Margaret looked at him with mingled dismay and surprise, and his next words were not reassuring. “What is to become of Miss West if we go away? She will be all alone.” “Nonsense, Granville, what absurd objections you do make! We need not be away more than two days, and Catherine is quite able to take care of herself.” “Poor little girl!” he began, and then bit his lip at his own indiscretion. “Very well, I suppose we must go. I’ll find the time-table.” But how unwelcome to him at this moment was the thought of the new arrival! Though his conscience was quite clear with regard to her, he felt that Blanche would prove a discordant element. He did not for a moment suppose that his engagement would be the least trouble to her; but he would have preferred to conduct his wooing under less vigilant eyes; besides, if he did not speedily acquaint Margaret with the true state of affairs, he knew that she would be continually planning to leave him and Blanche together, and the opportunities for seeing Catherine by herself would be rendered much fewer. After much thought he determined that as soon as he saw the latter he would come to some definite understanding with her; but this could not be till after their return from Interlaken, as they would have to start early the next morning, probably before she was up. He would therefore send her a note explaining his absence, and expressed in such a manner as to leave no doubt as to his attachment; and having written this, and seen about its safe delivery, he turned in, prepared to bear the vexations of the morrow with as good a grace as possible. Margaret had meanwhile run up to Catherine’s room and tapped gently at the door. The girl opened it with trembling hands. “Oh, you mustn’t get up, dear,” said Margaret. “I only came to tell you something. I can’t tell you how sorry I am, but Granville and I are obliged to go to Interlaken to-morrow. We shall be away all day, and I don’t want you to get up to see us off, so I thought I would come and say good-bye now.” Catherine, whom she had forced down on the couch again, raised herself on one elbow, and looked at her in some bewilderment. “Going away? I don’t quite understand. Do you mean that you are going home?” “My dear child! What an idea! Haven’t we promised to look after you, and take you with us when that unhappy day does arrive? No, but Lady Blanche has telegraphed to us to meet her at Interlaken; she wants to join us here. Now, congratulate me, dear. She is evidently not averse to my pet scheme; and what could be more favourable to an understanding than these romantic surroundings? Oh, I hope very much that the engagement will be definitely announced as soon as we get back.” “You think it would be a good thing for your brother?” asked Catherine, glad that the darkening room hid her face.