When the butler's solemn cough again gave warning, it was to bring
information which may or may not have been news to Lady Catharine. "Your
Ladyship," said he, "Sir Charles is said to have taken carriage an hour
ago, and left no word."

"Send me Cecile, James," said Lady Catharine, and again the butler
vanished.

"Cecile," said she, as the maid at length appeared, "you may serve us
with tea."




CHAPTER VIII

CATHARINE KNOLLYS


"You mistake, sir! I am no light o' love, John Law!"

Thus spoke Catharine Knollys. She stood near the door of the great
drawing-room of the Knollys mansion, her figure beseeming well its
framing of deep hangings and rich tapestries. Her eyes were wide and
flashing, her cheeks deeply pink, the sweet bow of her lips half
a-quiver in her vehemence. Her surpassing personal beauty, rich, ripe,
enticing, gave more than sufficient challenge for the fiery blood of the
young man before her.

It was less than two weeks since these two had met. Surely the flood of