XVI.
They had of course immediately spoken of Catherine. "Did she send me a message, or—or anything?" Morris asked. He appeared to think that she might have sent him a trinket or a lock of her hair.
Mrs. Penniman was slightly embarrassed, for she had not told her niece of her intended expedition. "Not exactly a message," she said; "I didn't ask her for one, because I was afraid to—to excite her."
"I am afraid she is not very excitable!" And Morris gave a smile of some bitterness.
"She is better than that. She is steadfast—she is true!"
"Do you think she will hold fast then?"
"To the death!"
"Oh, I hope it won't come to that," said Morris.
"We must be prepared for the worst, and that is what I wish to speak to you about."
"What do you call the worst?"
