Within the large, cheery room they entered, burnt a crackling fire;
for the morning was damp and chilly. Katherine stole a glance at her
companion and saw the handsome features of Monmouth. He had removed
his masque and now stood uncovered before her.

"I hope Mistress Penwick has not suffered from her long ride?"

"Nay, sir; on the contrary, I feel refreshed." Her manner told him
plainly his address was not displeasing to her. His eyes rested
amorously upon her; for 'twas naught but strong, healthful youth
could predicate such reply and vouch for its assertion by such rich
colouring of cheek, such rare sparkling of eyes and such ripeness of
lips.

She sat at the chimney-nook, her satin gown trailing at her side,
her cloak thrown over the back of the high chair. Their Graces were
engaged aside with the landlord and servants.

"We will rest here until noon, anyway," one said, "and if they have
not arrived we will set out without them." Katherine heard and thought
'twas Constance whom they were expecting; and when a table was drawn
close to the fire and covers laid for four, there being but three to
sit down, Katherine looked askance at the vacant place; the Dukes
exchanged glances and his Grace of Buckingham turned to her quickly,
introducing himself, then Monmouth, and explained that at the last
moment Lady Constance had been prevailed upon to accompany them to
London and was expected every moment.

Mistress Penwick had flushed at the presentation of two such noble
names, but at his following assertion, which corroborated with
Constance' own words, made her not a little jealous; for the handsome
young Monmouth had already shown his regard (God pity her innocence)
for Lady Constance by giving her a valuable ring, and now had
contrived to make her of their party that he might be constantly with
her.

She straightway became very sober-minded, vouchsafing no remarks and
inviting none. Her pique would have given way had she but heard the
Duke's conversation a few moments previous.

"Damme!" said young Monmouth, "I have kidnapped the wrong girl.
'Tis not my fault; thou saidst, Duke, to take any pretty girl from
Crandlemar castle, and I have captured Lady Constance, whom, I took
it, was the girl in question; and I made up my mind thou shouldst not
choose beauty for me. I shall throw her on thy shoulders to dispose
of."

The Dukes, bent on provoking the maid to her former manner, began
witty tales of wayside inns.