"Father never tells the worst.

O father! Father! and I am not even at home to be with him.

If I could see him I should know; but here I am in prison, and-- and I can't know what is happening at home!" and Kitty collapsed on her bed, sobbing pitifully.
"Katherine! Katherine! what is the matter, child ?" Miss Pidsley, hearing sounds of grief, opened the door and looked in, then she walked in and closed it behind her.
"I have had such dreadful news," moaned Kitty.

"Father is very ill-- I know he is worse than he says--and I am not there, and--and I am here a prisoner.

Read what he says, Miss Pidsley." Miss Pidsley laid her strong hand on Kitty's trembling arm.