It would be long, long before she
could find any one to fill her mother's place, if she ever did. For the
present she was satisfied to stay with Miss Payne, but she did not think
she could ever love her. The idea of residing with Colonel Ormonde and
his wife was distasteful. The most attractive scheme was to beg her
little nephews from their mother, and take them to live with her. She
was almost of age, and _felt_ old enough to set up for herself. As she
pondered on these things she felt bitterly that, rich or poor, a
homeless woman is a wretched creature.
At last she went to bed, and lay for a while watching the fire-light as
it cast flickering shadows, thinking of the tender, watchful love which
had dropped away out of her life; and with the murmured words, "Dear,
dear mother!" on her lips she fell asleep.
The next day broke bright and clear, though cold, and having kept
Katherine at home all day, Mrs. Ormonde made her appearance in time for
afternoon tea.
"My dear, dearest Katherine!" cried the little woman, fluttering in, all
fur and feathers, in the richest and most becoming morning toilette,
looking prettier and younger than ever, "I am _so_ delighted to see you
once more! Why have you staid in town, instead of coming straight to
us?" and she embraced her tall sister-in-law effusively.
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