"Janet and I looked on from the gallery, and Constance stood beneath
us. 'Twas a beautiful thing that encircled her throat."

"Aye, they were pearls; but thou shalt have a circlet that wilt not so
hide thy pink hued neck. To-day, Kate, I will give thee some gems
and thou shalt go with me to the great chests and see the laces they
contain;--and thy colours, Kate, what are thy favourite colours?"

"I love white and violet." A happy smile covered Cedric's face.

"'Tis my mother's choice and by that I hit upon thy fancy as thou
shalt soon see." Cedric racked his brain for more pleasant things to
say. "And thou shalt have a horse and learn to ride."

"Oh, Janet, to have a horse all my own! 'tis too good to be true; 'tis
a thing I have dreamt of." And the delighted girl flung herself at
Janet's feet and embraced her knees from sheer ecstasy. It seemed
peace had come to stay; and for a moment Cedric looked upon her with
eyes full of admiration and, yes, heart full of love; then,--

"Art sure thou hast thought of all thou wouldst have, is the list
complete, Janet; canst thou not suggest something more? I will send
it to one of the court mantua-makers and if thou sendest the proper
measurements our lady will soon be a modish butterfly." At the word
modish a sudden thought came to Katherine and she leant over and
whispered in Janet's ear; then Janet said:

"She must have a pair of stays with each frock."