CHAPTER IV

HIS LORDSHIP'S PROPOSAL


She did not waken until aroused by the grinding of wheels upon the
gravel beneath the window. A servant brought coals and wood and
built a roaring fire that warmed her chilled bones. 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 awakened by a smart rap upon the door. The servant stood
upon the threshold gazing at the vision of beauty that had raised upon
her elbow in the bed, and was looking with inquiring eyes.

"His Lordship begs Mistress Penwick to step to the library after her
breakfast."

"Step, to be sure, thou hadst better bring a chariot to cart her
there, and 'twould be out of the question for her to go before getting
anything into her stomach to strengthen her for the journey."

"Shall I tell him so, mum?" said the servant, with a look of roguery
in his eyes.

"'Twould become thee better to tell him without asking if thou
shouldst. Avaunt, get thee gone on thy mission." Then turning to
Katherine,--"'Twould have to come sooner or later and 'tis best sooner
I'm thinking," and 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