Cedric; thy father's letter," he held it toward her. She came and
reached her hand for it, timidly. 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, Kate, I
love thee," his arm was reaching about her, when she called Janet
stoutly. The door was flung open and the nurse's face looked upon the
youth like an ominous thing of strength,--then surprise broke over it
and she spoke forth,--

"Who art thou, perfidious youth?"

"I am Cedric of Crandlemar, and I was saluting my ward." Janet took
her mistress from him as he half supported her, and sat down, drawing
her into her lap. Katherine fell to weeping.

"What has happened to thee, Lambkin?"

"I don't know," sobbed Katherine, "assure me if 'tis Lord Cedric."

"We will accept him, anyway, for 'tis a better subject than my Lord
Scot of last night." Thereupon Cedric fell upon one knee at Janet's
feet, and bent his handsome head to Katherine's hand and kissed it.

"Nay, nay, thy lips burn me, and I hate thee for it!" She wiped her
hand upon her dress, and turned her head from Janet's bosom and cast a
scornful glance through her tears.

"I love her, Janet, and she hates me. Her father gave her to me to
love and guard and--marry, 'tis in the letter so; and she shall--"