it.  “I dare not utter it,” she said, “lest it should bring death to my hopes; yet came I hither for no other purpose.”

“Speak, lady, speak,” said Cromwell.  “What would’st thou with me?”

Lady Kae flung herself on her knees, and exclaimed, with upraised countenance and streaming eyes—­

“Save my husband, General!  Restore him to liberty and to me; and thus, on my knees, shall I daily offer up prayers to heaven for thy safety and prosperity.  Oh refuse me not!—­refuse me not, General, as thou thyself hopest for mercy from thy God in the hour of retribution!” And she wildly grasped the knees of the republican commander.

Without saying a word, Cromwell gently disengaged himself from the fair suppliant, and, turning his back upon her, stalked to the further end of the apartment, seemingly much agitated.

On gaining the extremity of the room, Cromwell stood for two or three minutes, still keeping his back to Lady Rae, with arms folded, and drooping his head, as if musing deeply.  At the expiry of this period, he suddenly turned round, and advancing towards his fair visitor with quick and hurried step, said—­

“My Lady Rae, may the Lord direct me in this matter and in all others.  I have been communing with myself anent your petition; truly have I, but see not that I can serve thee; I cannot indeed.  If we would all walk in the straight path, we had need to walk warily; for in this matter I cannot help thee, seeing my Lord Rae is a State prisoner, and I have no power over him; none, truly, none whatever.