She learned on her side that there was to be a play given in half-an-hour's time within the house itself, and that all the serving men and women were permitted to witness it.

She was pressed to stay and see it herself, and her eyes beamed with delight at the bare thought.

To see a play had always been the very height of her youthful ambition, and had not father said that she could get no hurt at Lord Andover's house?
Presently Cuthbert came back, his face aglow with pleasure.
"Cherry," said he, "I have seen Lord Culverhouse, and methinks Kate's letter was like a talisman; for after reading it he bid me welcome as though I were in some sort a kinsman, and said that I must stay and see the mask that is to be played here in a short while, and remain as a guest at the feast which will follow, where the boar's head is to be brought in, and all sorts of revelry are to be held.

I told him I could not stay till dark, for that we had promised to be home ere that; but that I would gladly see the play acting an I might.

And then I told him of thee, and he bid me go fetch thee.