I read the note, which was as follows:—
"My Dear Niece: I learned from Mr. McKim, since I returned from Baltimore this afternoon, that you were in the city. I should call upon you myself, but I am quite ill, and do not feel able to do so. I desire to see you very much, and the bearer of this note will drive you to my house. I think Mr. McKim spoke of a young man with you, who called upon him. Let him come with you, if you please.
Freeman Loraine."
"Your uncle is good and kind, and I am sorry I gave him the trouble to send twice," I added, when I had finished reading the note. "We will go with the hackman as soon as you are ready."
"How far is it?" asked Mrs. Macombe.
"Mr. Loraine lives in Madison Place; but I haven't the least idea where that is," I replied.
"Shall we see you again?" asked our kind friend.
"Why, yes, I hope so. I will come down and see you. But I don't know yet whether I am to stay with my uncle or not," said Kate, as she put on her shawl and bonnet. "I must see you again, and I shall tell my uncle all about you."
"I shall depend upon seeing you again, and I hope you will find a good and pleasant home," added the worthy old lady.
I escorted Kate down to the street, and handed her into the carriage. The driver closed the door when I had taken my seat, mounted his box, and drove off.