“Alas, mother, I fathom not your meaning.”
“Ask me no more, girl, but never mention her name to me again. That is all.”
Kate acquiesced with a humble sigh, and they went home together.
They found a soldier seated tranquilly by their fire. The moment they entered the door he rose, and saluted them civilly. They stood and looked at him; Kate with some little surprise, but Catherine with a great deal, and with rising indignation.
“What makes you here?” was Catherine's greeting.
“I came to seek after Margaret.”
“Well, we know no such person.”
“Say not so, dame; sure you know her by name, Margaret Brandt.”
“We have heard of her for that matter—to our cost.”
“Comes, dame, prithee tell me at least where she bides.”