Carlton from New York, to stay with you, Sir.
She is in the carriage. This letter will explain the reasons of her
coming."

Though greatly surprised at the sudden appearance of his niece, Mr.
Carlton did not stop, either to read the letter or ask questions, but went
at once to the carriage, and offering his hand to his niece, said:

"I am happy to see you, my dear, at Glen Morris. Come into the house. John
will see to your baggage."

Kate put her fingers into her uncle's hand, and with a mincing step,
walked into the hall. Mr. Carlton asked the man who accompanied her, if he
would remain all night.

"No, Sir. I thank you. I must return by the last train, which will be
here, as soon as I can get to the station. Good night, Sir!"

"Good night," replied Mr. Carlton.

When Kate was conducted to the parlor, she was of course, greeted with
looks and expressions of great surprise. Jessie sprang to her cousin,
embracing her, and exclaiming:

"Why Kate Carlton, is that you?"

Guy took her hand kindly, and said, "I am glad to see you, Kate."

Hugh also gave her his hand, but his words were not gracious. He said:

"What, _you_ come here again, Kate Carlton!"

Uncle Morris kissed her, and spoke very kindly to her. Somehow, his
instincts told him that her sudden coming to Glen Morris, was caused by
some unexpected evil.

Kate returned these greetings very stiffly. She had a cold nature, which
did not readily respond to the emotions of others. She was tired, she
said, and would like to be shown to her room as soon as possible. Jessie
accordingly conducted her to Mrs. Carlton's room, who was as much
surprised to see her, as the others had been.

As soon as she left the parlor, Mr. Carlton, who had been reading the
letter which came with her, placed his hand upon his forehead, looked very
gravely at Mr. Morris, and said:

"Bad news! Bad news! My brother is a defaulter in the ---- Bank, of which
he was president. He left the city last night, for parts unknown. His wife
is half distracted, and has gone home to her father. She has sent Kate
here."

"A sad case!" remarked Mr. Morris, soothingly. "But are you sure it is
true?"

"Too true, I doubt not. This letter is from my friend, Mr. Estal, a
leading director in the bank. There can be no mistake. It is terrible. Had
my brother lost all his property by honorable misfortune, or had he died
as a good man dies, it would have been nothing to this. Now he is ruined
and dis