Katherine returned her embrace. For a moment or two she could not
command her voice; the sight of the known childish face, the sound of
the shrill familiar voice, brought a flood of sudden sorrow over her
heart; but Mrs. Ormonde was not the sort of woman to whom she could
express it.
"And _I_ am very glad to see _you_, Ada! How well you are looking--even
younger and fairer than you used!"
"Yes, I am uncommonly well; and you, dear, you are looking pale and ill
and older! You will forgive me, but I am quite distressed. You must come
down to Castleford at once."
"Thank you. Where are the boys? I hoped you would bring them."
"Oh, Colonel Ormonde thought they would be too troublesome for me in a
hotel, so I left them behind. They were awfully disappointed, poor
dears; but it is better _you_ should come down and see them. Cecil is
going to school after Easter, and I believe Charlie must go soon."
"I long to see them," said Katherine, assisting her visitor to take off
her cloak.
"And _I_ long to show you my new little boy," cried Mrs. Ormonde,
drawing a chair to the fire, and putting her small, daintily shod feet
on the fender. "He is a splendid child, amazingly forward for six
months."
"I am glad you are so happy, Ada; I shall be pleased to make the
acquaintance of my new nephew.
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