"May I see it ?" Mrs.Linley handed the letter to her.

The one line of writing contained these words: "I refuse positively to part with my child .-- Catherine Linley." "Have you considered what is likely to happen, when he gets this ?" Mrs.
Presty inquired.
"No, mamma." "Will you consult Randal ?" "I would rather not consult him." "Will you let me consult him for you ?" "Thank you--no." "Why not ?" "After what Randal has written to me, I don't attach any value to his opinion." With that reply she sent her letter to the post, and went back again to Kitty.
After this, Mrs.Presty resolved to wait the arrival of Herbert Linley's answer, and to let events take their course.

The view from the window (as she passed it, walking up and down the room) offered her little help in forecasting the future.

Kitty had returned to her fishing; and Kitty's mother was walking slowly up and down the pier, deep in thought.
Was she thinking of what might happen, and summoning the resolution which so seldom showed itself on ordinary occasions?
.