As may be supposed, Mrs. Liddell lost no time about answering her daughter’s note in person.  In truth, toward the end of a week’s separation she generally began to hunger painfully for a sight of her Katie’s face, to feel the clasp of her soft arms, and to this was added in the present instance serious uneasiness respecting the strain to which her sense of responsibility as nurse as well as housekeeper must subject so inexperienced a creature.

It was rather late in the afternoon when Mrs. Liddell reached Legrave Crescent, and the servant showed her into the front parlor at once.  Katherine almost feared to draw her uncle’s attention to the visitor.  He had had all the papers read to him, and even asked for some articles to be read a second time; now after his dinner he seemed to doze.  If he had not noticed Mrs. Liddell’s entry she had perhaps better take her away upstairs at once, but while she thought she sprang to her and locked her in a close, silent embrace.

Turning from her, he saw that Mr. Liddell’s eyes were open and fixed upon them, and she said, softly:  “I am sorry you have been disturbed.  I shall take my mother to my room; perhaps if you want anything you will ring for me.”

“I will,” he returned; and Mrs. Liddell thought his tone a little less harsh than usual.  “I said you might come and see your daughter when you like,” he added, “and I repeat it.  You have brought her up more usefully than I expected.”  Having spoken, he leaned his head back wearily and closed his eyes.

“I am pleased to hear you say so,” returned Mrs. Liddell, quietly, and immediately followed her daughter out of the room.

“Oh, darling mother, I am so delighted to have you here all to myself!  It is even better than going home,” cried Kate, when they were safe in her own special chamber.  “But you are looking pale and worn and thin—­so much thinner!”

“That is an improvement, Katherine,” returned Mrs. Liddell; “I shall look all the younger.”

“Ah! but your face looks older, dear.  What has been worrying you?  Has Ada—­”

“Ada has never worried me, as you know, Katie,” interrupted Mrs. Liddell.  “She is not exactly the companion I should choose for every day of my life, but she has always been kind and nice with me.”

“Oh, she is not bad, and she would be clever if she managed to make you quarrel.  I am quite different.  Now I must get you some tea.  Pray look round while I am gone, and see how comfortable it is;” and Katherine hurried away.

She soon returned, followed by Mrs. Knapp, who was glad to carry up the tea-tray to the pleasant, sensible lady who had engaged her for what proved to be not an uncomfortable situation.  When, after a few civil words, she retired, with what delight and tender care Katie waited on her mother, putting a cushion at her back and a footstool under her feet, remembering her taste in sugar, her little weakness for cream!