I shall have nothing to say to Mabel." "Tell her nothing, then; only run away.

What is the matter now ?" "One thing before you go, mother.

I too had a letter to-night." "Had you, my dear?
I cannot be worried about your correspondence now." "My letter was from Loftie." "Loftus! What did he write about ?" "He is coming here to-morrow night." Catherine glanced eagerly into her mother's face as she spoke.

It did not grow any whiter or any more careworn.
She stood still for a moment in the middle of the drawing-room, evidently thinking deeply.

When she spoke her brow had cleared and her voice was cheerful.
"This may be for the best," she said.
Catherine stamped her foot impatiently.
"Mother," she said, "you quite frighten me with your innuendoes and your half-confidences.