know, more than any one else, for my heart misgave
me from the moment I first set eyes on thy beauteous countenance; and
since I have been in wild despair, not knowing if thou hast a heart
for any save thy nurse and my Lord Cedric; for 'tis to them thy heart
seems bent." There was neither shadow nor movement of fair expression
on Mistress Penwick's face, as she answered calmly,--

"Thou sayest well. I love my nurse--she has been mother too, and I
honour Lord Cedric as a good man should be honoured, and one whom my
father chose to be his daughter's guardian and holder in trust of her
estates."

"Estates"--'twas a grand word and went straight to Cantemir's heart;
for 'twas something to espouse so beautiful a maiden that had demesne
as well.

Katherine was listening to the chords of the organ, and she bent
forward eagerly. Her thoughts flew back to the convent where she had
enjoyed a pure religious life undisturbed by the trammels of the great
outer world.

"Let us go," said she, "I would see who 'tis that plays!"

She led the way up the broad stairs and through the passage into the
organ loft, and at first sight of her Cedric was well-nigh beside
himself with delight; for he took it, she had come to be with him.
There was a young fop at the organ in rich and modish attire, but
otherwise of unattractive and common appearance.

Katherine cast upon him her entire attention, and there came that
in her face that drew the glance of every eye. 'Twas as if she was
entranced with the player, as well as the sounds he brought forth from
the organ. Cedric be-thought him 'twas an unfortunate oversight to
have learnt not to thrum upon some sort of thing wherewith to draw the
attention if not admiration of such a maid as this. And he straightway
made avowal to send at once for tutor and instrument; a violin, when
played as he might learn to, would perhaps be as successful in its
lodestone requirements as any other thrumming machine. "'Twas an
instrument could be handled to such an effect. A man could so well
show white, jewelled fingers; display a rare steenkirk to pillow it
upon; and withal, a man could stand free and sway his body gracefully
this way and that; yes, 'tis the thing to do; she may yet look at me
as she now looks at St. Mar!" so thought Cedric. The piece was soft
and gentle, with a pathetic motif running through it. Katherine became
so rapt she drew closer and closer, until at last she stood beside St.
Mar. He be