about
eight in the morning
We pause not to inquire whether he had duly weighed or correctly interpreted all its precepts -- whether the hastiness of his nature was not at times opposed to the meek and unupbraiding example of his Divine Master -- whether he did not now and then mistake bitterness for sincerity , and persecution for zeal ; such errors were but too common to the age in which he lived , and with the church of which he was a member . Never did Gospel hope and Gospel consolation visit him with greater welcome than at the moment of which we write . He entertained little doubt but that his enemy meditated towards him some evil that placed his life in danger : such , however , was not the case ; Burrell had agreed to defer the marriage until six of the clock that evening ; and , after the ceremony had been concluded , he entertained no doubt that the preacher would retain the secret now in his possession for Constantia 's sake . At Cecil Place all was confusion , for the mind of its afflicted mistress was scarcely able to bear up against the weight of misery that pressed upon it ; and Lady Frances Cromwell felt happy and relieved when , about eight in the morning , she fell into an apparently sound sleep . The preparations for the wedding devolved entirely upon her ; but , like most persons of an exalted rank , although she knew when things were properly done , she was ignorant how to do them : she , therefore , contented herself with directing her women to make all matters in order ; while they , proud and pleased at the commission , gave every body as much trouble as possible . Sir Robert wandered about the house like a troubled spirit , anxious , yet dreading , to see his child ; while Sir Willmott , after using every precaution within his power against Zillah 's appearance , endeavoured to find occupation by inspecting the carriages that were to convey them to his aunt 's house in Surrey , where he had previously determined that they should pass many of the succeeding days -- an object not only of convenience , but of necessity , inasmuch as he could thus gain time to arrange with his servants and tenantry at his own dwelling . Mrs. Claypole had written to Lady Frances , stating that the Protector did not wish his daughter to accompany her friend to the abode of Sir Willmott 's aunt , and would , therefore , send a suitable escort to conduct her to Whitehall immediately after the ceremony was concluded .