“What a profound impression Miss Martin must have received of my talents for intrigue!” said Kate, sneeringly.
“I believe not. I think she said something very kind and good-natured, just as if it was only people who had really very great gifts that could condescend to make themselves subservient without humiliation. I know she said 'without humiliation,' because your father laughed when he heard of it, and remarked, 'If it's Kate's humility they like, they are assuredly thankful for small mercies!”
“I should like to go over and see Miss Martin. What distance is it from this to the cottage?”
“It's full three miles; but it's all through the demesne.”
“I'm a good walker, and I'll go,” said she, rising. “But first, might I ask for a little refreshment,—a cup of tea? Oh, I forgot,” added she, smiling, “tea is one of the forbidden luxuries here.”
“No; but your father doesn't like to see it in the daytime. If you'd take it in your own room—”
“Of course, and be most thankful. Am I to have the little room with the green paper, where I used to be, long ago?”
“Well, indeed, I can scarcely tell. The bed was taken down last autumn; and as we never thought of your coming home—”
“Home!” sighed Kate, involuntarily.
“But come into my room, and I 'll fetch you a cup of tea directly.”