d called to her,--

"Are you going walking, Kate? _Do_ wait a moment, and I'll go with you."

Any one in the hall could have shared the author's privilege and seen
the expression of annoyance and confusion that appeared on Mrs. Rayner's
face:

"I thought you _were_ out. Did not Mr. Graham take you walking?"

"He did; but we wandered into Mrs. Waldron's, and she and the major
begged us to stay, and we had some music, and then the first call
sounded for retreat, and Mr. Graham had to go, so he brought me home.
I've had no walk, and need exercise."

"But I don't like you to be out after sunset. That cough of yours--"

"Disappeared the day after I got here, Kate, and there hasn't been a
vestige of it since. This high, dry climate put an end to it. No, I'll
be ready in one minute more. Do wait."

Mrs. Rayner's hand was turning the knob while her sister was hurrying to
the front door and drawing on her heavy jacket as she did so. The former
faced her impatiently:

"I don't think you are at all courteous to your visitors. You know just
as well as I do that Mr. Foster or Mr. Royce or some other of those
young officers are sure to be in just at this hour. You really are very
thoughtless, Nellie."

Miss Travers stopped short in her preparations.

"Kate Rayner," she began, impressively, "it was only night before last
that you rebuked me for sitting here with Mr. Blake at this very hour,
and asked me how I supposed Mr. Van Antwerp would like it. Now you--"

"Fudge! I cannot stay and listen to such talk. If you _must_ go, wait a
few minutes until I get back. I--I want to make a short call. Then I'll
take you."

"So do I want to make a short call,--over at the doctor's; and you are
going right to the hospital, are you not?"

"How do you know I am?" asked Mrs. Rayner, reddening.

"You _do_ go there every evening, it seems to me."

"I don't. Who told you I did?"

"Several people mentioned your kindness and attention to the Clancys,
Kate. I have heard it from many sources."

"I wish people would mind their own affairs," wailed Mrs. Rayner,
peevishly.

"So do I, Kate; but they never have, and never will, especially with an
engaged girl. I have more to complain of than you, but it doesn't make
me forlorn, whereas you look fearfully worried about nothing."

"Who says I'm worried?" asked Mrs. Rayner, with sudden vehemence.

"You look worried, Kate, and haven't been at all like yourself for
several days. Now, _why_ s