altered, even from what he had been when he visited Windsor. Perpetual fear

had jaundiced his complexion, and shrivelled his whole person. I told him

of the business of the evening, and a smile relaxed the contracted muscles.

He desired to go; each day he expected to be infected by pestilence, each

day he was unable to resist the gentle violence of Adrian's detention. The

moment Adrian should be legally elected his deputy, he would escape to

safety. Under this impression he listened to all I said; and, elevated

almost to joy by the near prospect of his departure, he entered into a

discussion concerning the plans he should adopt in his own county,

forgetting, for the moment, his cherished resolution of shutting himself up

from all communication in the mansion and grounds of his estate.

In the evening, Adrian and I proceeded to Westminster. As we went he

reminded me of what I was to say and do, yet, strange to say, I entered the

chamber without having once reflected on my purpose. Adrian remained in the

coffee-room, while I, in compliance with his desire, took my seat in St.

Stephen's. There reigned unusual silence in the chamber. I had not visited

it since Raymond's protectorate; a period conspicuous for a numerous

attendance of members, for the eloquence of the speakers, and the warmth of

the debate. The benches were very empty, those by custom occupied by the

hereditary members were vacant; the city members were there--the members

for the commercial towns, few landed proprietors, and not many of those who

entered parliament for the sake of a career. The first subject that

occupied the attention of the house was an address from the Lord Protector,

praying them to appoint a deputy during a necessary absence on his part.

332

The Last Man