Then the tears gushed forth, she threw herself on her knees by the bed, and sobbed bitterly.
She did not know how long she had been there, till she was startled by the prayer-bell; when, thinking Lady Cheverel might perhaps send some one to inquire after her, she rose, and began hastily to undress, that there might be no possibility of her going down again.

She had hardly unfastened her hair, and thrown a loose gown about her, before there was a knock at the door, and Mrs.Sharp's voice said--'Miss Tina, my lady wants to know if you're ill.' Caterina opened the door and said, 'Thank you, dear Mrs.Sharp; I have a bad headache; please tell my lady I felt it come on after singing.' 'Then, goodness me! why arn't you in bed, istid o' standing shivering there, fit to catch your death?
Come, let me fasten up your hair and tuck you up warm.' 'O no, thank you; I shall really be in bed very soon.

Good-night, dear Sharpy; don't scold; I will be good, and get into bed.' Caterina kissed her old friend coaxingly, but Mrs.Sharp was not to be 'come over' in that way, and insisted on seeing her former charge in bed, taking away the candle which the poor child had wanted to keep as a companion.

But it was impossible to lie there long with that beating heart; and the little white figure was soon out of bed again, seeking relief in the very sense of chill and uncomfort.

It was light enough for her to see about her room, for the moon, nearly at full, was riding high in the heavens among scattered hurrying clouds.