Kitty's pretty lips trembled. She struggled with her emotion. Then raising her eyes, she said in as bright a tone as she could muster,—
"We must not think of dismal things to-night. Our Red Cross Sister has just arrived. I want you both so badly to see Mollie."
"I shall be delighted to make her acquaintance," replied Keith; "but I am not dining at home to-night. Sorry, little girl, but can't help it. I will be in as early as I can. Why, what's the matter, Kit?" for Kitty's eyes had filled with tears.
"I have been so looking forward to your seeing Mollie," she answered; "I am dying to know what you think of her. But there," she added, brightening up the next moment, "if you will come in soon after dinner, all will be right. And I am not going to be disagreeable," she continued, "for, of course, you cannot help it."
"Tell your sister, Kitty, that I will come up to see her in a few moments," said Mrs. Keith.
The girl nodded, and ran out of the room. In the hall she stood still for a moment, wrestling with her emotion.
"I wonder if he really cares, or if I am only imagining it?" was her thought.
"That is a dear little girl, mother," said Gavon, turning to speak to his mother when Kitty had left the room.
Mrs. Keith looked at her son gravely.
"I am very fond of Kitty," she said then. "I am glad that I adopted her. She is a delightful companion and a dear little soul. But how nervous she is, Gavon! I have noticed it often of late in your presence. I cannot help wondering—"