ppy assent.

"I am quite sure it will be convenient; but I'll tell-mother the moment
she returns, and she will write to you herself. You will probably hear
on Friday."

"Thank you; I hope I may. This afternoon has been all too short, and I
have not had time for anything. Not even a glance of `Kittay.' It's
absurd to pretend to have been to Waybourne when one has not seen
`Kittay'; isn't it, Christabel?"

Chrissie dropped her eyelids, and twisted her lip with an expression of
supreme disdain.

"I do not say `Kittay'; I say `Kittee.' You are too sillay. Whatevah I
say you mock me in this ridiculous mannah. I sha'n't speak to you at
all next time."

Talbot made a gesture as of one heaping ashes on his head, and then,
glancing at the clock, rose hurriedly from the table.

"I must go! Just time to catch the train. I had no idea it was getting
so late. That comes of enjoying myself so much. I have had a jolly
afternoon. Don't know when I have had such a good time." He held out
his hand to Maud, and she took it, trying hard to smile as brightly as
himself, but it was a difficult task. She would rather he had been less
bright, less complacent. She could have been happier if he had gone
away with a shadow of her own depression upon his brow. Poor Maud! she
turned back from the door with an aching heart. The schoolroom seemed
on a sudden unbearably grey and gloomy. Her former peace had given
place to an aching doubt.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

THE VANBURGHS ARRIVE.

The next day, when Kitty arrived at Thurston House, she was informed of
Ned Talbot's visit, and promptly remarked that it was a "mean shame"--
the shame consisting in the fact of the visit having been so timed that
she herself had been deprived of the pleasure of seeing one who was
honoured by her special approval. All interest in Ned and his doings
was soon wiped away, however, by a piece of intelligence so exciting
that the listeners could only gasp, and hold on to their chairs for
support.

It was Maud who brought the news to the schoolroom. She had been in the
kitchen interviewing the cook, and had received it straight from the
lips of that authority.

"Children, children!" she cried breathlessly, "the Vanburghs have
arrived! They came late last night, cook says. She saw the table laid
for breakfast this morning, and the postman said he had taken some
letters to the house."

"Arrived!" The girls stared at one another in mingled ex