Saraband for Two Sisters

“It makes me happy to think so. Bersaba, there is work to be done and if we are made of the stuff that falters when our leaders fall then we are not worthy of the fight.»

“Perhaps you are worthy of a peaceful life with your family and children growing up in security.”

“There is no security when tyranny prevails.”

“Are you sure that when you overcome one tyranny you are not replacing it by another?”

“We must make sure that is not so. There is no tyranny in the humble service of God.”

‘There is for those who do not wish to serve Him humbly.”

“You are an advocate for your kind, Bersaba.”

“What kind? I was unaware that I was of any sect. I think as I think. I will be free to form my own opinions and they will not be dictated to by this party or that»

“You would be considered as dangerous as I am.”

“Nay, for I would not set my thoughts on paper. I would keep them to myself and not try to force them on others.”

Ella brought us refreshments and we went on talking. She leaned her elbows on the table, saying little but watching us. Luke was animated, excited. I said, ‘Why I do believe you’re thinking I am Archbishop Laud himself.»

“I could never think you were anyone but who you are. You are too much of an individual to be confused with anyone.”

I felt the flush creep into my cheeks and memories-which I was trying so hard to eliminate-came rushing back to me. Then I had successfully-or did I succeed?-attempted to be confused with someone else. I wondered what Luke would say if he knew what I had done. I could imagine all his Puritan feelings rising in disgust. But my blush did nothing more than to enhance his admiration for me.

I said quickly, “I hate to blush like this. You see, it makes my scar look worse.”

“It is no blemish,” he said. ‘Tour sister told me how you acquired it.”

“In the same way as others have,” I answered. “I contracted smallpox.”

“She told us how.”

“You must not think me a heroine. I should not have gone there had I known.”

‘There would have been no purpose in going,” Ella pointed out. ‘The fact that you did so out of anxiety for your maidservant shows that you are good ... in spite of your efforts to deny it,” added Luke, “which, may I tell you, I entirely reject.”

‘Well, what is going to happen?” I asked.

‘This Parliament will be dismissed, and there will be a new one before the year is out Pym and Hampden will lead it, and then there will be conflict between the King and the Parliament It will be a question of whether the country will be ruled by those it has elected to rule or by a stubborn man who believes he is on the throne by divine right.”

“Be careful, Luke,” warned his sister.

“You are rash,” I said, and I thought, ‘We are both rash, and it makes a bond between us.”

I said I must go, and they asked why my sister had not come with me.

“She suffers from a toothache.”

“Did she not have it before?”

“Yes, it occurs now and then. Mrs. Cherry has a good cure which makes her sleep.”

“I trust she will soon be well,” said Ella.

“A nagging tooth is often best removed,” added Luke, “I must tell my sister,” I said.

Luke took me back. He told me how much he enjoyed my visits, how interesting he found my views.

“In spite of the fact that they do not accord with your own?»

“Partly because of that, and because they are delivered with such lucidity, logic, and reason.”

“Perhaps I could bring you to my point of view.”

“Nay,” he said. “You are a Royalist by nature. I see that. I am a Puritan. I believe that the path to heaven is reached through sacrifice and renunciation of pleasure.»

“I would never agree with that. Why should that which is enjoyable be sinful?”

“Simplicity and religious living alone bring the true satisfaction of righteousness.” I did not answer, but I wanted to laugh. I had seen that in his eyes which showed me that he desired me. I did not find him by any means repulsive-even now when there was only one man who could completely satisfy me. There was so much I had to learn about myself. I thought how amusing it would be to prove him wrong. We had reached Far Flamstead. I said, “You are right, Luke. You are too righteous for me. I’m afraid I am a sinner and always shall be. I find too much pleasure in the good things which the Lord has given us. I can’t think why He put them there if he expects us to turn our backs on them. That seems to me churlish. It is like being invited to a banquet and saying to one’s host, I will not partake of these good things you offer me because they are too enjoyable and to take pleasure is a sin. Good-bye, Luke. I must return to my sinful life.” !

“Bersaba-“ he said as I turned away.

But I lifted my hand and waved farewell, keeping my back toward him.

I went into the house.

Richard was in the hall.

“You have been riding ... alone?” he said reproachfully. He looked anxious, which pleased me, but it appeared to be merely a brotherly anxiety. “I only went to Longridge Farm and Luke Longridge rode back with me.”

“You visit them frequently?”

“I like their company.”