Mistress Penwick | Page 2

snow-covered city and
on beyond at the long range of forest that lay low and black against the
arctic sky, she turned from the gloomy scene and went again to the
couch, quickly suppressing all thoughts save those that were purely
selfish: she would be glad to bid adieu to this great, still northern world
and leave behind forever old Quebec, even though she must divide her
treasure.
"I have been a mother to thee, child, and now I must divide my rule
with a cantankerous Scot--"
"Nay, a Scot and lives in England?"
"He lives in England and thy father speaks of bending somewhat thy
quick temper to the mould of self-control as a safer parry to Scotch
thrust; so I conclude the gentleman must be a Scot."
"Janet, 'tis these awful men that wear skirts like women. I remember
many years ago when I was in Sister Agnes' room, of seeing some of
those dreadful pictures of skirts and bandy-legs. They are unseemly
things for men to wear; it is as though one were uncivilised. I hate him
already for it!"
"Lambkin, thou must remember thy teachings. Sister Agnes would
admonish thee for saying hate. Besides thou dost not know the man, he

may be a second father to thee and cajole and pamper thy whims. He
may even eschew plaid frocks and don modish garments--that would
hide bandy-legs still less! Thy father said I must enjoin upon thee
respect, for his lordship's age; regard, for his wishes, and thou art to
obey his commands, as 'twas not possible for him to direct thee
otherwise than good. If at any time he should find thee in fault, be the
matter seemingly beneath notice, acknowledge thy wrongness, for he
hath a temper and might goad thee to greater blunder. His blood flows
hot and fast, and thou must cool and swage it with thy gentle dignity.
Inasmuch as thy moneys and estates are in my Lord Cedric's control,
thou art to receive such income from him without question. Thy father
further directs perfect submission to Lord Cedric in matters of marriage,
as he will bring suitors of high degree for thy choice and thou wilt find
among them a lover to thy liking." The rosy red flew into the maiden's
face and she trembled with a sweet new emotion she did not
understand.
"This is the first time thou hast ever spoken to me of lovers, Janet.
Indeed very strange things seem to be happening to-day. I feel like a
bird about to fly forth from its cradle-nest, I have forgotten how the
world appears. 'Tis broad and vast; it makes me dizzy to think between
these cramped walls that never seemed so narrow heretofore!" She lay
for a moment in deep thought, then,--"Where didst say father
journeyed?"
"He said not, but intimated 'twas a place of safety where he was happy
to go from political intrigue and war, and where he shall meet friends."
"Why did he not inscribe some words to me?"
"He speaks of an epistle of welcome--and farewell to be given thee by
Lord Cedric upon thy arrival in England. 'Twill give thee greater
pleasure then."
"But Janet; a Scot! A blustering, red-faced Scot with petticoats! Hast
ever seen one outside of pictures?"
"Aye, Lambkin, and 'twas the unseemly kilt that was the better part; for

I have met a blustering red-faced Scot as thou sayest; and he was
boisterous and surly, giving vent to a choleric temper by coarse oaths;
and 'twas his plaid denoted a gentleman of high rank withal. The long
hair that swept his shoulders was as florid as his face, as was also his
flowing whiskers and mustachio, the latter being bitten short and
forming a bristling fringe over a slavering mouth,--what is it, Mistress,
thou art pale, has pain taken thee?"
"Nay, 'tis nausea, an awful loathing; I wish to remain here. Send at
once my desires to my father. I will not go to England, Janet!"
"'Tis better thou shouldst think of something else beside my Lord
Cedric, for instance, his great demesne, Crandlemar Castle, the most
beautiful of his several seats; the splendid horses and equipages; and,
thyself, Lambkin, think of thyself bedecked in gorgeous hued brocades;
be-furbelowed in rare lace and costly furs. And thou wilt have a maid
to build thy hair, tie shoulder knots and make smart ribbons and frills,
and furbish bijoux and gems. And thou wilt wear perfume, and carry a
nosegay and fan. And thou wilt sweep the most graceful courtesy and
queen it everywhere with thy sweet graciousness. Thy father says thou
shouldst become an idol to the old man's heart, as my lord is without
wife or daughter."
"If his demesne be in England, 'tis but right he should become as