She, on a sudden, was famishing for this love she had heretofore held aloof from and yet would rather die than loose, aye, die a thousand deaths.  In her heart she vowed vengeance on that ’twould come between them, and the thought strengthened her for battle, and when again she saw Cedric’s eyes gazing with ardent desire upon Katherine, it was with comparative calmness.  There appeared also a strange thing to her, that this beauty did not appear to notice Cedric—­that is, with the notice due so handsome, rich and titled beau.  There was not another in the room with so elegant and fine shape; of so great vigour and strength; none that could be so shaken and yet tender with passion; none that could so command with a look; none that had such pure, noble blood.  And strange to say, for the first time she saw his weaker side; she saw he was both jealous and selfish; she could find a thousand matters pertaining to his lands and estates that she could find fault with.  He was exacting and heartless with his tenants; not providing for their welfare as he should, being so great a lord.  He hardly allowed them religious privileges.  The church was attached to the castle by a passage leading from the landing of the stairway in the library, and he had complained that the singing and preaching annoyed him, and had frequently closed the chapel for this cause, and yet a woman that held sway over such a man’s heart could mould him to anything.  Why, why had she not married him ere this?  She would set 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.”