"Come back and kiss me first. Poor little Kit! Dear, handsome,
fiery-spirited little Kit! I say though, _what_ a shabby frock
you've got on!"

"Oh, don't worry me, Loftie! Any dress will do in the country."

"Right, most prudent Catherine. By the way, when did you say mother
would come back?"

"Perhaps on Monday."

"What did she go to Manchester for?"

"I can't tell you."

"Well, I trust she will be back on Monday evening, for I am due at the
Depot on Tuesday. Lucky for me I got a week's leave, but I didn't mean
to see it out. It will be uncommonly awkward if I cannot get hold of the
mater between now and Tuesday, Kate."

"Loftus--_are_ you going to ask her to give you much money?"

"My dear child, you would think the sum I want enormous, but it isn't
really. Most fellows would consider it a trifle. And I don't want her
really to give it, Kate, only to lend it. That's altogether a different
matter, isn't it? Of course I could borrow it elsewhere, but it seems a
pity to pay a lot of interest when one's mother can put one straight."

"I don't know how you are to pay the money back, Loftus."