“Is it possible I was the object of discussion, Janet?”

“’Tis probable.  The first trophy thou hast gained without appearing upon the field.”

“And what is that?”

“A woman’s hate; thy rival hast given thee the first token of success.”  They had reached the tower chamber and Janet began to prepare her mistress for bed.

“I cannot understand thee, I cannot grasp thy meaning.”

“Neither would I have thee understand; for if I took from thee thy innocent mind, I would deprive thee of thy best weapon.  Thou hadst better chatter of thy poor, grey frock thou wilt don on the morrow.”

Katherine stood before a small mirror divested of her outer garments.  The soft white thing that bound her graceful, sloping shoulders, had fallen loose displaying her glorious white neck and bosom.  Janet caught the mirrored reflection and understood and answered,—­

“Nay, thou hast no pulpy blisters, neither shalt have while I feed thee on pap and rub thee with oil; nor yet a flat chest for thy shoulders are sunk from prominence by its fulness.”

“Shall I wear a low bodice thus, Janet?”

“Aye, Lambkin.”

“And high-heeled boots and stays,—­I must have stays before I appear at my lord’s table.”

“Thou shalt not have that ’twould squeeze thy beauteous mould.”  The faithful Janet unbound her nursling as if she had been a tiny babe and swathed her in a soft, warm thing, and bade her get to bed.  Katherine jumped to the middle and lay panting, with happy eyes that had naught of sleep in them, until on a sudden Janet’s voice rung like a menace on her ears.

“Thou hast forgotten thy rosary; thou hast neither said an Ave Maria or a Pater Noster since our arrival.  Thou wouldst neglect thy religion, and ’tis thy own, sweet precious self that will pay the penalty.”

“Nay, nay, Janet, I will say them ten times to make up for my forgetfulness.”  She sprung from her bed.

“To bed, to bed; thou shalt not kneel upon the floor in this ice-bound chamber.  Here, take thy beads and say them once and close thy azure eyes.”  Janet watched until the wax-like lids drooped, then softly made fast the doors.  She flung herself into a great chintz-covered chair and fell asleep before the bright fire.

CHAPTER IV

HIS LORDSHIP’S PROPOSAL

She did not waken until aroused by the grinding of wheels upon the gravel beneath the window.  A servant brought coals and wood and built a roaring fire that warmed her chilled bones.  She ordered her mistress’ breakfast for eleven o’clock, and locking the door upon the retreating lackey, settled herself in the chair again and fell asleep.  She was next awakened by a smart rap upon the door.  The servant stood upon the threshold gazing at the vision of beauty that had raised upon her elbow in the bed, and was looking with inquiring eyes.