to undo the plaits with haste, almost with impatience; she smoothed
the whole mass then set free into the severest order, plaited it
closely together, and then, putting out her light, threw herself
on her knees beside the window, which was partly open to the starlight
and the mountains. The voice of the river far away, wafted from
the mist-covered depths of the valley, and the faint rustling of
the trees just outside, were for long after the only sounds which
broke the silence.

When Catherine appeared at breakfast next morning her hair was
plainly gathered into a close knot behind, which had been her way
of dressing it since she was thirteen. Agnes threw a quick look
at Rose; Mrs. Leyburn, as soon as she had made out through her
spectacles what was the matter, broke into warm expostulations.

'It is more comfortable, dear mother, and takes much less time,'
said Catherine, reddening.

'Poor Mrs. Thornburgh!' remarked Agnes dryly.

'Oh, Rose will make up!' said Catherine, glancing, not without a
spark of mischief in her gray eyes, at Rose's tortured locks; 'and
mamma's new cap, which will be superb!'



CHAPTER II.

About four o'clock on the afternoon of the day which was to be
marked in the annals of Long Whindale as that of Mrs. Thornburgh's