“We will have some sport finding a beauty and a secret.  If it pleases your Grace, I will have the secret and thou the maid,” said he to Monmouth, and the latter had come all the way from Whitehall, for he knew the Duke would waste no time looking for aught but a King’s portion.  Never was there another such a beauty; she would be the gem of his seraglio.  She looked up, her dark orbs casting a sweeping glance upon those about.

“I will return to Crandlemar for the night; call my escort!” said she.

Now it was plain this was a ruse of Constantine’s own making, and had whispered it as she had pretended to read.  Buckingham laughed cruelly and scornfully, provoking smothered mirth from behind the masques of his followers.

“Thou hadst better set out directly, if thou wouldst gain audience with the King ere he leaves Whitehall.”

“I am in no hurry, to-morrow will do as well.  I like not advice unsought.  I’ll have none of it.  I will go where, when and how as I please!”

“And coercion smacks of a power residing not in these parts.  I am delegated, Mistress Penwick, to bring thee straightway to the Royal presence.”

“And why, may I ask, am I so called to his Majesty?”

“Thou art a hostage!” and Buckingham took a pinch of snuff with as much ease and grace as if standing in a crowded drawing-room.

CHAPTER XV

THE EDICT OF BUCKINGHAM

“I—­I, a hostage! and who gave me as such, pray?”

“There is not time for further inquisition; we have a long journey before us.  Come, Mistress!”

“Nay, nay, I protest; I’ll not go with thee—­”

“Mistress Penwick, I beg thee in my own behalf,”—­and the Duke bowed before her so courteously, he half won her good will, then—­“and I command thee in the name of the King,” and with these words he put forth his hand as it were to take that of Katherine.  A sword swept lightly over the maid’s fingers, at which the two Dukes drew back with haughty indignation, which meant that reparation must be immediate for this insult to those who came upon his Majesty’s affairs; for indeed they feigned well that they were carrying out the King’s orders.  La Fosse, having now regained his breath and some strength, essayed to draw Mistress Penwick from the scene that was about to ensue; but a young man flung himself between them and drove back the monk at the point of his sword, thus beginning the fight.

Katherine was well-nigh fainting from actual fear and apprehension.  If she were a hostage, ’twas her duty to go and it might favour her cause.  Doubtless these men were gentlemen, and what matter now who accompanied her to the King?  Adrian had proven himself a knave.  Poor, dear Cedric lay ill of his wound and he could not attend her if he would.  These things flashed through her mind as she watched the flash of steel.  Then on a sudden it came to her who these masqued figures might be.  Her heart gave a great bound, and she sprang into the midst of those fighting and raised her voice, crying forth,—­