But Mrs. Frederic did not seem at ease; there was a restlessness about
her, a disinclination to leave the house, that attracted Katherine's
notice, although she was much occupied with preparations for their
departure. At last the mystery was solved.
One afternoon Mrs. Liddell and Katherine had been a good deal later than
usual in returning home, having determined to finish their shopping and
take a few days' complete rest before starting on their travels.
Mrs. Frederic met them with a heightened color and a curious embarrassed
look. The drawing room was lit by a splendid fire, and sweet with the
perfume of abundant hot-house flowers; there was something vaguely
prophetic in the air.
"Do come to the fire, dear Mrs. Liddell; you must be so cold! I have
been quite uneasy about you," she exclaimed, effusively.
"Have you had a visitor, Ada?" asked Katherine, whose suspicions were
aroused.
"I have, and I want to tell you all about it. I am far too candid to
keep anything from those I love. My visitor was Colonel Ormonde. He
asked me to marry him, and--and, dear Mrs. Liddell--Katherine--I hope
you will not be offended, but I--I said I would," burst forth Mrs.
Frederic; and then she burst into tears.
There was a minute's silence.
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