CHAPTER XXXI.
Ah, me! in sooth he was a shameless wight, Sore given to revel and ungodly glee: Few earthly things found favour in his sight, Save concubines and carnal companie, And flaunting wassailers of high and low degree.
BYRON.
With the next morning the humour of the Duke of Rothsay was changed.
He complained, indeed, of pain and fever, but they rather seemed to stimulate than to overwhelm him.

He was familiar with Ramorny, and though he said nothing on the subject of the preceding night, it was plain he remembered what he desired to obliterate from the memory of his followers--the ill humour he had then displayed.

He was civil to every one, and jested with Ramorny on the subject of Catharine's arrival.
"How surprised will the pretty prude be at seeing herself in a family of men, when she expects to be admitted amongst the hoods and pinners of Dame Marjory's waiting women! Thou hast not many of the tender sex in thy household, I take it, Ramorny ?" "Faith, none except the minstrel wench, but a household drudge or two whom we may not dispense with.

By the way, she is anxiously inquiring after the mistress your Highness promised to prefer her to.

Shall I dismiss her, to hunt for her new mistress at leisure ?" "By no means, she will serve to amuse Catharine.