son, their union would have been our delight; for when thou seest my
Kate thou wilt see the most beautiful thing in life.'

"Aye, she is the most beautiful thing in life. She is mine, my very
own, her father gives her to me for marriage--marriage, and 'tis a
speedy one he asks, and she shall have it. I love her, love her, my
whole being throbs with mad desire. She is the sweetest maid on earth,
and I drink from the cup upon which her rich, red lips have rested;
ah, 'tis sweet!" He poured a bumper and drank, then flung from the
room with great strides.




CHAPTER III

THE BALL


Meanwhile Mistress Katherine sat before the fire in the tower nookery
while Janet unpacked the luggage.

"'Twould not be fitting for Lord Cedric to have such a man within his
house as guest!"

"Neither has he, Lambkin; 'tis his Lordship himself." Her voice rang
truth and Katherine turned dismayed,--

"Nay, Janet, the man was a drunken fool! Surely, surely thou dost not
mean thy sayings. He is not a fit person to be in so great a castle.