The next morning, after breakfast, the guests departed. And many and cordial were the invitations to their houses extended to Catherine by all—even the haughtiest defenders of the sacredness of caste. Catherine received all these civilities with a gracious nobleness, that sat naturally and well upon her. And all this—the very evident esteem and respect of her neighbors, and the admirable manner in which Catherine received them, would have highly gratified the pride of Major Clifton, could anything except her exculpation from suspicion have pleased him. As it was, he witnessed it all with a moody brow, and sneering lip, and murmured to himself—
“Better and better, ‘Maria Teresa.’ You should have seen more of the world, before you threw your diplomatic talents away upon me, and my country neighbors.”
Well, at length they were all, to the very last guest, gone, and Major Clifton and Catherine were left alone, left standing together in the hall, whence they had seen the departures.
Catherine, hesitating between her fear of intruding upon his notice, and her dislike to leave him abruptly and rudely, stood—no longer self-possessed and noble—but with her eyes fixed upon the ground, and with the color deepening in her cheek, in embarrassed silence, wishing that he might say something to her, something to explain the nature of that dark cloud that had arisen so strangely between them.
He broke the silence by saying, coldly—
“Mrs. Clifton—” She started and colored, at hearing herself addressed by her new name. “It is my intention to make White Cliffs our future home. I desire that you be ready to accompany me thither to-morrow morning.”
Catherine bowed her head in acquiescence. And with a cold nod, he placed his hat upon his head, and walked forth.
Catherine went in, and occupied the remainder of the day in directing the labor of her servants, who were all employed in setting the house in order after the late, confusing events, in packing away goods, and covering up furniture, and in preparing generally for the closing up of the building.
CHAPTER XXXII.
DEDICATION.
Stand up, look below,