CHAPTER X

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE BUTLERY

“’Behold thou art fair, my love; behold thou art fair; thou hast dove’s eyes within thy locks; thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from Mount Gilead.

“’Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which come up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.

“’Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely; thy temples are like a piece of pomegranate within thy locks.

“’Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armory, whereon there hang a thousand buckles—­’”

“Nay, nay, Janet, thou must not idolize me thus, ’tis—­”

“Beshrew thy conceit.  ’Tis Solomon I repeat.  Thou were not thought of when ’twas writ.”

Katherine raised upon her elbow and looked surprised at Janet, who knelt by the bed.

“Thy tongue is sharp, Janet, for a day yet in its swaddling hours.”

“Aye, ’twill be whetted two-edged e’er the day waxes old.  ’To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for evil communication to be thrown from young maid’s window, a time to look for answer to a pleading letter sent to a justly angered lord; a time when his Lordship deigns not to give answer; a time when a young lord to a tender parchment pregnant with importunities says:  ’Damme, she would set one thief to shrive another;’ a time when his Lordship slams with a bang the outside cover to a book blase of many turned leaves.”

“Dear, dear sweet Janet; where is Lord Cedric?  And has he said nothing of Christopher?” The nurse averred that his Lordship had ridden forth early, without giving his destination, and had left no word concerning the servant.

“Perhaps my lord’s better nature hath prevailed, and he will keep the poor fellow in durance yet for a time,” said Katherine, hopefully.

“Nay, his decision is irrevocable.  He is not dealing in hearts now, Lambkin.”

There was no doubt in Mistress Penwick’s mind but that his Lordship would kill, or cause to be killed, the condemned lackey, and Janet knowing, ’twas his Lordship’s temper and not his heart that vowed the death, dissembled and impressed upon her mistress that the deed was as good as done.

Katherine’s wit was sharpened by the exigency, and she managed to use the window again as a post, only fearing—­from Janet’s anomaly of Solomon’s words—­that some one waited below to capture the flying missive.  This issue was accomplished as the nurse was listening to the Duke of Ellswold’s message; when, late in the morning, the duke after swallowing a stimulant declared he must have the more substantial refreshment of Mistress Penwick’s beauteous countenance.