“’Twas rare luck that brought her to thine abode this afternoon, for our case was well-nigh hopeless, and soon it would have been too late, for once Sir John gets to this country—­sh!  Didst hear something stir hereabout?”

“Nay, ’twas naught but the wind; but when thou dost speak of Penwick, thou hadst better whisper.”

“’Twas a pity we came not earlier according to agreement, and we should have feasted our eyes upon the beauty.”

“If thou hadst been one-half hour sooner, thou wouldst have seen her with the gay youth that will give her little peace ’til she doth say the word.  I tell thee both, the Virgin Mary doth plead our cause, and no doubt ’twas through her agency the rain came upon the maid and drove her here.  We offered special prayer to Holy Mary this morning.  And the youth with her is also of the only religion.  Mistress Penwick was greatly frightened of my Lord Cedric; for she would go forth in the heart of the storm, fearing a longer stay would bring uneasiness to the castle; so I gave her protection, a guide and a promise to receive her in a few days for the confessional and some religious direction; and I feel sure she will visit me within the week.”

“’Tis an easy way to reach the king’s heart; he doth so love a pretty face and fine parts; and we may be able to use the youth as well—­eh?” They said a good-night and passed on to their steeds, mounting and riding away.

The monk returned to those within, and Cedric hurried away, anxious only to see Katherine once more,—­to behold her once again with his own eyes and never, never again would he allow her to leave him.  He would not be turned aside again from his purpose, she must come to his terms at once.  Then he fretted and fumed, fearing she had fallen under the stormy blast and had taken cold, and perhaps would have a fever.  Then he grew hot and angry with her for riding so fast and beyond ear-shot of the company.  And jealousy and all evil passions took possession of him.

Meanwhile Mistress Penwick had arrived at the castle, and was grieved when she heard of his Grace’s condition, and sorry she had ridden ahead and was so late getting home.

Janet had hurried her to her chamber and disrobed her of wet garments, and bathed her in hot and cold baths, and was rubbing her with perfumed olive oil when Lord Cedric arrived.

He went to his uncle’s bedside, and finding him resting, quietly hastened to his own apartments and sent to inquire of Mistress Penwick.

’Twas Janet’s pleasure to answer her lord’s inquiry in person, and after swathing her lady in fine flannels, she hastened to Lord Cedric’s presence.