"I had nearly forgotten to ask you where Mrs. Jorrocks lives--a very necessary question."
"Oh, at Carrington--her son-in-law, Mr. Wilson, is a cotton broker there."
"Carrington," repeated Kate, colouring with surprise and emotion.
"Not a very nice place, I grant," said the bride. "But the Wilsons live in the New Park, quite away from the town. Have you ever been there?"
"Yes, once. We used to live at A----, which is only an hour's drive from Carrington."
"I know; we went over there to look at the Cathedral, when I was at Carrington. Then, Miss Vernon, you will be ready to go down next week? My mother-in-law is very anxious for some one who will read to her."
"Yes," said Kate, confused by the flood of memories which welled up from the depths of her heart, at the sound of these familiar names.
"Old Mrs. Jorrocks will write and say what day she expects you. I am sure, I am delighted to have concluded this business so satisfactorily."
"Good morning, Miss Vernon, good morning!"
"Dear Mrs. Storey! it is all settled!" cried Kate, on finding that lady alone. "I am going to Carrington--where--where--"
A burst of irrepressible tears choked her voice.
"My dear girl! don't now--there's a love! here, smell to the salts," exclaimed Mrs. Storey, in great perplexity; she did not understand the grateful sympathy of silence on such occasions.
"I was so happy there--so unutterably light-hearted! the world was all joy to me--existence in itself a blessing! And to go back there now, when some strange spell seems to have doomed me to utter loneliness! Grandpapa gone, nurse gone, Georgy, Mr. Winter, his kind wife, all I was ever linked with in happy days, far away."
"My love, don't go there; stay a bit longer with us; you know, if the house was only a little larger, I would not let you go away for ever so long; but--"
"Dear friend," said Kate, recovering herself--"I was surprised into this outburst--do not mind it--I am quite resolved to go to Mrs. Jorrocks. Nay, when I have conquered my foolish weakness, I shall be pleased to be near my old haunts. I will go to my room and think--I am always better when I think by myself."
Long and earnestly did Kate think, and her thoughts were prayers. She looked steadily at the past; and, from its trials and blessings, gathered strength for the future.