Lady Assher and I have decided on having our drive before luncheon.' Caterina went down, wondering how she should escape from the drawing-room in time to be in the Rookery at twelve.

Nothing should prevent her from going; nothing should rob her of this one precious moment--perhaps the last--when she could speak out the thoughts that were in her.

After that, she would be passive; she would bear anything.
But she had scarcely sat down with a skein of yellow silk on her hands, when Miss Assher said, graciously,--'I know you have an engagement with Captain Wybrow this morning.

You must not let me detain you beyond the time.' 'So he has been talking to her about me,' thought Caterina.

Her hands began to tremble as she held the skein.
Miss Assher continued in the same gracious tone: 'It is tedious work holding these skeins.