 and went much as the others had
done, but there was a lifting of his cloud in one way - he felt less
uncomfortable than at first; he was getting a little used to his circumstances
and surroundings; his chains still galled, but not all the time; he found that
the presence and homage of the great afflicted and embarrassed him less and less
sharply with every hour that drifted over his head.
    But for one single dread, he could have seen the fourth day approach without
serious distress - the dining in public; it was to begin that day. There were
greater matters in the program - for on that day he would have to preside at a
Council which would take his views and commands concerning the policy to be
pursued toward various foreign nations scattered far and near over the great
globe; on that day, too, Hertford would be formally chosen to the grand office
of Lord Protector; other things of note were appointed for that fourth day,
also; but to Tom they were all insignificant compared with the ordeal of dining
all by himself with a multitude of curious eyes fastened upon him and a
multitude of mouths whispering comments upon his performance, - and upon his
mistakes, if he should be so unlucky as to make any.
    Still, nothing could stop that fourth day, and so it came. It found poor Tom
low-spirited and absent-minded, and this mood continued; he could not shake it
off. The ordinary duties of the morning dragged upon his hands, and wearied him.
Once more he felt the sense of captivity heavy upon him.
    Late in the forenoon he was in a large audience chamber, conversing with the
Earl of Hertford and dully awaiting the striking of the hour appointed for a
visit of ceremony from a considerable number of great officials and courtiers.
    After a little while, Tom, who had wandered to a window and become
interested in the life and movement of the great highway beyond the palace gates
- and not idly interested, but longing with all his heart to take part in person
in its stir and freedom - saw the van of a hooting and shouting mob of
disorderly men, women and children of the lowest and poorest degree approaching
from up the road.
    »I would I knew what 'tis about!« he exclaimed, with all a boy's curiosity
in such happenings.
    »Thou art the king!« solemnly responded the earl, with a reverence. »Have I
your grace's leave to act?«
    »O blithely, yes! O gladly yes!« exclaimed Tom, excitedly, adding to himself
with
