“That I know, my lord, but others have thought differently.”

“Rest happy, Mistress Ashley; there is no harm done.”

“I trust not, my lord.”

“Your Princess is well able to look after herself, were that necessary. The Queen joined in the play, remember.”

“I know, my lord. But a dress…to be cut off a young lady in such a manner!”

“Never fear. She insists that I pay for another dress. You see, your Princess knows well how to guard her interests.”

The strange thing was, mused Kat Ashley afterward, that when you were with him, you believed all he said. He became the benign stepfather, anxious to make a happy home.

But what should be done? wondered Kat.

He must be right. All was well, because it was true that the Queen, his wife, was present.

THE MARQUIS OF DORSET called at Seymour Place in response to an invitation from the Lord High Admiral.