The Catholics and Protestants being at variance throughout the kingdom, and there were passing constantly under cover of forests and unfrequented highways groups of riotous men of both parties; for the life of him Cedric could not tell with which party he would rather his Katherine would come in contact—­she unattended save by a modish fop.

After reaching the depths of the forest, ’twas no easy matter to find the exact paths they had traversed in the afternoon.  The groom carried a lantern, but ’twas Lord Cedric’s order not to light it.  There were shooting lodges and forester’s cabins, other abodes there were none save the old monastery, and to which of these places to go was left altogether to the toss of a penny.  Beside, they were not sure of finding a shooting lodge, should they start for it; the night was so black and the paths so numerous and winding.  Very often Cedric would stop and listen for the tramp of horses’ feet; but there was naught save the occasional cracking of twigs as some wild thing jumped from the roadside frightened, or the stir of the high wind in the giant trees.  On they rode, and Cedric’s heart was first sorry for his kinsman’s ills, then—­he would rant because Katherine had taken no notice of his importunities, and he swore under his breath in good, round Scotch oaths for his allowing her to go thus long without espousal; and again he looked at the matter dispassionately.  She was a very young maid, without the protection of womankind of her own rank or an aged guardian.  Then began to find fault, and on a sudden saw she loved admiration, and this sin became unpardonable and he became so wrought upon, he swore he would lock her in the tower until she consented to their espousal.  Then he thought of Janet’s words as he left her but a short time before:  “I would vouch for her innocence with my life!  Be not harsh with her, my lord!” and he ground his teeth in rage for his espionage of her.  Then he thought of the king and what if she came under his eye,—­“Ah, ’sdeath! ’twould make me mad!” and he laid spur to his horse and galloped on with hot curses in his throat.

How long or how far they had ridden ’twas impossible to tell, until suddenly they saw a light and at once Lord Cedric knew they were at the monastery.  He halted instantly and dismounted.  Throwing the reins to the groom, he crept cautiously forward alone.  To his astonishment he beheld a great number of horses about the enclosure, and he became still more cautious. “’Tis a Catholic rendezvous, by God!” said he.

He followed close to the wall, and was about to reach the window when the door was thrown wide open and a group of three stood upon the threshold.  Two of them, Cedric saw, as the light from within fell upon their faces, were noted leaders of the Catholic party, the other was a monk, and ’twas he that was speaking.  His voice was low and intense: 

“If his Majesty has but one glimpse, he will pitch the Castlemaine overboard.  This one is a religionist of no common order and will do much for the cause; and when she has done this thing, I shall do all I can to withdraw her from further communication with Charles.  She shall not become one of his household, she is too good for that.”