Sir Henry immediately sent for a clothier, and Harry was again made presentable; while a suit of serviceable clothes adapted to the position of a young gentleman of moderate means was obtained for Jacob.  Then, accompanied by his son, Sir Henry went to the king’s chambers, and informed his majesty of all that had happened.  As, from the reports which had reached the king of the temper of the people of London, he had but small hope that anything would come of the attempt that was being made, he felt but little disappointed at hearing of the sudden return of his emissary.  Harry was again asked in, and his majesty in a few words expressed to him his satisfaction at the zeal and prudence which he had shown, and at his safe return to court.

On leaving the king Harry awaited anxiously what his father would determine concerning his future, and was delighted when Sir Henry said, “It is now a year once these troubles began, Harry, and you have so far embarked upon them, that I fear you would find it difficult to return to your studies.  You have proved yourself possessed of qualities which will enable you to make your way in the world, and I therefore think the time has come when you can take your place in the ranks.  I shall ask of the king a commission for you as captain in my regiment, and as one of my officers has been killed you will take his place, and will have the command of a troop.”

Harry was delighted at this intimation; and the following day received the king’s commission.

A few days afterward he had again to ride over to Furness Hall, which was now shut up, to collect some rents, and as he returned through Abingdon he saw Lucy Rippinghall walking in the streets.  Rather proud of his attire as a young cavalier in full arms, Harry dismounted and courteously saluted her.

“I should hardly have known you, Master Furness,” she said.  “You look so fierce in your iron harness, and so gay with your plumes and ribands.  My brother would be glad to see you.  My father as you know, is away.  Will you not come in for a few minutes?”

Harry, after a few moments’ hesitation, assented.  Ha longed to see his old friend, and as the latter was still residing at Abingdon, while he himself had already made his mark in the royal cause, he did not fear that any misconstruction could be placed upon his visit to the Puritan’s abode.  Herbert received him with a glad smile of welcome.

“Ah, Harry,” he said, “so you have fairly taken to man’s estate.  Of course, I think you have done wrong; but we need not argue on that now.  I am glad indeed to see you.  Lucy,” he said, “let supper be served at once.”

It was a pleasant meal, and the old friends chatted of their schooldays and boyish pastimes, no allusion being made to the events of the day, save that Herbert said, “I suppose that you know that my father is now a captain in the force of the Commons, and that I am doing my best to keep his business going during his absence.”