"No, bless you! has it rung?" called Kate, springing to her feet.
She hastily smoothed and tidied her hair, put on a white blouse, and ran downstairs, looking handsomer and more débonnaire than ever, because her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her eyes all the brighter on account of the tears she had shed.
Kate O'Connor's table was the most popular in the dining-hall. Since Molly's arrival at St. Dorothy's, her place had been at Kate's left hand. By Molly's side now, on this occasion, sat a slim girl in black. Kate noticed her the very instant she entered the room.
"Behold the divinity!" she said, under her breath.
She sat down in her accustomed place by the tea-tray, and studiously avoided Molly's brown eyes.
"Kate!" whispered Molly, in an anxious tone.
"What is it, Molly Lavender?" replied Kate, with some irritation. "Oh, I'll attend to you presently."
"I want to introduce you to Cecil Ross. Cecil, this is my friend, Kate O'Connor."
Kate raised her eyes, and encountered for the first time Cecil's grave, full glance. She found herself coloring high. Instead of her usual frank and hearty rejoinder, she now gave a somewhat stiff bow, and immediately turned her attention to the requirements of the tea-table.