This was very definite, and it was plain to me that I could not find out from such a stupid fellow whether or not it was Mr. McKim who had sent him. I decided that Kate should not go to Madison Place that day. It would be much better for me to see her uncle first, for such a course would save her from an unpleasant scene, if he decided not to receive her. I told the hackman we should not go; and the fellow growled about his fare, but finally drove off, declaring that the people in Madison Place should pay him for his trouble. I was annoyed by the incident, and was afraid it would prejudice Kate's uncle--if he had returned--against her, or if he had not, that his wife would be vexed. Before the hack was out of sight, I was sorry I had not permitted Kate to go. I talked the matter over with her, and with her kind friends, who thought I had been over-nice about the matter. About seven o'clock, the same hackman came again. I was sent for, and met him in the office. He was as surly and cross as before, though his face wore something like an expression of triumph this time. "It's a dale of throuble you're makin for your friends," said he, handing me a note. "You shall be paid for all the trouble I give you," I replied, offended at the fellow's impudence. I glanced at the note, and found it was directed to Kate. I carried it up to her, and after she had read it, she handed it to me. "My uncle has returned," said she. "He seems to be real good and kind--don't he?" I read the note, which was as follows:-- "MY DEAR NIECE: I learned from Mr. McKim, since I returned from Baltimore this afternoon, that you were in the city. I should call upon you myself, but I am quite ill, and do not feel able to do so. I desire to see you very much, and the bearer of this note will drive you to my house. I think Mr. McKim spoke of a young man with you, who called upon him. Let him come with you, if you please. FREEMAN LORAINE." "Your uncle is good and kind, and I am sorry I gave him the trouble to send twice," I added, when I had finished reading the note. "We will go with the hackman as soon as you are ready." "How far is it?" asked Mrs. Macombe. "Mr. Loraine lives in Madison Place; but I haven't the least idea where that is," I replied. "Shall we see you again?" asked our kind friend. "Why, yes, I hope so. I will come down and see you. But I don't know yet whether I am to stay with my uncle or not," said Kate, as she put on her shawl and bonnet. "I must see you again, and I shall tell my uncle all about you." "I shall depend upon seeing you again, and I hope you will find a good and pleasant home," added the worthy old lady. I escorted Kate down to the street, and handed her into the carriage. The driver closed the door when I had taken my seat, mounted his box, and drove off.