KITTY ANSWERS.
IT was dimmest twilight when Kitty entered Mrs. Ellison’s room, and sank down on the first chair in silence.
“The Colonel met a friend at the St. Louis, and forgot about the expedition, Kitty,” said Fanny, “and he only came in half-an-hour ago. But it’s just as well; I know you’ve had a splendid time. Where’s Mr. Arbuton?”
Kitty burst into tears.
“Why, has anything happened to him?” cried Mrs. Ellison, springing towards her.
“To him? No! What should happen to him?” Kitty demanded, with an indignant accent.
“Well, then, has anything happened to you?”
“I don’t know if you can call it happening. But I suppose you’ll be satisfied now, Fanny. He’s offered himself to me.”
Kitty uttered the last words with a sort of violence, as if, since the fact must be stated, she wished it to appear in the sharpest relief.