"Because I would not go away with him without it father. We have been staying in Ireland." "And be you repenting of it yet?" asked Mrs. Reed, in ungracious tones. "Pretty near," answered Cathy, with candour. It appeared that Cathy had made her way direct to Liverpool when she left home the previous January, travelling all night. There she met young Parrifer, who had preceded her and made arrangements for the marriage. They were married that day, and afterwards went on to Ireland, where he had to join his regiment. To hear all this, sounding like a page out of a romance, would be something wonderful for our quiet place when it came to be told. You meet with marvellous stories in towns now and then, but with us they are almost unknown. "Where's your husband?" asked Reed. Cathy tossed her head. "Ah! Where! That's what I've come home about," she answered: and it struck me at once that something was wrong. What occurred next we only learnt from hearsay. I said good day to them, and came away, thinking it might have been better if Cathy had not married and left home. It was a fancy of mine, and I don't know why it should have come to me, but it proved to be a right one. Cathy put on her bonnet again to go to Parrifer Hall: and the particulars of her visit were known abroad later. It was growing rather dark when she approached it; the sun had set, the grey of evening was drawing on. Two of the Misses Parrifer were at the window and saw her coming, but Cathy had her veil down and they did not recognize her. The actions and manners and air of a lady do not come suddenly to one who has been differently bred; and the Misses Parrifer supposed the visitor to be for the servants. "Like her impudence!" said Miss Jemima. "Coming to the front entrance!" For Cathy, whose year's experience in Ireland had widely changed her, had no notion of taking up her old position. She meant to hold her own; and was capable of doing it, not being deficient in the quality just ascribed to her by Miss Jemima Parrifer. "What next!" cried Miss Jemima, as a ring and a knock resounded through the house, waking up the Major: who had been dozing over the fire amongst his daughters. The next was, that a servant came to the room and told the Major a lady wanted him. She had been shown into the library. "What name?" asked the Major. "She didn't give none, sir. I asked, but she said never mind the name." "Go and ask it again." The man went and came back. "It is Mrs. Parrifer, sir." "Mrs. who?" "Mrs. Parrifer, sir." The Major turned and stared at his servant. They had no relatives whatever. Consequently the only Mrs. Parrifer within knowledge was his wife. Staring at the man would not bring him any elucidation. Major Parrifer went to the library, and there saw the lady standing on one side of the fender, holding her foot to the fire. She had her back to him, did not turn, and so the Major went round to the other side of the hearth-rug where he could see her.