"You are very kind; I am sure, grandpapa, and myself will have great pleasure--" "Yes, certainly," chimed in the Colonel; "though I seldom do so gay a thing, as to appear at a _soiree_." "Then I shall expect you at half-past eight, as it is to be an early party, of a few friends only; and now, Miss Vernon, read that note." Kate opened it, and read as follows-- "DEAR MRS. STOREY, "I should like to see the young person of whom your brother spoke to me, as I wish Mary and Angelina to begin music, without any further delay; they have quite forgotten what they learned at Mrs. Birch's. Can Miss Vernon teach singing? I shall be at home for her at one o'clock, on Tuesday next. "With kind regards to Mr. S----, "I am yours, very sincerely, "A. POTTER." "_St. Cecilia Terrace_, "_Brompton, Saturday evening_." "I am very glad to get a summons, at last," said Kate, smiling. "I was beginning to fear pupils were an unattainable good. The note is from a friend of Mrs. Storey's, grandpapa," she continued, anxious to prevent the old gentleman from reading it, as, she justly thought, the wording of it might ruffle his pride, "who requires instruction in music for her two daughters, and wishes me to call upon her on Tuesday. How do you go to Brompton from hence, Mrs. Storey?" "The most agreeable way is through Kensington Gardens, then across the Knightsbridge Road." "Thank you; that sounds as if it would be a pleasant walk." "Oh, very pleasant, indeed; will you excuse me for running away very abruptly? but I do not think I should have made time to call only for Mrs. Potter's note; another time, I hope we shall be able to improve our acquaintance, Miss Vernon. Good morning; pray don't come to the door. Half-past eight, Miss Vernon; a few friends; my brother brings some professors of music;" and she chattered out of the room, overpowering Kate's every effort to thank her for her kindness. Nurse was in readiness to open the hall door, with a look of extreme displeasure on her countenance. "I niver seen the like iv thim English," she said, indignantly. "Hesther was washin' the steps whin she come up--'Is Miss Vernon at home?' ses she. 'Yes,' ses Hesther; 'I'll call Mrs. O'Toole.' An' away she runs for me; but me lady couldn't wait, I suppose; so in she walks widout--'By yer lave, or with yer lave,' instead of waiting to be announced like a christian." "No matter, nurse, she brought me good news," replied Kate. "Well, my love, I congratulate you, that your pious wishes are likely to be accomplished," said the Colonel, as she returned to the room. "This Mrs. Storey appears to be a good sort of woman."