and
a defiant air.

"What, indeed, if they do? Are you not with me?" A king had praised
his daring, and for his valour had dubbed him knight upon a field of
stricken battle; yet the honour of it had not brought him the elation
those words--expressive of her utter faith in him and his prowess--begat
in his heart. Upon the instant the delay ceased to fret him.

"Madam," he laughed, "since you put it so, I care not who comes. The
Lord Protector himself shall not drag you from me."

It was the nearest he had gone to a passionate speech since they had
left Sheringham, and it pleased her; yet in uttering it he had stood a
full two yards away, and in that she had taken no pleasure.

Bidding her remain and get what rest she might, he left her, and she,
following his straight, lank figure--so eloquent of strength--and the
familiar poise of his left hand upon the pummel of his sword, felt proud
indeed that he belonged to her, and secure in his protection. She sat
herself at the window when he was gone, and whilst she awaited his
return, she hummed a gay measure softly to herself. Her eyes were
bright, and there was a flush upon her cheeks. Not even in the wet,
greasy street could she find any unsightliness that afternoon. But as
she waited, and the minutes grew to hours, that flush faded, and the
sparkle died gradually from her eyes. The measure that she had hummed
was silenced, and her shapely mouth took on a pout of impatience, which
anon grew into a tighter mould, as he continued absent.

A frown drew her brows together, and Mistress Cynthia's thoughts were
much as they had been the night before she left Castle Marleigh. Where
was he? Why came he not? She took up a book of plays that lay upon the
table, and sought to while away the time by reading. The afternoon faded
into dusk, and still he did not come. Her woman appeared, to ask whether
she should call for lights and at that Cynthia became almost violent.

"Where is Sir Crispin?" she demanded. And to the dame's quavering answer
that she knew not, she angrily bade her go ascertain.

In a pet, Cynthia paced the chamber whilst Catherine was gone upon that
errand. Did this man account her a toy to while away the hours for which
he could find no more profitable diversion, and to leave her to die of
ennui when aught else offered? Was it a small thing that he had asked of
her, to go with him into a strange land, that he should show himself so
little sensible of the honour d