"Marry of thee, Mistress Kate," he answered; for though encouraged to speak on terms of equality with his kinsfolk, he found some difficulty in remembering to do so, and they certainly appeared to him in the light of beings from another and a higher sphere than his own. "I was longing to ask of thee a question."
"Ask on, good Master Cuthbert," was the ready reply; "I will answer to the best of my humble ability."
"I have heard of this Lord Culverhouse from many beneath this roof since I have been here. I would fain know who he is."
"That is easy told. He is the eldest son of mine uncle, my mother's brother, the fourth Earl of Andover. His eldest son bears the title of Viscount Culverhouse, and he is, of course, our cousin. When we were in London we saw much of these relatives of ours, and were grieved to part from them when we left. Now, is it understood?"
"Yes, verily. And tell me this one thing more, fair cousin, if it be not a malapert question. Is it not true that thou art to wed with this Lord Culverhouse one day?"
Kate's face was dyed by a most becoming blush. Her eyes sparkled in a charming fashion. Her expression, half arch, half grave, was bewitching to see, but she laid her fingers on her lips as she whispered:
"Hush, hush! who told thee that, good Cuthbert? Methinks thou hast over-sharp eyes and ears."
"I prithee pardon me if I have seen and heard too much," answered Cuthbert; "but I had a fancy--"
He stopped, stammering, blushing, and Kate took pity on his confusion.
"I am not vexed," she said, smiling; "and in very sooth thou hast divined what is in part the truth. But we do not dare talk of it yet. There be so many weighty matters against us."