His Lordship fell into furious rage, and vowed he would sever Christopher's head from his rotting body with a cleaver, and honour him not with a thought of Tyburn Hill. He would burn yonder monastery and all within to ashes for the wind to carry away; and he would lock Katherine in the tower with his own hands; and he started toward the door, half-dressed as he was, and flung it wide open. Her Grace of Ellswold stood upon the threshold with a warning finger raised. "Thou hast a clamourous tongue, Cedric; the doctor hath enjoined silence, as holding for the moment the greatest good for his Grace." "Now God forgive me! I was so wrought upon by foul communication I am well nigh distraught.--How is his Grace?" "He is resting quietly; but I thought but now, as I heard thy voice--indistinctly, 'tis true,--his pulse did flutter extraly." "Dear aunt, forgive; thou shalt not be thus annoyed again." He turned and strode up and down the room with bent head. Janet watched him narrowly, wondering the while that any female, of whatsoever age, could withstand such fine mould, masculine grace and handsome features; such strong heart and hot blood. What maid beside her Lambkin would not be overjoyed to see him so mad with love of her? Who could resist kneeling before him and pleading, and watch his anger take flight; and feel his strong arms raise her and fold the maiden bosom to his heart, where 'twould throb and flutter as he held it close pressed--ah! 'twas not his anger that would kill, nay! nay! 'twas his tender passion. "Janet, these are troublous times come upon us. They have come within these walls. We have traitors about us. That knave Christopher shall die by the hand of the lowest scullion in the kitchen; for 'twould dishonour a better to mix with blood of swine. And thou wilt take thy mistress to the tower and there be bolted in, and 'twill be given out that her ladyship is ill and must needs have quiet--" "If my lord values her health, 'twould be best to put her in a less windy chamber; the room is large and ill-heated for damp, spring days." "Canst keep her safe where she is?" "Aye, leave it to me, my lord." "And thou shalt allow of no communication with those outside, save her Grace, and Angel thou canst rely upon--stay--thou mayest allow Constance to keep my lady company." "Nay, my lord, I would refute the idea of safety in my Lady Constance." "'Sdeath, what meanest thou; art thou also turned from serving me?"