CHAPTER X.
THE REASON OF THE VISIT.
On the evening of the next day Mrs.Bertram came home.

She looked very tired and worn, but her manner to her children was less stern, and more loving than usual.

Loftus, in especial, she kissed with rare tenderness; and even for one brief moment laid her head on her tall son's broad shoulder, as if she wanted to rest herself there.
On the evening of her mother's return Catherine was particularly bright and cheerful.

As a rule, Catherine's will and her mother's were two opposing elements.

Now they were one.