"Some mistake," said Miss Vernon, as both she and her grandfather paused in their conversation, to listen to that vague watchfulness, so often felt by those whose hearts are full of the future, because the present is sad; then the garden-gate creaked on its hinges, and heavy steps approached rapidly, the bell was rung loudly, and though she could not tell why, Kate's heart beat more quickly, as she listened for the next sounds, for each movement, is clearly audible through the slight walls of a modern built house in the outlets of London. The door was opened, and a husky whispering ensued, to which the servant's voice replied--"Yes, Mr. Vernon's at home;" and in another moment Mrs. O'Toole's hearty tones were heard in joyous welcome. "Athen, is it yerself that's in it? Masha, but it's the masther, an' Miss Kate, will be proud to see ye. Walk in, ma'am--I'll settle the cabman." Then the parlour-door was thrown wide open, and in walked Mrs. Winter, in a large, plaid cloak--followed by a mass of coats and comforters, over which twinkled joyously, the artist's little bead-like eyes. Then came the joyous confusion of question and answer, and wonder and welcome; and Kate felt a sudden accession of life and strength. "But to what do we owe this happy surprise?" she reiterated, as she knelt at Mrs. Winter's feet, to change her boots, for a pair of warm slippers. "Indeed, my dear, it is one of Winter's fits; he would not let me write, nor write himself--he said we might disappoint you, and ourselves." "Yes," broke in Winter, disencumbering himself of his numerous wrappings, "I knew you--you would have been killing the fatted calf, and roasting turkeys, and all sorts of things; and we should have been late, and teased you with expectation, so I said, leave your pen alone, Sue, and here we are; stopped at the first house with "furnished apartments," on it, engaged them--then all right, ready for a dish of tea, and chat; and then turn in--close here--Albert-place. Why, Colonel, you do not look as if London agreed with you, but you _bella miâ_, you look quite yourself." "But what has induced you to visit the great Babylon?" said the Colonel, when the first hubbub of welcome was over, and they were assembled round the tea-table. "We are going on the continent," said Mrs. Winter, with some importance. "Is it possible?" cried Kate. "You do not speak seriously?" said the Colonel. "Why not? I've got a cold, and I've no idea of remaining to be cut off, like poor Gilpin, by the east winds," returned Winter. "Is that your only reason?" asked Kate. "Why not exactly; but A---- has become such a desert, now that you and Gilpin are gone; life is not worth having there." "I do not like the idea of having the sea between us," said the Colonel. "Nor I," added his grand-daughter, "Nor I; but we will not be long away, and I intend to paint, while abroad, such a picture, as will make the Royal Academicians die of envy," said Winter.