He found her seated on the terrace that was the usual haunt of the ladies in the forenoon and the scene of Eugene's dutiful labors as reader-aloud. Kate was not looking amiable; and scarce six feet from her there lay open on the ground a copy of the Laureate's works.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you, Miss Bernard?"
"Oh, no. You see, I am alone. Mr. Lane was here just now, but he's gone."
"How's that?" asked Haddington, seating himself.
"He got a telegram, read it, flung his book away, and rushed off."
"Did he say what it was about?"
"No; I didn't ask him."
A pause ensued. It was a little difficult to make a start.
"And so you are alone?"
"Yes, as you see."