And--come here--kiss me--you have acted well, my darling." The rare caress, the unwonted word of love, went straight to Catherine Bertram's deep heart.

She put her firm young arm round her mother's neck, and something like a vow and a prayer went up to God from her fervent soul.
"Come out," said Mrs.Bertram.

"The others will wonder what we are doing.

Look as usual, Kitty, and fear nothing.

I have been in peril, but for the present it is over." When Mrs.Bertram appeared Loftus went up to her at once.