She carried herself with a certain proud courtesy as becoming the
daughter of his host, but her wit did not spare him, and sometimes when
it was more than in common cutting he was seen to wince though he held
himself gallantly. There were one or two who thought they now and then
had seen his blue eyes fall upon her when he believed none were looking,
and rest there burningly for a moment, but 'twas never for more than an
instant, when he would rouse himself with a start and turn away.

She had been for a month or two less given to passionate outbreaks,
having indeed decided that it was to her interest as a young lady and a
future great one to curb herself. Her tirewoman, Rebecca, had begun to
dare to breathe more freely when she was engaged about her person, and
had, in truth, spoken of her pleasanter fortune among her fellows in the
servants' hall.

But a night or two after the visitor took his departure, she gave way to
such an outburst as even Rebecca had scarce ever beheld, being roused to
it by a small thing in one sense, though in yet another perhaps great
enough, since it touched upon the despoiling of one of her beauties.

She was at her toilet-table being prepared for the night, and her long
hair brushed and dressed before retiring. Mistress Wimpole had come in
to the chamber to do something at her bidding, and chancing to stand
gazing at her great and heavy fall of locks as she was waiting, she
observed a thing which caused her, foolish woman that she was, to give a
start and utter an unwise exclamation.

"Madam!" she gasped--"madam!"

"What then!" quoth Mistress Clorinda angrily. "You bring my heart to my