'I have no friends, girl.' 'By the men I saw here, then,' returned Kate, quickly.

'If they were no friends of yours, and you knew what they were,--oh, the more shame on you, uncle, for bringing me among them.

To have subjected me to what I was exposed to here, through any misplaced confidence or imperfect knowledge of your guests, would have required some strong excuse; but if you did it--as I now believe you did--knowing them well, it was most dastardly and cruel.' Ralph drew back in utter amazement at this plain speaking, and regarded Kate with the sternest look.

But she met his gaze proudly and firmly, and although her face was very pale, it looked more noble and handsome, lighted up as it was, than it had ever appeared before.
'There is some of that boy's blood in you, I see,' said Ralph, speaking in his harshest tones, as something in the flashing eye reminded him of Nicholas at their last meeting.
'I hope there is!' replied Kate.

'I should be proud to know it.