But there was something to be done meanwhile; their unwelcome visitors to be entertained. And how to extend hospitality to such was a perplexing problem. Not only their numbers, but their character made it so. The common soldiers could take care of themselves outside; the signs and sounds told they were already doing so; but the Prince himself, and the officers in his suite, would have to be treated in a different way. Dinner had been spoken of--supper as called then--and this was the first thing to be thought about. "Go down again, Gwenth," commanded Sabrina, acting mistress of the mansion, "tell the cook to set it upon the table as soon as it is ready." "For how many, my lady?" "Oh! I can't tell. Let her count for, say a score; and send in all the eatables she can command." As the maid went kitchenward to deliver the somewhat indefinite directions, her young mistresses turned to making their toilette at length and at last. And, perhaps, never was one made more reluctantly, or less elaborately, for a Prince of the blood Royal. Little cared they how they might look in his eyes, or any other eyes that were to be upon them. For their hearts were full of heaviness; oppressed by keen anxiety about their father--still apprehending his return home. They knew how much he was compromised with the King's party; had been ever since the rebellion began, and before. For, ere blow had been struck, or sword drawn, had he not resisted the loan by Privy Seal? And here again at Hollymead were the two men who had attempted to levy that loan upon him--Colonel Lunsford and Captain Reginald Trevor! They would be satisfied with no money contribution now; but meant making him their prisoner, with some severe punishment for his "delinquency." So feared his daughters at that hour; and, as a consequence, had little care or thought about anything besides; even of the peril impending over themselves. "It's strange, Rej Trevor behaving in such a way to Win," remarked Vaga, as she stood before the mirror adjusting her rebellious tresses. "He couldn't help knowing her, as she herself says. Once seen she's not the sort to be easily forgotten. And after that encounter they had on the Cat's Hill! Very strange, isn't it?" "Yes, indeed," assented Sabrina; "I've been wondering at it myself, and at something besides." "What besides?" "His behaviour in every way. He seems altogether changed." "I've had no opportunity of observing it. What makes you think so?" "While you were apart with the Prince we had some conversation. He talks quite differently from his old frivolous way. And no more has he the swaggering manner which used to be so offensive." "Then he's not the conceited Cavalier of twelve months ago?" "Anything but that. Had I not known him in the past I should set him down for a modest young fellow, of rather melancholy temperament; or more like one who had some sorrow preying upon him."