Wondering what had become of her father and her governess, Kitty had asked the nursemaid to look for them.

What had happened since?
Where had they been found?
After some hesitation, Mrs.Linley sent for the nursemaid.

She felt the strongest reluctance, when the girl appeared, to approach the very inquiries which she was interested in making.
"Have you found Mr.Linley ?" she said--with an effort.
"Yes, ma'am." "Where did you find him ?" "In the shrubbery." "Did your master say anything ?" "I slipped away, ma'am, before he saw me." "Why ?" "Miss Westerfield was in the shrubbery, with my master.

I might have been mistaken--" The girl paused, and looked confused.
Mrs.Linley tried to tell her to go on.

The words were in her mind; but the capacity of giving expression to them failed her.