She stayed till late in the evening, and came back with a gay account of her calls upon two or three old friends--the girls of whom she had spoken to Mrs.Mumford.One of them, Miss Featherstone, she had taken to dine with her at a restaurant, and afterwards they had spent an hour or two at Miss Featherstone's lodgings.
'I didn't go near Tulse Hill, and if you knew how I am wondering what is going on there! Not a line from anyone.

I shall write to mother to-morrow.' Emmeline produced a letter which had arrived for Miss Derrick.
'Why didn't you give it me before ?' Louise exclaimed, impatiently.
'My dear, you had so much to tell me.

I waited for the first pause.' 'That isn't from home,' said the girl, after a glance at the envelope.

'It's nothing.' After saying good-night, she called to Emmeline from her bedroom door.

Entering the room, Mrs.Mumford saw the open letter in Louise's hand, and read in her face a desire of confession.
'I want to tell you something.