This was a startling discovery to make, but of the secret of her disappointment she was nearly unconscious; and rousing herself from the torpor into which she had fallen, she hoped Dick would not stop long away. It was so tiresome waiting. But soon Miss Leslie came running upstairs.
'Dinner has been ordered for five o'clock, and we've made up a party of four—you, Dick, myself, and Frank.'
'And what time is it now?'
'About four. Don't you think you'll be able to hold out till then?'
'Oh, dear me, yes; I'm not very hungry.'
'And I'll lend you anything you want for to-night.'
'Thanks, it's very kind of you.' Kate fell to wondering if her kindness had anything to do with Dick, and with the view to discovering their secret, if they had one, she watched them during dinner, and was glad to see that Mr. Frank Bret occupied the prima donna's entire attention.
Soon after dinner the party dispersed.
'You'll not be able to buy anything to-night,' Dick said, and Kate answered:
'Leslie said she'd lend me a nightgown.'