Egerton almost started from his seat in profound amazement.
"How! what! do you mean to say you were in the church, and I did not see you?"
"How extraordinary you did not mention this to me," exclaimed Winter.
"I did not think—that is, I intended—and was always interrupted," faltered Kate.
"And why! why did you not speak to me?" cried Egerton, eagerly.
"I could not, indeed! though I wished it much," said Kate, with a simple earnestness, at which Egerton's dark, embrowned cheek flushed with sudden pleasure. He did not pursue the subject then; but said, abruptly—
"I have felt bewildered at finding myself so suddenly talking to my old friends, or I could not have been so long without enquiring for Mrs. O'Toole. May I not see my good nurse? You know she is mine, as well as yours, Miss Vernon."
"She is quite well; but alas! not with me; she joins us, however, when we return to A——. Oh! how glad she would be to see you again! she was so fond of you."
"Not with you!"