"Why, it tells in those few words the substance of all we have learned in these lessons," exclaimed Kate.
"Only we would never have had sense enough to understand without the lessons," added Grace, with a smile.
"They may be likened to a golden key that opens royal gates," said Kate, going to the piano to play while Grace was putting away her paints and brushes.
A little later Grace went out to mail a letter. As she turned from the post-box, she found herself face to face with—whom but Leon Carrington?
"Ah, an unexpected pleasure, Miss Hall!" he said, extending his hand and warmly grasping the one she slowly held out to him. He looked searchingly into her face, with clear, questioning eyes.
She dropped her lashes and drew back with a touch of the old haughtiness, murmuring something he could not hear.
"May I have the pleasure of a little walk with you?" he asked, suiting his step to hers and ignoring her apparent coldness.
"Certainly. How long since you returned to Hampton, Mr. Carrington?" recovering herself as they walked.
"Only a few days ago. I was called here on business for my uncle, and will probably be detained several weeks." He glanced at her as he spoke, but she gave no sign, only remarking it was a lovely season of the year for a visit. They walked along, talking only commonplaces, until they neared her home.
"Did you receive my letter, Miss Gra—Miss Hall?" he asked, with some unsteadiness in his voice.