about it at once and bring all these matters concerning his estates
to his notice; 'twould look so noble; 'twas time the castle had a
mistress, and who would better grace it than the fair Lady Constance
of Cleed Hall? And in Adrian Cantemir she had an ally, for he was
madly and desperately in love with Lord Cedric's ward. "I should like
her for cousin; she would make Adrian a fine wife, indeed I think I
should become quite proud of her," said Constance, as if the matter
was already quite settled.

After dancing the stately gavotte, it appeared that the whole company
became heavy and wished for retirement; it might have been a ruse on
the part of beaux, and the fair ones fell into the trap; be it as it
may, the ladies retired. Janet had been waiting at the top of the
stairs for her mistress; but her smile of welcome turned to one of
disgust as she saw her appear with Lady Constance' arm about her.

"Thou art commencing early, Lady Judas; I have not preened my eyes
for nothing, and this I well know, thou art hot in pursuit of my Lord
Cedric, and thou shalt not have him. 'Tis Mistress Penwick that will
queen it here and make a noble consort for his Lordship," said Janet.

"May I come in a minute? Thou hast learnt I am Cedric's cousin, and I
feel as though I must know thee at once for his sake."

"Aye, thou art most welcome, Lady Constance," replied Katharine.
And they sat over the fire laughing and chatting. Katherine was all
excitement and full of clatter, for 'twas her first "company," and she
was a young lady and could now boast of tender looks and words from
beaux. And her volubleness led her to tell of her convent life, of her
sudden surprise and pleasure of coming to England; and on and on; and