"They were very nice children," said Mrs. Umfraville.
"Remarkably nice children," returned Lady Barbara, in a tone that
again cut Kate to the heart.
Bed-time came; and she would have been glad of it, but that all the
time she was going to sleep there was the Lord Chancellor to think
of, and the uncle and aunt with the statue faces dragging her before
him.
Sunday was the next day, and the uncle and aunt were not seen till
after the afternoon service, when they came to dinner, and much such
an evening as the former one passed; but towards the end of it Mrs.
Umfraville said, "Now, Barbara, I have a favour to ask. Will you let
this child spend the day with me to-morrow? Giles will be out, and I
shall be very glad to have her for my companion."
Kate's eyes glistened, and she thought of stern Proserpine.
"My dear Emily, you do not know what you ask. She will be far too
much for you."
"I'll take care of that," said Mrs. Umfraville, smiling.
"And I don't know about trusting her. I cannot go out, and Jane
cannot spare Bartley so early."
"I will come and fetch her," said the Colonel.
"And bring her back too. I will send the carriage in the evening,
but do not let her come without you," said Lady Barbara earnestly.
Had they told, or would they tell after she was gone to bed? Kate
thought Aunt Barbara was a woman of her word, but did not quite trust
her. Consent was given; but would not that stern soldier destroy all
the pleasure? And people in sorrow too! Kate thought of Mrs.
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