His face turned toward her was hid
in the shadow of his cowl, and he drew the hood even closer as he
answered,--
"We feared it, mightily," and his voice was barely heard above the
noise.
"But it grieves me more than I can tell."
"Nay. Thou must not let it."
"But it does, I cannot help it; and I see also thy disappointment, for
thy hands tremble."
"We have had much to unnerve us, and I am still under restraint."
"I would thou hadst sent a better _embassage_!"
"We could not have found a fairer." At these words Mistress Penwick
shrunk from him, remembering her disguise; which, though it was a
custom of the time for one to go masqued when and where they pleased,
upon whatsoever mission, yet she felt guilty to positive wickedness
for having so cloaked her beauty, and did not the Father's words imply
that her charms should have won success? For a moment she remained
silent. A flash of lightning fell broad through the open window. She
quickly glanced at Janet, who appeared to be asleep in her corner.
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