Catharine's heart throbbed, for she had heard that the Duchess had the pride as well as the high courage of the house of Douglas, and felt uncertain touching the reception she was to experience.

On entering the castle, she observed that the train was smaller than she had expected, but, as the Duchess lived in close retirement, she was little surprised at this.

In a species of anteroom she was met by a little old woman, who seemed bent double with age, and supported herself upon an ebony staff.
"Truly thou art welcome, fair daughter," said she, saluting Catharine, "and, as I may say, to an afflicted house; and I trust (once more saluting her) thou wilt be a consolation to my precious and right royal daughter the Duchess.

Sit thee down, my child, till I see whether my lady be at leisure to receive thee.

Ah, my child, thou art very lovely indeed, if Our Lady hath given to thee a soul to match with so fair a body." With that the counterfeit old woman crept into the next apartment, where she found Rothsay in the masquerading habit he had prepared, and Ramorny, who had evaded taking part in the pageant, in his ordinary attire.
"Thou art a precious rascal, sir doctor," said the Prince; "by my honour, I think thou couldst find in thy heart to play out the whole play thyself, lover's part and all." "If it were to save your Highness trouble," said the leech, with his usual subdued laugh.
"No--no," said Rothsay, "I never need thy help, man; and tell me now, how look I, thus disposed on the couch--languishing and ladylike, ha ?" "Something too fine complexioned and soft featured for the Lady Marjory of Douglas, if I may presume to say so," said the leech.
"Away, villain, and marshal in this fair frost piece--fear not she will complain of my effeminacy; and thou, Ramorny, away also." As the knight left the apartment by one door, the fictitious old woman ushered in Catharine Glover by another.