Oliver Cromwell Part 9

_Bridget:_ Was it very terrible at Edgehill?

_Ireton:_ Yes.

_Bridget:_ Were we really beaten?

_Ireton:_ No. A few saved us from that.

_Bridget:_ Were you one?

_Ireton:_ Your father was chief among them.

_Bridget:_ Was he?

_Ireton:_ He will lead armies. Every man will follow him. He never faltered, and there was no misjudgment, ever.

_Bridget:_ Did you keep the horses you had when you left London?

_Ireton:_ Yes, both of us.

_Bridget:_ I was glad to see you then.

_Ireton:_ You know what is coming?

_Bridget:_ Yes. I see it.

_Ireton:_ We shall live with danger now. It may take years. Many of us will not see the end. We are no longer our own.

_Bridget:_ These are the best crusades.

_Ireton:_ To be called, thus. To be led by such a one. I know your father will direct it--he must be the man. He is only a captain to-night, but in a month or two you will see. And we shall be a mighty following. I see them forming, terrible hosts. We must give all, truly. I shall give all, I think. It is little enough. Bridget.

_Bridget:_ Yes.

_Ireton:_ You promised. I might speak again, you said.

_Bridget:_ Yes.

_Ireton:_ Will you wed a man so dedicated?

_Bridget:_ The more for that. Yes, Henry.

_Ireton_ (as they embrace): May we tell your father now?

_Bridget:_ Yes--if I can but help you to serve.

_Ireton:_ You shape my service. In you shall all the figures of my service dwell.

Will he take this kindly?

_Bridget:_ Surely. He loves you, he has said it often.

(CROMWELL returns.)

_Bridget:_ Father, Henry Ireton has to speak to you.

_Cromwell:_ Eh?

_Ireton:_ Yes, Mr. Cromwell.

_Cromwell:_ Quite so. Mr. Cromwell. That's very interesting now, isn't it?

_Ireton:_ By your leave I would marry Bridget.

_Cromwell:_ I dare say. You would be a very foolish young man else. And, what of Bridget's leave?

_Bridget:_ He has that.

_Cromwell:_ I should think so, too. Well?

_Ireton:_ You consent?

_Cromwell:_ I could do nothing more gladly. You have chosen well, both of you. I rejoice for you. But you must wait until this business we have in hand is gathered up a little.

_Bridget:_ Yes, father. It is better so.

_Cromwell:_ Let your mother know of the betrothal. I will write as well.

_Bridget:_ To-night.

_Cromwell:_ Seth asked to see you, Henry.

_Ireton:_ Shall we go?

_Bridget:_ Yes.

(BRIDGET and IRETON go.)

(CROMWELL lights a candle, gets paper and pen, and sits at the table writing. After a few moments MRS. CROMWELL comes in. She carries a large bunch of keys. CROMWELL looks up, and continues writing. She unlocks a large wooden chest, and takes some parchment deeds from it. Then she comes to CROMWELL at the table.)

_Mrs. Cromwell:_ Oliver.

_Cromwell:_ Yes, mother.

_Mrs. Cromwell:_ These are my five Ely houses, and the Huntingdon farmlands. Use them.

_Cromwell:_ But it's all you have.

_Mrs. Cromwell:_ My needs are few, and I have not many days.

_Cromwell_ (rising): I will use them, mother, worthily, with G.o.d's help.