Mistress Penwick

es. She ordered her mistress' breakfast for eleven o'clock, and locking the door upon the retreating lackey, settled herself in the chair again and fell asleep. She was next awake

s Penwick to step to the l

there, and 'twould be out of the question for her to go before ge

said the servant, with a l

Janet stepped to draw the curtains to let in but a sickly grey light. "Ah, there is a great snowstorm! and there seems to be a large party about to set forth a hunting." And indeed there arose to their ears a great no

go with m

ill listen and peep through the

t Mistress Katherine be

d them, neither was his

through the library do

ponderous chair in the

hem stood Lord Cedric. There was a smile on his face as he noted his

is not here," and she retre

fore her; his figure of an Adonis silhouetted by the flames that reached above his head in the great chimney behind him. His face and form was a matc

emar are there?" she aske

ty. "I was the ill-humoured, boisterous man in Scotch attire last ni

is an old man, as ol

ot

e so-I have had no one to love me like thee. I have lived a wild, boisterous life in Scotland most of the time, and after father died I went to France. I have lived wickedly, Kate; I have given myself over to oaths, and-and-and-drink;-'twas so last night when I saw for the first time the woman I loved; who was as fair i

His Lordship was one of the most passionate of youths, nor could he restrain his ardour. He caught her hand and drew her to him, meeting her graceful body with his own; his hot breath was upon her hair, and he panted forth;-"Kate,

ou, perfidi

et took her mistress from him as he half supported her, and

ppened to th

Katherine, "assure me

Scot of last night." Thereupon Cedric fell upon one knee at Janet'

wiped her hand upon her dress, and turned her head from

ather gave her to me to love and guard and-

er that she is but fifteen, and never used to beaux. Thou art

s colour blenched and heightened, for the ardent masculine eyes made her like and hate in turn; his countenance glo

wife, but I cannot live awa

il she is past sixteen,

m too inflammable, she con

take her where thou

silence upon the passionate man before her. 'Twas a simple thing, but Cedric knew from that moment he had gained a powerful ally. He rose to his feet, and, in softened tones, continued,-"'Tis the first time I have ever loved, and 't

ve me my heritage and I will go from thy house; my father gave it and me into thy fath

-" he caught h

at?" And she look

ver seas, and-migh

will go

remain wher

ttle of frocks and fixings for my Lady Penwick. Your Lordship will see

ave from London town? thou shal

th my belongings." 'T

ou have, make out a list and

r to go

ry cause. Come, tell me thy heart's desire. Be good to me Kate, I love thee so; I must tell thee, it cuts me to the quick to have

-thou wilt let

, a beautiful hat with feathers reaching to thy shoulder-tips, and dainty brocade gowns with boots of the same hue, an

onstance has?" put in

d manner showed annoyance. "Where didst see her, K

the

there," he said

and Constance stood beneath us. 'Twas a b

neck. To-day, Kate, I will give thee some gems and thou shalt go with me to the great ches

let." A happy smile c

hou shalt soon see." Cedric racked his brain for more pleasant

hted girl flung herself at Janet's feet and embraced her knees from sheer ecstasy. It seemed peace had come to

ill send it to one of the court mantua-makers and if thou sendest the proper measurements our lady will soon be a modish butt

pair of stays w

er face grew scarlet; she shook her head and threw glances like sword-thrusts at Cedric, and said not a word but stamped her foot. As she did so, she saw that in Cedric's eyes that made he

. I beg thee to quench thy evil spirit, it does not become thee." Kathe

ess Pen wick, hear me, heed, heed!" he thundered, and stamped his foot, the spurs rattling upon the hearthstone. She turned about reluctantly and rested he

kinswoman, Lady Constance, whom I have bidden to remain indefinitely, she being so near of kin has been mistress here; but, from the moment thou didst enter the portal of Cedric's house, 'twas thou became mistress, thou-thou mistress of my home, and heart as well; thou wilt accept the former mission, and I will fight wi

I will not

attire. Angel will come to take thee to see the jewels, and thou shalt have those thou carest to take. I would see thy choice, Kate. I can almost guess it now. So come, Kate, the storm without should insure good cheer within; and with thy bright face the castle will be aglow. Come, s

ased to call her, when alone with Katherine

ed Mistress Penwic

change of room; 'twould be difficult t

mirrors and painted walls garlanded with cupids and floral wreaths, and silken curtains at bed and windows; and cushions and beauti

dy Pen wick? Thou hast fallen heir to a qu

but Janet can Lord Cedric espou

if 'tis possible. He is young and self-willed and passion

but I hat

st bloomed into a beauteous maid, but thy temper hath blown also. My lord hast seen many beauties that he could have for the asking, and they are doubtless meek and

not have any o

aired woman stepped into the room with that in her face Janet stood u

as one cared to see. They tell me thou didst expect to see here my poor master; is't so? Aye,-well thou hast found his son, the blessedst man that walks the earth. He has a wicked, bad tongue at times, but