The next morning the dreaded moment came.

Caterina, stupified by the suffering of the previous night, with that dull mental aching which follows on acute anguish, was in Lady Cheverel's sitting-room, copying out some charity lists, when her ladyship came in, and said,--'Tina, Sir Christopher wants you; go down into the library.' She went down trembling.

As soon as she entered, Sir Christopher, who was seated near his writing-table, said, 'Now, little monkey, come and sit down by me; I have something to tell you.' Caterina took a footstool, and seated herself on it at the Baronet's feet.

It was her habit to sit on these low stools, and in this way she could hide her face better.

She put her little arm round his leg, and leaned her cheek against his knee.
'Why, you seem out of spirits this morning, Tina.