"Not at home, 'm," said a smart girl, with a cap at the back of her head, in reply to Miss Vernon's enquiries. "And Miss Herman?" "Oh, Miss Herman is at home, 'm--please walk this way." "Nurse, will you wait for me." And Kate followed the servant up a handsomely carpeted stair-case. Miss Herman was working something in a frame; she was more English-looking than her father, with a profusion of fair hair, and in a very handsome morning costume. "I have expected to see Miss Vernon," she said, rising to receive her visitor, with much graciousness, and rather too much ease. "My father told me, he expected a visit from one of his former pupils." "I was so fortunate as to meet him accidentally, the day before yesterday, and was delighted to renew my acquaintance with him." "I have often heard my father speak of you, and of your great taste for music; you were quite one of his pet pupils. I expect him in immediately." And the two young ladies were soon excellent friends, the more so, as Kate's new acquaintance was quite able to make up for any silence or pre-occupation, on her part, caused by the nervous anxiety with which we watch for an important interview. Miss Herman was evidently rather curious as to the object of Kate's visit to her father; and Kate saw no reason why she should not gratify her curiosity; for, pre-occupied as she was, any other topic was irksome; and though not exactly of the stamp she had been accustomed to, it was so long since she had enjoyed a conversation with a lady, at all near her own age, that she found it a pleasant variety. Yet it was with a sensation of relief, that poor Kate hailed her exclamation-- "There is my father's knock." In another moment, he bustled into the room. "Rather late, dear lady; but much pleased to see you." "Luncheon directly, Gertrude." Then seating himself by Kate, as his daughter left the room-- "Now let me hear in what I can serve you, my dear Miss Vernon, for I got your note all safe." Kate hesitated a moment, and then, her color rising, yet with a certain playfulness, and without any preface, said-- "You thought I wanted to take lessons from you, my dear sir--no; I want pupils myself." Herman uttered a slight groan. "I was apprehensive of something of the kind, when I read your note; yet I turned from the idea, as quite preposterous; and your noble relative!" "She knows nothing of my intention. But my dear Mr. Herman," continued Kate, with a firmness and decision, that surprised even herself, "let us not waste time in deploring what is inevitable; believe me, there is a strong necessity for the step I am about to take, which does not, considered in the abstract, offer any great attractions; the question is, can you, and will you, kindly put me in the way of carrying out my views; to say that I have been your pupil, would, I am sure be greatly in my favour; but I want more than that; to introduce me, in my new career."