Their demeanour was so noble, their
stories so terse and pretty, their converse of such elegant and pure
wording, she relaxed and fell into their mood and told what few
convent stories she could boast. Their Graces were charmed by
her beauty, her sweet resonant voice and the simple and innocent
narratives, and not a little pleased by the result of their diplomacy.

* * * * *

When Mistress Penwick had gone from the grand salon the evening
before, Lord Cedric was not long in discovering her absence; for his
eyes and thoughts ever sought her. He had been greatly stirred by some
unknown thing, perhaps that we call premonition ('tis God's own gift,
if we would but heed its warning), but the game being well under way
and Constance calling his attention to an immediate and imperative
move, he was dissuaded from his inclination to arise and inquire of
the maid's absence. It was not for long, however, either the game or
his kinswoman's cunning could hold his Lordship from seeking her.
Quietly he beckoned a lackey and whispered aside. A few minutes
elapsed when the servant stood by his master, while beyond in the
doorway was Janet, who for once in her life was quite pale. Swiftly
Lord Cedric strode to her, saying,--

"Hast thou looked for her everywhere, Janet?"

"Aye, my lord, in her own chamber and--"

"But perhaps she has gone to the kitchens or pantries, for hunger doth
assail her not infrequent and at unusual hours."

There was a bit of bitterness and sarcasm in his voice and he ground
his heel as he turned about to give orders. In a moment servants
were hunting in every direction throughout the castle. It was soon
ascertained she was not within the great house. Cedric grew wild with
passion and tore up and down like one gone mad. Sir Julian could not
restrain him, a thing that had not happened heretofore. Angel, his old
nurse, was called; she bade him ride forth for her.

At this a horse was made ready, and his lordship mounted and rode
away. Sir Julian protesting all the while.

As the clatter of horses' hoofs had fairly died away and Sir Julian
stood just where Cedric had left him, debating with his several ideas,
a soft touch was laid almost tenderly upon his arm; had it been the
soft, slimy trailing of a serpent, 'twould not have so startled
him. He turned suddenly and caught the slender hand, with no fine
affection,--

"I see it all quite plainly, thou art the cruel spider th