“Yes, and I entreat you to avoid influencing her decision.”
“Well, I promise to leave her to work it out for herself.”
“That is right, Mary. And at any rate show her something of the ordinary life and interests of young ladies. I allow that the circumstances are very unusual, and I think she does owe much consideration towards Emberance. Ask her to stay with you at Kingsworth, she is a charming girl.”
“I have no wish to know anything of Emberance,” said Mrs Kingsworth, hastily, “it is not for her sake I act, but,—well, if you think it might incline Katharine to what I wish.”
“I think the two cousins ought to know each other. Now the question is how far Kate should be told of past events. I should say as little as possible.”
“I shall tell her one day; she is not fit to understand it now,” said Mrs Kingsworth.
“I should like to talk to her,” said the Canon, and accordingly he sought Katharine in the little breakfast room. She was sitting on the music-stool, with one hand on the keys, but the notes were silent, till as she heard footsteps, she started and struck a chord. Her uncle came and stood beside her.
“Katharine,” he said, “I hear that you are tired of Applehurst. Do you know that you have another home?”
“Kingsworth? I know my father lived there. Oh, I should like to see it.”
“Your grandfather left that property by will to you, and your mother now consents to take you there.”