But first to write the letter to her father and dispatch it secretly by the first mail. She arose and rang the bell.
Katie answered it.
"Unpack my little writing desk and place it on this stand beside me."
Katie did as she was ordered.
"Now lock the door and wait here until I write a letter."
Katie obeyed and then seated herself on a footstool near her lady's feet.
Claudia opened her writing desk; but paused long, pen in hand, reflecting how she had better write this letter.
If she should tell her father at once of all the horror of her position the sudden news might throw him into a fit of apoplexy and kill him instantly.
And on the other hand, if she were to conceal all this and merely write him a pressing invitation to come over immediately, he might take his time over it.
Speed Claudia felt to be of the utmost importance to her cause. So, after due reflection, she dipped her pen in ink, and commenced as follows: