When Katherine laid her head upon her pillow that night and fell asleep her pulses were beating in joyous rhythm with three beautiful words gleaned from her beloved "Science and Health"-- "Love is enthroned! Love is enthroned!" [Footnote: "Science and Health," page 454.] CHAPTER IX. KATHERINE MAKES A DEMONSTRATION. From that time on Katherine became conscious of a very different atmosphere, at least when among her own classmates, for, instead of the cold shoulder, averted glances and a general stampede whenever she appeared, she was now cordially received and greeted upon all occasions. This was more apparent after Miss Follet's "spread," two weeks later, and which really proved to be the "finest of the season," being a "full-dress affair," when all barriers were swept away during the "jollification" and every vestige of disaffection vanished in company with the bountiful and dainty viands that were literally fit "to set before a king." Katherine, being the guest of honor, was toasted and made much of, and her companions found that she could appreciate a frolic as heartily as anyone, and was not behind, either, in making fun for others. One evening, early in May, shortly after "the spread," Katherine was diligently studying the morrow's lessons when a rap sounded on her door, and, upon giving the usual password, Jennie Wild put her curly head inside the room and observed: "Miss Minturn, Miss Reynolds has sent me to ask if you will come to her room as soon as the study hour is over." "Yes, Jennie, I will go to her the moment the bell rings," replied Katherine, who knew that her teacher had not been well for nearly a week, and, for the last two days, had been unable to attend to her duties. "And, Miss Minturn," continued the girl, lingering. "Well?" said her friend, inquiringly. "May I go with you to your service, next Sunday?" "Why, Jennie! What has possessed you to ask me that?" "Oh, I thought I'd just like to know what kind of a rigmarole--Oh, Peter Piper! what have I said?" the heedless girl interposed as Katherine flushed and looked up suddenly. "I really didn't mean that--I--er--it just slipped out before I had time to think. But, truly, I would like to go with you." "But you know it is against the rules for students to leave their own church. You would have to get permission of Prof. Seabrook," Katherine returned. "I don't want to ask him," said Jennie, with a shrug, adding: "He need never know." "No, Jennie, I cannot countenance any such disobedience," gravely replied her companion. "And if it is only a matter of idle curiosity on your part, I think you had better wait until you are actuated by a more worthy motive." Jennie looked really distressed under this reproof. "I'm afraid I've offended you," she began, plaintively. "I didn't mean to speak slightingly of your church, and I'm--sorry--"