ared, though, for Sybil was too much of a flirt to suit his jealous
lordship, and I will do him the justice to say that, however many
fancies he may have had, he likes you best of all," and this Juno felt
constrained to say because of the look in Katy's face, a look which
warned her that in her thoughtlessness she had gone too far and pierced
the young wife's heart with a pang as cruel as it was unnecessary.

Bell had tried to stop her, but she had rattled on until now it was too
late, and she could not recall her words, however much she might wish to
do so. "Don't tell Will," she was about to say, when Will himself
appeared, to take Katy out to dinner. Very beautiful and sad were the
blue eyes which looked up at him so wistfully, and nothing but the
remembrance of Juno's words, "He likes you best of all," kept Katy from
crying outright, when he took her hand, passing it between his own and
asking if she was tired.

"Let us try what dinner will do for you," he said, and in silence Katy
went with him to the pleasant dining-room, where the glare and the
ceremony bewildered her, bringing a homesick feeling as she thought of
Silverton, contrasting the elegance around her with the plain tea table,
graced with the mulberry set instead of the costly china before her.

Never had Katy felt so embarrassed in her life as she did this night,
when seated for the first time at dinner in her husband's home, with all
those criticising eyes upon her, as she knew they were. She had been
very hungry, but her appetite was gone, and she almost loathed the rich
food offered her, feeling so glad when the dinner was ended, and Wilford
asked if she would go then to Jamie's room. He was sitting in his
wheel-chair when they went in, and his eyes turned eagerly toward them,
lighting up with pleasure when Wilford said: "This is your Aunt Katy.
You will love each other, I am sure."

That they would love each other was very apparent from the kisses Katy
pressed upon his lips, and the way in which his arms clung around her
neck as he said: "I am glad you have come, Aunt Katy, and you will tell
me of the good doctor. He is your cousin, Uncle Wilford says."

With Jamie Katy was perfectly at her ease. There was some affinity
between him and herself, and she was glad when Wilford left them alone,
as he wisely did, going back to where his mother and sisters were freely
discussing his bride, his mother calling her a mere child, who would
improve, and Ju