“I am rejoiced to hear it, madam,” replied Kate, calmly, though her heart stood still with the suddenness of this news. “You will send over and inform Miss Clifton, will you not, madam?”
“No, I think not, Catherine. Why excite and disturb her on the eve of a journey? Besides, Catherine, I have many misgivings! This long persistence in silence—his never mentioning her name in any of his few letters to me! his never replying to the letter I wrote upon the subject!—all this is foreboding! I must not meddle farther in this affair until I have seen my son, and can judge his state of mind in regard to it!... But, Catherine, my dear, I sent for you for this: I am going to Richmond on Tuesday, for the purpose of spending some weeks near my son. I need a female companion, and I have your grandfather’s and your brother’s consent for you to accompany me; that is, if you are willing. Will you go with me, Kate?”
“I shall be very glad to do so, indeed, Mrs. Clifton!” said the young girl.
“Then return home at once, Kate, and prepare for the journey. You will have a great deal to do, to make things comfortable for your grandfather and brother during your absence, and to get yourself ready for your city visit.”
CHAPTER XXI.
IN THE CITY.
In a proud city and rich—
A city fair and old,
Filled with the world’s most costly things,
Of precious stones and gold;
Of silks, fine wool, and spiceries,