. First of all, she consoled
herself like the selfish girl she was: Cedric would not die; 'twas a
sweet consolation, and she smiled; her thoughts dwelling not for a
moment on her own conduct that had brought him to suffer such pain.
Then she lay back even more luxuriously as she thought that Sir Julian
would not have opened the door for her, had she been going into
danger. To tell the truth, she sighed happily in contemplation of
further exploit. She grew bolder and bolder, fearing naught but some
slight mischance that might prevent her being a Maid of Honour; for
never, never could she go back to Cedric after she had made assertion
of love in his ear, and his eyelids had trembled. Nay, nay, she could
not bear to look him in the face again. Alas! she made vow she never
would. If she was not made a lady of her Majesty's household, she
would seek the patronage of some titled woman, who could help her.
Not for a moment did she think of the perils that surrounded and grew
closer about her unprotected self with every turn of the wheels that
carried her on.

It appeared now as if all barriers to the King's presence had been
levelled and Katherine's hopes matured to confidence. She drew her
cloak about her with sedulous care, as if in so doing she wrapped and
hid from the whole world her own poor cunning. She found in her
lonely condition no embarrassment, conceiving that her position as
intermediary between her Church and the State was sufficient reason
for her abrupt leaving of home. Sir Julian would doubtless explain
matters to the Duke and Duchess, whom she believed were more than half
of her faith. They would see she had been highly honoured by being
entrusted with a great secret.

It appeared as if the chaise would never cease to lung and swagger
over rough, unused roads, and when at last it did mend its way,
Katherine had ceased thinking and fallen fast asleep, nor did she wake
during hours of travel, until the great coach came to a sudden halt.
She looked through the window. Dawn streaked the East with uncertain
intention, knowing not whether to open the day with rain or sunshine.
A little to the left was the dark outline of an inn, nestling upon the
threshold of a forest, from the window of which fell aslant the way
a line of light. The door of the equipage was opened, and a stately
cavalier stood to assist her down the step. She leapt lightly to the
ground, taking the proffered arm, as the way was dark and uneven.