And the two young ladies were soon excellent friends, the more so, as Kate's new acquaintance was quite able to make up for any silence or pre-occupation, on her part, caused by the nervous anxiety with which we watch for an important interview.
Miss Herman was evidently rather curious as to the object of Kate's visit to her father; and Kate saw no reason why she should not gratify her curiosity; for, pre-occupied as she was, any other topic was irksome; and though not exactly of the stamp she had been accustomed to, it was so long since she had enjoyed a conversation with a lady, at all near her own age, that she found it a pleasant variety. Yet it was with a sensation of relief, that poor Kate hailed her exclamation—
"There is my father's knock."
In another moment, he bustled into the room.
"Rather late, dear lady; but much pleased to see you."
"Luncheon directly, Gertrude."
Then seating himself by Kate, as his daughter left the room—
"Now let me hear in what I can serve you, my dear Miss Vernon, for I got your note all safe."
Kate hesitated a moment, and then, her color rising, yet with a certain playfulness, and without any preface, said—