tendance, through some of the forest tracks.

Petronella, on the other hand, preferred remaining at home, reading
to the elderly ladies, and being by them instructed in many matters
of political and religious import. Her mind was rapidly enlarging.
She was unconsciously fitting herself daily more and more to be
Philip's wife; whilst their very differences seemed to draw the
three girls more closely together, and they felt by this time like
sisters as well as companions.

Lady Humbert's absence was a matter of some excitement to Kate and
Cherry, upon whom many small duties now devolved.

The house certainly felt lonely with so many of its ordinary
inhabitants absent. The great empty rooms were kept strictly
locked. The gates in front of the house were likewise locked by day
as well as night, and only the small door at the back was to be
opened until the return of the mistress. So the timid Dowsabel had
decreed; and she had directed that the keys of the outer doors
should be brought to her; and by day they were laid in her sight
upon the chimney ledge, whilst at night they were placed beneath
her pillow. Kate made a wry face, but did not otherwise protest.
Time was passing quietly by, and there seemed little probability
that their tranquillity would be disturbed.

"I would fain wish for some small adventure in Lady Humbert's
absence, just to show that she has not put her faith in us in
vain!" said Kate, as the girls sought their couch on the second
night of the mistress's absence. "There has not been so much as a
beggar to the gate. These storms of wind and rain seem to keep all
within doors."

"I fear me I am but a coward," answered Petronella, "for I am glad
when night follows day and there be naught to alarm us. Perchance
sitting with our aunt Dowsabel so much, I learn somewhat of her
fears from her."

"A truce to fear!" cried Kate, as she unbound her hair and tossed
the heavy mane out of her eyes and over her shoulders. "Would that
we lived in days when women might do and dare somewhat for those
they loved, or for their country! I should love to have to hold
this house against a rabble of hooting foes!"

"So should not I," answered Petronella. "I love not strife and
warfare; I am for quietude and peace," and she smiled into Kate's
flushed face, whilst Cherry looked from one to the other, scarce
knowing with which she sided.

She had something of Kate's daring, and dearly admired it in her;
but she shared i