" The Abbe 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!"
"The devil!" cried Cantemir, as he fell back in consternation and
fear. Indeed he would rather meet the King of devils than this
hot-headed Cedric. Katherine was not at a loss to read Count Adrian's
countenance, and straightway bade them open the door. La Fosse spoke
as his hand rested on the locker,--
"Art alone, my lord?"
"Aye, quite alone!" came in a voice so shaken Katherine fell to
trembling in very fear. Cedric threw wide the door and stood within,
facing them all. His face gleamed like marble, so colourless and still
it seemed.
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