to his lips. "The King hath written,
commanding me home to England," he said abruptly.

"Yes, my father told me. He says the King loves you much."

Sir Charles left her side, twice walked the length of the room, and
came back to her. "Am I to go as I came--alone?" he asked, standing
before her with folded arms.

"If you so desire, sir?"

"Will you go with me?"

"Yes."

He caught her in his arms; but she cried out and freed herself.

"No, no, not yet!" she said breathlessly. "Listen to me."

She moved backwards a step or two, and stood facing him, her hand at her
bosom, a color in her cheek, her eyes like stars. "I do not know that I
love you, Sir Charles Carew. At times I have thought that I did; at
times, not. There is an unrest here," touching her heart, "which has
come to me lately. I do not know--it may be the beginning of love. Last
night my father had much talk with me. It is his dearest wish that you
and I should wed. He has been my very good father always. If you will
take me as I am, not loving you yet, but with a heart free to learn,
why--" Her voice broke.

Sir Charles flung himself at her feet, and, taking possession of her
hands, covered them with kisses. A voice passed the window, singing
through the night:--

"Martinmas wind, when wilt thou blow,
And shake the green leaves from the tree;
O gentle death, when wilt thou come?
For of my life I am weary."

"Margery again?" said Sir Charles, rising.

"Yes," said Patricia, with a troubled voice.

The voice began the stanza again:--

"Martinmas wind, when wilt thou blow,
And shake the green leaves from the tree?"

"What is the matter?" cried Sir Charles in alarm.

Patricia stared at him with wide, unseeing eyes. "Martinmas wind," she
said in a low, clear, even voice. "Martinmas wind! The leaves drift in
clouds, yellow and red, red like blood. Look at the river flowing in the
sunshine! And the tall gray crags! Ah!" and she put her hands before her
face.

"What is it?" cried her suitor. "What is the matter? You are ill!"

She dropped her hands. "I am well now," she said tremulously. "I do not
know what it was. I had a vision--" she broke into wild laughter.

"I am fey, I think," she cried. "Let me go to my room; I am better
there."

He held the door open, and she passed him quickly with lowered eyes. He
watched her run up the stairs, and