Part 15 (2/2)
She was ever fencing with her in words, working out in detail exchange of thought wherein Katherine might, if 'twere in her, make a clever reply. At times Mistress Penwick would pick up such threads of Janet's teaching as would bring her to a semblance of conscience of present environment, and she would see in a vague way the right and wrong of things. For the moment she would read all in Cantemir's handsome face that it masqued and would turn from it only to become lost in contemplation of what life would be if she were free from Cedric's guardians.h.i.+p, never thinking of the greater bondage of espousing a knave. Ever and anon her eyes sought the young lord of the castle, forgetting she was his ward--and there would come to her such a feeling of overwhelming conviction she was for the moment submerged in ecstasy, and with the hot blush still upon her face she would flee from him as if he were an evil tempter. He brought her near to that great unknown, upon whose threshold she stood trembling and expectant, eager to know what was before her. And so, not understanding her own mind, and being of such tender years, drifted along with the tide that was carrying her to destruction. Her mind was set upon her own way, and sheer perversity deigned not to let her see the hands stretched toward her.
The afternoon sun fell aslant the black oak parquetry where sat her Grace of Ellswold, Lady Constance and Mistress Penwick, engaged with limning and embroidery. Lord Cedric and Sir Julian entered, attired in the most modish foppery of the time. The latter was saying, as he soundly rapped his pouncet-box,--
”His demeanour is too provincial, too provincial--ah!”--and he bent low with grave formality to Mistress Penwick as Cedric presented him; then turning to the d.u.c.h.ess continued,--”I was saying, your Grace, that Dryden is provincial in his demeanour, when compared to his Grace of Buckingham.”
”Indeed, Julian, thou dost speak lightly of such gigantic genius; beside, 'twould not be fair to compare sun and moon; and how could we do without either the one or the other?”
”To which dost thou comparison his Grace?”
”The moon, of course!” said the d.u.c.h.ess.
”And to what planet is my lord a satellite?”
”Nay, I know not; thou dost question of one who knows little of astronomy; but I think perhaps Mars, as the planet doth resemble earth more closely than any other.”
”Bravo, 'tis a rare simile; and I take it thou didst speak in derogation;--no matter how true the _inuendo_, it is ever the material we most appreciate and enjoy, and the sun being nearly ninety-three million miles from the earth, 'tis too remote to be interesting.”
”Indeed, Julian, Dryden in five minutes' converse will stir one to seriousness by his fancy, to tears by his pathos, and to thoughts of deity by his sublimity.”
”'Tis only a great, good, n.o.ble nature like thine that could be so stirred; believe me, your Grace, thou didst dissemble these emotions from pure charity.”
”Well, well, we must all admit that 'tis not his character that commands our respect and esteem, but his prose and poesy. We all love Buckingham, but in our appreciation of him we must not exclude reason and put him before all others,”--and her Grace turned abruptly to Mistress Penwick. ”Here is an admirer of Dryden's compositions, she clings pertinaciously and with all the ardour of strong youth to his satire of 'Absalom and Achitophel,' although 'tis a bitter lampoon on Monmouth and Shaftesbury; two men she heartily admires.” Sir Julian leant over the d.u.c.h.ess and spoke softly,--
”I was not aware Mistress Penwick had been presented?” And his keen eyes scanned every lineament of her face and mould. Lord Cedric was watching askance, and his face grew red with a stroke of pa.s.sion as he noted Sir Julian's look of evident admiration, and jealousy for a moment swept the young lord's heart, and he cursed in thought the wicked feeling that in connection with his n.o.ble friend could predicate of naught but the foul fiends. Indeed, so open were Sir Julian's glances that the maid herself became confused and said, with some embarra.s.sment,--
”My imagination is ofttime profligate, and I indulge--in fancy--in exchange of word and thought with those great and exalted personages whose n.o.ble compeers I have the good fortune to consort with daily.”
And she laid her hand caressingly upon the d.u.c.h.ess' arm.
”Then 'twould serve thee greatly to place thee within the shadow of Whitehall, aye, Mistress?”
”'Twould be a great happiness, Sir Julian.”
”Dost know of any greater, my lady?” It seemed his eyes would pierce her very soul.
”I must admit it; I have a great desire,” and her face grew rose-hued and her heart fluttered with the bold words she was about to utter--
”Ah, thou dost wish for, or have a desire to enter the--”
”The distinguished service of a Lady of Honour.” As one looked upon her great beauty, 'twas a wonder she was not born a queen.
Upon hearing the maid's words, Constance in jealous rage fell to inordinate laughter and shook her work to the floor, and as Lord Cedric stooped to regain it he whipped out,--
”And why, pray, art thou so amused; 'tis most like Julian to promote this idea, and she will straightway wish to leave us. I am sure one glimpse of her would set the whole court on fire.”
”Such startling metaphor, unless indeed thou dost allude to the colour of her hair!” She spoke with so much malice and hate Lord Cedric was stirred to amazement, and for the first time his eyes were opened to Constance' hate of one whom he loved beyond all else on earth. He had thought her merely jealous of the maid, but now he saw 'twas hatred.
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