Penniman having long been speechless. She sat forward in the window,
half on the balcony, humming a little song. Catherine was within the
room, in a low rocking-chair, dressed in white, and slowly using a
large palmetto fan. It was in this way, at this season, that the
aunt and niece, after they had had tea, habitually spent their
evenings.
"Catherine," said Mrs. Penniman at last, "I am going to say something
that will surprise you."
"Pray do," Catherine answered; "I like surprises. And it is so quiet
now."
"Well, then, I have seen Morris Townsend."
If Catherine was surprised, she checked the expression of it; she
gave neither a start nor an exclamation. She remained, indeed, for
some moments intensely still, and this may very well have been a
symptom of emotion. "I hope he was well," she said at last.
"I don't know; he is a great deal changed. He would like very much
to see you."
"I would rather not see him," said Catherine quickly.
"I was afraid you would say that. But you don't seem surprised!"
"I am--very much."
"I met him at Marian's," said Mrs. Penniman. "He goes to Marian's,
and they are so afraid you will meet him there. It's my belief that
that's why he goes. He wants so much to see you." Catherine made no
response to this, and Mrs. Penniman went on. "I didn't know him at
first; he is so remarkably changed. But he knew me in a minute.
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