Kate rose to her feet, staggered slightly, and caught at the chair back, but the giddy sensation passed off, and she walked to the window. "Can't see nothing out at the back, miss," said the woman, shaking her head, sadly. "Old master hated the tiles and chimney-pots, and had double windows made inside--all of painted glass, but you couldn't see nothing if they weren't there. It's black as night, and the fog comes creeping in at every crack. What would you like me to do for you, miss?" "Nothing, thank you." "Then I'll go and see about the breakfast, miss. I s'pose you won't be long?" Kate drew a deep breath of relief once more, and trying to fight off the terrible sensation of depression and strangeness which troubled her, she hurried to the toilet table, which was well furnished, and in about half-an-hour went out on to the broad staircase, which was lit with gas, and glanced round at the pictures, cabinets, and statues with which it was furnished. Then, turning to descend, she was conscious of the fact that she was not alone, for, dimly seen, there was a strange, ghastly-looking head, tied up with a broad white handkerchief, peering round the doorway of another room, but as soon as its owner found that she had attracted attention she drew back out of sight, and Kate shuddered slightly, for the face was wild and strange in the half-light. The staircase looked broader and better as she descended to the room into which she had been taken on her arrival, and found that it was well lit, and a cheerful fire blazing; but she had hardly had time to glance round when the woman appeared at the door. "Breakfast's quite ready, miss," she said. "Will you please to come this way?" She led the way across the hall, but paused and turned back to a door, and pushed it a little way open. "Big lib'ry, miss. Little lib'ry's upstairs at the back-two rooms. There's a good fire here. Like to see it now?" "No, not now." "This way then, miss," and the woman threw open a door on the other side. "Dining-room, miss. There ain't no drawing-room; but master said this morning that if you wished he'd have the big front room turned into one. I put your breakfast close to the fire, for it's a bit chilly to-day." Kate thought she might as well have said "to-night," as she glanced round the formal but richly furnished room, with its bright brass fireplace, and breakfast spread on a small table, and looking attractive and good. "I made you tea, miss, because I thought you'd like it better; but I'll soon have some coffee ready if you prefer it. Best tea, master's wonderfully particular about having things good." "I prefer tea," said Kate, quietly, as she took her place, feeling more and more how strange and unreal everything appeared.