whispered. “Mother! Yes, dear Mother, I am wide awake.” “Your father has been in one of his tantrums again–fretting and fuming like everything.” “Poor father! What angered him?” “Well, child, I angered him. Why wouldn’t I? He saw a man in the village who has been living with Edgar for a year, and he never asked him whether your poor brother was alive or dead. What do you think of that?” “It was too bad. Never mind, Mother. I will go to the village in the morning, and I will find the man, and hear all about Edgar. If 21 there is any chance, and you want to see him, I will bring him here.” 21 “I would like him to come here, Kitty; for you know he might take Edgar his best clothes. The poor lad must be in rags by this time.” “Don’t fret, Mother. I’ll manage it.” “I knew you would. Your father is going to Parliament, Kate. The Duke offers to seat him, and you will get up to London. What do you think of that?” “I am very glad to hear it. Father ought to be in Parliament. He is such a straight-forward man.” “Well, I don’t know whether that kind of man is wanted there, Kate; but he will do right, and speak plain, I have no doubt. I thought I would tell you at once. It is something to look forward to. Now go to sleep and dream of what may come out of it,–for one thing, you shall have plenty of fine new dresses–good-night, my dear child.” “Good-night, Mother. You may go sweetly to sleep, for I will find out all about Edgar. You shall be at rest before dinner-time to-morrow.” Then the mother stooped and tucked in the bedclothing, not because it needed it, but because it was a natural and instinctive way to express her care and tenderness. Very softly she stepped to the door, but ere she reached it, turned back to the bed, and laying her hand upon Kitty’s head whispered, “Lord Exham is home again. He is coming here to-morrow.” 22And Kate neither spoke nor moved; but when she knew that she was quite alone, a sweet smile gathered round her lips, and with a gentle sigh she went quickly away to the Land of Happy Dreams. 22
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