her mistress; but her smile of welcome turned to one of
disgust as she saw her appear with Lady Constance' arm about her.

"Thou art commencing early, Lady Judas; I have not preened my eyes
for nothing, and this I well know, thou art hot in pursuit of my Lord
Cedric, and thou shalt not have him. 'Tis Mistress Penwick that will
queen it here and make a noble consort for his Lordship," said Janet.

"May I come in a minute? Thou hast learnt I am Cedric's cousin, and I
feel as though I must know thee at once for his sake."

"Aye, thou art most welcome, Lady Constance," replied Katharine.
And they sat over the fire laughing and chatting. Katherine was all
excitement and full of clatter, for 'twas her first "company," and she
was a young lady and could now boast of tender looks and words from
beaux. And her volubleness led her to tell of her convent life, of her
sudden surprise and pleasure of coming to England; and on and on; and
blushing, she thought with Constance that Adrian Cantemir was indeed
very charming, and having become better acquainted with him, she felt
sure she admired him quite as much, or more than, any one else; and
she was so fond of music he fairly entranced her when he played.

"To-morrow he is to teach me battledore and shuttlecock in the
library."

"'Tis great sport and a game that requires some skill," said
Constance. And thus they talked for one good hour, and in the
adjoining room Janet fumed and fretted; for 'twas far past her child's
bedtime.

"Such late hours are not conducive to youthful roundness and a clear
colour," she grumbled. Constance yawned and declared she must retire;
but she was thirsty and must have a drink, and yet she supposed she
must do without, for all the maids and lackeys were abed.

"But the more I think of it, the more I want it. I will get it
myself."

"And I will accompany thee, for I would like not to go alone in so
great a house, when there is no one astir," said Katherine.

They started forth adown the stairs; and following silent, noiseless
like a wraith was Janet, expectant, eager; for she felt she was to
see the opening of a great battle. Constance led the way, carrying a
taper. As they traversed some passage, their ears caught the sound of
music. They listened a moment, then Constance proposed they snuff the
candle and draw near the sound; "for very like the beaux were having
an orgy," she said. And Katherine, full of adventure and deeming it a
fine, young