Kathleen did not look either repentant or sorry. She simply said that in that case she would not practice her music this morning, and went off to her own little studio, where she painted a while with great ardor, then threw down her brush, and rang for Susette to bring up the morning papers. Susette lingered a minute after she had put down the newspapers. "Miss Kathleen, I don't think it will disturb Mrs. Carew the least bit if you practice your music," she said, significantly. "But her head aches, Susette." "No, it don't miss; she's not in the house, so there! She went away early--very early, in her traveling-dress, the Lord knows where; for James told me so on the sly." (James was the butler, and Susette's sweetheart.) Kathleen looked a little startled as she said: "You must be mistaken. Ellen has been with her mistress all day. I tapped at the door a while ago to ask how she was, and she reported Mrs. Carew as very low." "They are all deceiving you, Miss Kathleen, but what for I don't know, only I'm sure and certain she ain't in this house," protested Susette, stoutly. "Very well, Susette. Her absence has no more interest for me than her presence," Kathleen answered, indifferently, as she opened _The Globe_ and read the encomiums on Ralph Chainey's acting that filled a critical half column. Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks glowed with pleasure. "He plays 'Prince Karl' again to-night. Oh if I only could go again!" she thought, regretfully; then, throwing down the paper, she decided she would go and practice her music, since Mrs. Carew was not ill, as Alpine pretended. She had played but a few bars when Alpine entered with reproachful eyes. "Have you no feeling, Kathleen? You will kill mamma!" "Since mamma went away this morning early and has not yet returned, there's no danger," Kathleen answered, coolly. "It is false! Who told you so?" "No matter how I found it out. I'm in possession of the mysterious fact." "It's that prying Susette, I know! I shall advise mamma to dismiss her immediately." "You'd better not, Alpine. Susette knows some of your _secrets_!" Kathleen answered, with a provoking laugh. "I have no secrets!" snapped Alpine; but she left the room discomfited. Kathleen practiced and read until the late luncheon, where she was surprised to find herself alone. "Where is Miss Belmont, James?" she asked. "Miss Belmont went out for a walk," he answered, respectfully. While Kathleen was making up her mind to go for a walk, too, some callers were announced. She received the matron and her two gay young daughters, entertained them herself, with an apology for the absence of the other members of the family, and saw them depart with a sigh of relief. "I will go for my walk now," she decided, but turning from the piano, she saw an open note lying on the floor. Her own name attracted her, and picking it up, she read, under date of that morning: