thought better of it, and will thankfully take his kindness, and do
your best."

"I cannot go against father," said Steadfast.

"And what would he have done, good man, but obey them that have the
rule, and let wiser folk think for thee. But all the young ones are
pig-headed as mules now-a-days, and must think for themselves, one
running off to the Independents, and one to the Quakers and Shakers,
and one to the Fifth Monarchy men, and you, Steadfast Kenton, that I
thought better things of, talking of the Church and offending the
squire with thy prelatic doings, that have been forbidden by Act of
Parliament. What say you to that, my lad? Come, out with it," for
Stead had more difficulty in answering Master Brown, who had been a
great authority throughout his life, than even the Squire himself.

"Parson said there was higher law than Parliament."

"Eh! What, the King? He is a prisoner, bless him, but they will
never let him go till they have bent him to their will, and what will
you do then?"

"Not the King," muttered Steadfast.

"Eh! what! If you have come to pretending to know the law of God
better than your elders, you are like the rest of them, and I have
done with you." And away tramped the steward in great displeasure,
while Patience put her apron over her head and cried bitterly.

She supposed Stead might be right, but what would it not have been to