It had been much spoken on by the Abbes 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.
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