She soon had every one laughing, even Cyril, over her stories of the lawyer's home that might have been hers, with its gloom and its hush and its socketed chairs.
As soon as possible, however, Mrs.Hartwell, with a murmured "I know you must be tired, Billy," suggested that the girl go up-stairs to her room.
"Come," she added, "I will show you the way." There was some delay, even then, for Spunk had to be provided with sleeping quarters; and it was not without some hesitation that Billy finally placed the kitten in the reluctant hands of Pete, who had been hastily summoned.

Then she turned and followed Mrs.Hartwell up-stairs.
It seemed to the three men in the drawing-room that almost immediately came the piercing shriek, and the excited voice of their sister in expostulation.

Without waiting for more they leaped to the stairway and hurried up, two steps at a time.
"For heaven's sake, Kate, what is it ?" panted William, who had been outdistanced by his more agile brothers.
Kate was on her feet, her face the picture of distressed amazement.

In the low chair by the window Billy sat where she had flung herself, her hands over her face.

Her shoulders were shaking, and from her throat came choking little cries.
"I don't know," quavered Kate.