"
Kate was thoroughly enraged, and forgot even her fears. "I sha'n't
excuse myself," she said; "I shall say you will not let me go."
"You will write a proper and gentlewoman-like note," said Lady
Barbara quietly, "so as not to give needless offence."
"I shall say," exclaimed Kate more loudly, "that I can't go because
you won't let me go near old friends."
"Go into the schoolroom, and write a proper note, Katharine; I shall
come presently, and see what you have said," repeated Lady Barbara,
commanding her own temper with some difficulty.
Kate flung away into the schoolroom, muttering, and in a tumult of
exceeding disappointment, anger, and despair, too furious even to
cry, and dashing about the room, calling Aunt Barbara after every
horrible heroine she could think of, and pitying herself and her
friends, till the thought of Sylvia's disappointment stung her beyond
all bearing. She was still rushing hither and thither, inflaming her
passion, when her aunt opened the door.
"Where is the note?" she said quietly.
"I have not done it."
"Sit down then this instant, and write," said Lady Barbara, with her
Diana face and cool way, the most terrible of all.
Kate sulkily obeyed, but as she seated herself, muttered, "I shall
say you won't let me go near them."
"Write as I tell you.--My dear Mrs. Wardour--"
"There."
"I fear you may be expecting to see me on Monday--"
"I don't fear; I know she is.
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