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"I hope you don't mind my asking Miss Penwick as the only lady," Mrs. Sampson said to her guest; "but she is such a dear old creature, and our family and hers have been intimate for centuries. She is getting old, poor dear, and she hasn't any money any more, just as I haven't. But you know she is wiser than Minerva's owl, and quite the fashion in Boston.
Upon this, Constance spoke to Adrian, and he, casually as it were, asked Mistress Penwick if she were not afraid her demesne would be seized by the Protestants. Thus she had come gradually to know of the chasm between the two great religious orders, and had even written her father of the dangers in which she believed she was placed. These letters of course were kept by Janet.
Mistress Penwick arose, unable to contain her perturbed spirit, and said, "Sir Julian, how can I ever " and she stopped, so stirred was she with her emotion; very much as a child is wrought to wonderment by the sight of a marvelous toy. Julian offered his arm, and they sauntered up and down the room, Sir Julian boldly playing his part.
'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.
"We had a brush with a couple of rascals in Penwick," said Dick. "We tried to catch them, but they got away from us. That is all there is to it. I'd rather not talk about it," he went on, seeing that Mrs. Laning also wanted to ask questions. "Well, you must really be more careful in the future," said Mrs. Stanhope. "I suppose they wanted to rob you."
Lord Cedric sat before the table in riding boots and spurs, divested of coat and waistcoat; writing, and looked up surprised and amazed at one who dared to so enter his presence; but he read that in Janet's countenance that brooked not at delay. "My lord, Mistress Penwick hath deserted her chamber, and I know not where to find her, nor can think of where she may be gone."
'Twas near noon the next day that Mistress Penwick arose and would prepare her for a ride to the village, when Janet told her of the imprisonment imposed upon her for safety. She at once became angry and accused her nurse of being a traitor and tool for Lord Cedric. "Nay, Lambkin, in truth, there are dark deeds abroad.
When Mistress Penwick had gone from the grand salon the evening before, Lord Cedric was not long in discovering her absence; for his eyes and thoughts ever sought her. It was not for long, however, either the game or his kinswoman's cunning could hold his Lordship from seeking her. Quietly he beckoned a lackey and whispered aside.
His form, so like that of Cedric, she began to compare with ancient warriors she had read about and seen pictures of, then his tender and meaning hand pressure recurred to her, and she flushed mightily. After awhile she fell to thinking of the Duke of Monmouth, the tender thoughts of whom she had not yet resigned, such were the vacillations of the mind of strong, warm, youthful Mistress Penwick.
He started quickly and looked up shuddering, and saw a tall, slender monk with cowl so drawn not a feature could be seen. The Abbé spoke low and hoarsely, as though a cold prevented better utterance, "What seekest thou?" "The kitchen," Cantemir answered, with a great show of bravery. "And what there to find, my young man?" "Pen and paper. I must write to Mistress Penwick."
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