ELLEN NEVILLE. 
157 
refused her proffered hand: nor was it until he 
clearly saw that their union alone would again 
establish her securely in her property, and prevent 
it from falling into the hands of one of Cromwell’s 
favourites, that he could be persuaded to become 
her husband. “ If you love her,” said General Ire- 
ton, “ you will best prove it by making her your 
wife; for there are already half-a-dozen hungry 
cormorants ever besieging his highness, and, much 
as he admires you, if he once perceives your honour 
leaning too much towards this fair Royalist, he will 
take up his pen, and at one stroke sweep away 
the old manor-house, and all its broad lands, from 
both her and you for ever.” Ellen’s tears and Ire- 
ton’s persuasions were too much for even General 
Marchmont’s honest scruples, and the same sun that 
shone upon the morning of his wedding-day, saw 
the faithful Phoebe led to the altar by the honest 
gardener. 
