“I 'm Kate Henderson, Mrs. Broon. Do you forget me?”
“Indeed I do not,” said Catty, gravely. “You were here with the master and my Lady?”
“Yes. I went away with them to Germany; but I have come home for a while, and wish to pay my respects to Miss Mary.”
“She isn't at home to-day,” was the dry response.
“But she will return soon, I conclude. She'll be back some time in the evening, won't she?”
“If she plazes it, she will. There's nobody to control or make her do but what she likes herself,” said Catty.
“I ask,” said Kate, “because I'm a little tired. I've come off a long journey, and if you'd allow me to rest myself, and wait awhile in the hope of seeing Miss Martin, I'd be very thankful.”
“Come in, then,” said Catty; but the faint sigh with which the words were uttered, gave but a scant significance of welcome.
Kate followed her into the little drawing-room, and at a sign from the old woman, took a seat.
“Miss Mary is quite well, I'm glad to hear,” said Kate, endeavoring to introduce some conversation.