"His military training must be considered, Miss Atheling," said the Duke. "And the country needs a tight rein now." "He may hold it too tight," said Exham, in a low voice. Then the conversation was turned to the theatres, and while they were talking, Squire Atheling was introduced. He had called to escort his daughter home; and after a short delay, Kate was ready to accompany him. The Duke and the Squire--who were deep in some item of political news--went to the entrance hall together; and Lord Exham took Kate's hand, and led her down the great stairway. It was now lighted with a profusion of wax candles in silver candelabra. They were too happy to speak, and there was no need of speech. Like two notes of music made for each other, though dissimilar, they were one; and the melody in the heart of Piers was the melody in the heart of Kate. The unison was perfect; why then should it be explained? Very slowly they came down the low broad steps, hardly feeling their feet upon them; for spirit mingled with spirit, and gave them the sense of ethereal motion. When they reached the vestibule, Kate's maid advanced and threw round her a wrap of pink silk, trimmed with minever; and as Piers watched the shrouding of her rose-like face in the pretty hood, a sudden depression came like a cloud over him. Oh, yes! True love has these moments of deep gloom, in which intense feeling suspends both movement and speech. He could only look into the warm, secret foldings of silk and fur which hid Kate's beauty; he had not even the common words of courtesy at his command; but Kate divined the much warmer "good-night" that was masked by the formal bow and uncovered head. After the departure of the Athelings, father and son walked silently up the stairs together; but at the top of them, the Duke paused and said, "Piers, the King opens Parliament on the Second of November. We have only three days' truce. Then for the fight." "We have foemen worthy of our steel. Grey--Durham--Brougham--Russel and Graham. They will not easily be put down." "We shall win." "Perhaps. The House of Lords is very near of one mind. Will you come to my smoking-room and have a pipe of Turkish?" "I must see the ladies again; afterwards I may do so." With these words they parted, and Piers went dreamily along the state corridor. In its dim, soft light, he suddenly saw Miss Vyner approaching him. He was thinking of Kate; but he had no wish to escape Annabel. He was even interested in watching her splendid figure in motion. Only from some Indian loom had come that marvellous tissue of vivid scarlet with its embroidery of golden butterflies. It made her look like some superb flower. She smiled as she reached Piers, and said,-- "I only am left to wish you a 'good-night and happy dreams.'The Ladies Warwick were sleepy, the Duchess longing to be rid of such a lot of tiresome girls, and I--" "What of 'I'?" he asked with a sudden, unaccountable interest.