“You are at liberty to take all day if you please,” said her father. “I have the key in my pocket. Good morning.”
Katharine’s lips parted in astonishment, as she turned her eyes towards the door, and she stood staring at it for a moment in speechless indignation, realizing that she was locked in for the day. Then, suddenly, her expression changed, and she laughed aloud. Alexander was already far down the stairs.
But presently she realized that the situation was serious, or, at all events, something more than annoying. She was to be shut up at least until after five o’clock in the afternoon, all alone, without food or drink, without the books she wanted, and without any one with whom to exchange a few words. Her face became grave as she finished dressing. She knew also that her father had lost his temper again, and she did not care to have all the servants know it.
She rang the bell, and waited by the door till she heard the maid’s footsteps outside.
“Ask my mother to come here a moment, Jane,” she said. “Say that it’s important.”
A few moments later Mrs. Lauderdale turned the handle of the lock.
“Is that you, mother?” asked Katharine.
“Yes. The door’s locked. I can’t open it.”
“This is serious,” said Katharine, speaking in a low voice, close to the panel. “Papa’s locked it and taken the key down town with him. Didn’t he tell you?”
“No—it’s impossible, child! You must have slipped the bolt inside.”