As she stood in the large hall that served as council chamber and for all functions of importance, she cast her eye about for those answering to the description of his Grace of Monmouth and that other--was it the King? She felt sure she would know him; but upon the long benches there were none but sombre cowled figures with crucifix and--aye, swords gleamed from beneath the folds of their long gowns and touched the floor. Her eyes flashed wide with surprise, and she felt proud and loved the bravery of her religion. But to what it portended she thought on for a moment seriously and concluded Royal personages must be present, or why else such precaution? As the business had to do with Mistress Penwick only, Cantemir was asked to withdraw. As soon as the business was entered upon, the maid's doubts of the surrounding company were dispelled and she knew none of the Royal party would dare be even an unknown guest at such a meeting. At the conclusion of the council she held an important secret, more important to herself than she dreamt. It made her bold, and she straightway arose and spoke out clearly,-- "If the reverend fathers would agree upon a certain matter, I will start at once upon my journey. I feel my mission to the King to be more important than all else to me, and for the success of my undertaking I deem it best I should go as maid and not wife to his most Royal presence." This was a startling but most acceptable assertion. It had been much spoken on by the Abbés but by common consent they agreed if the maid wished to marry the Russian, why--they would offer no objections; so they had left the matter. "Dost think, Mistress Penwick, thou canst settle readily the case with the Count?" "'Twill be easy and quickly done. Call him hither!" said she. The Russian came with eagerness and some impatience, for he feared a delay might plunge him into a lively skirmish. Katherine went to his side, and placing her fingers upon his arm, said,-- "Thou wilt escort me to the King?" "Most gladly, and where else in life thou shalt choose to go." "'Tis the present that indicates the future,--wilt come at once without ceremony?" "Nay, nay, I protest. I must have thee as wife, first, Mistress Penwick!" Constantine leant toward them from the table and looked with purpose, a frown emphasizing his shrewd glance,-- "We have not time for further controversy, and if the maid will say the word, the ceremony will be performed now." The Abbé knew the maid would give in to circumstances sooner than the determined Count, and thus hastened her. All eyes were upon the two, and Katherine hearing in the priest's voice a tone of insistence, stood for a moment motionless and evidently debating her course. As she opened her lips, there was a sudden sound of horses' feet. In a moment a thundering knock upon the door's panelling demanded admittance. "Who seeks an opening so roughly?" thundered La Fosse. "Cedric of Crandlemar!"