"Oh, don't worry about me. I think I'll go back to mother, now."
"Nonsense, why, we haven't begun to talk yet. Have another cup of tea. No? How's old Miss What's-a-name, your head-mistress? Any more frozen little kittens?"
"She's very kind, really. I'm sorry I told you about the kitten. She let me go home early on Friday."
"Why? To track the van?"
"No; I wasn't very well."
"Poor Sally!" and Kitty hugged her again. "I daresay you were more upset than mother."
Tears came into Salvina's eyes at her sister's affectionateness. "Oh, no; but please don't talk about it any more. Father is dead to us now."
"Then we must speak well of him."
Salvina shuddered. "He is a wicked, heartless man, and mother and I never wish to see his face again."
A cloud darkened Kitty's blonde brow.