Perchance as days and weeks pass by we may find a way to that hard and flinty heart." "And whilst we wait it may well be that Cuthbert will be goaded to desperation, or be done to death by his remorseless sire," answered impetuous Kate, who loved not counsels of prudence.

"Methinks that waiting is an ill game.

I would never wait were I a man.

I would always aet--ay, even in the teeth of deadly peril.

Sure the greatest deeds have been achieved by men of action, not by men of counsel and prudence." Sir Richard smiled, as he stroked her hair, and told her she should have lived a hundred or so years back, when it was the fashion to do and dare regardless of consequences.