Well, Mr. Alban, my father hath been in
prison a great while now; my son Thomas is a traitor, and a sworn man of
her Grace; I myself have been fined and persecuted till I have had to
sell land to pay the fines with. I have seen family after family fall
from their faith and deny it. So I take it that I feel the joy that I
have a son who is ready to suffer for it, more than the pain I have in
thinking on his sufferings. The one may perhaps atone for the sins of
the other, and yet help him to repentance."
* * * * *
Life here at Langley was more encouraging than the furtive existence
necessary in the north of Derbyshire.
Mr. Bassett had a confident way with him that was like wine to fainting
hearts, and he had every reason to be confident; since up to the
present, beyond being forced to pay the usual fines for recusancy, he
had scarcely been troubled at all; and lived in considerable prosperity,
having even been sheriff of Stafford in virtue of his other estates at
Blore. His house at Langley was a great one, standing in a park, and
showing no signs of poverty; his servants were largely Catholic; he
entertained priests and refugees of all kinds freely, although
discreetly; and he laughed at the notion that the persecution could be
of long endurance.
The very first night the travellers had come he had spoken with
considerable freedom after supper.
"Look more hearty!" he cried. "The Spanish fleet will be here before
summer to relieve us of all troubles, as of all heretics, too.
Pages:
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403