"Yes; will you come with me?"
"You must not go out; we can talk best here. Countermand your carriage—that is, if you are going to drive. I claim this morning from you. You have forced yourself into my affairs, and I claim this morning; it is my right."
"I have forced myself into your affairs!" said Katherine Hunt. "What do you mean?"
For answer Kitty plunged her hand into her pocket.
"Here is your purse," she said. "You got back the money, and now here is the purse. Pretty, is it not?—soft Russian leather, and your initials in silver! Here it is back."
"My pretty, pretty purse!" said Katherine. She took it up, handling it with affection, and then put it down. "Now, what does this mean, Miss Hepworth?"
"Call me Kitty. We must be friends in future. Don't you want to ask me something?"
Miss Hunt thought for a moment; then she crossed the room and rang the bell. The servant appeared.
"Send a message to the stables, Jameson, and say that I shall not require the brougham this morning," said the young lady. "And, Jameson," she added, as the servant was about to withdraw, "don't admit any one. I shall be particularly engaged for the next hour or so."
The man promised compliance, and left the room.