THE PERFECT WIFE. he resolved to fly into Northamptonshire. As he was preparing to do so, the sound of a trumpet an- nounced the approach of a troop of Cavaliers ; but the party proved, to the relief of the agitated wife, to be commanded by her own brother, Sir Allen Apsley ; who, taking up his quarters near her, was a great protection to her during the few days the troop remained. In a short time, John Hutchinson attempted to rejoin his wife, but, meeting one of Prince Rupert's flying squadrons, he was obliged to retrace his steps. A letter informing her of his disappointment, and telling her when to expect him, was intercepted, and carried, open, to her, by Captain Welch, one of the Prince's officers, and anacquaintance of her brother's. The ungenerous Cavalier, with an affectation of gallantry, lamented that she should have a husband so unworthy of her, who had joined a faction so disgraceful that he dared not be seen. Stung to the quick by the imputation on her husband's honour, Lucy replied, with spirit, that " he was mistaken ; she had not a husband that would at any time hide himself, or that durst not show his face where any honest man durst appear ;" adding, " To confirm you, he shall now come to you." Calling down her husband's younger brother, George, who was visiting her at her temporary Leicestershire home, she, with a quiet hint, presented him as John Hutchinson, hoping by this ruse to throw the pursuers off the right track, and not fearing the capture of her 31 I
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