"It is false! Who told you so?"
"No matter how I found it out. I'm in possession of the mysterious fact."
"It's that prying Susette, I know! I shall advise mamma to dismiss her immediately."
"You'd better not, Alpine. Susette knows some of your secrets!" Kathleen answered, with a provoking laugh.
"I have no secrets!" snapped Alpine; but she left the room discomfited.
Kathleen practiced and read until the late luncheon, where she was surprised to find herself alone.
"Where is Miss Belmont, James?" she asked.
"Miss Belmont went out for a walk," he answered, respectfully.
While Kathleen was making up her mind to go for a walk, too, some callers were announced. She received the matron and her two gay young daughters, entertained them herself, with an apology for the absence of the other members of the family, and saw them depart with a sigh of relief.