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ask for, while Cat drove her to distraction, questioning, deriding, and, finally, shrugging off the rules of propriety. Academically, the opposite was true, but for similar reasons. Where Cecily had been c ontent to memorize submissively, Cat had constantly engaged Miss Bartlett in heated debates and the two of them often resorted to Sparrowell's well-stocked library to settle their disputes.
    Miss Bartlett had been a good deal more successful in her de alings with Cat than any of her predecessors, and when she was called away to care for an ailing relation, she left her employ with a good deal of regret. Now that her role would be less repressive, she thought with good humor, she felt sure that she would enjoy her life. At first, the idea of chaperoning Catherine was daunting indeed, but knowledge of the girl's inclination for the quiet country life had stilled her fears.
    The carriage conveying Miss Bartlett arrived just as the skies were beginning to darken, and Cat greeted her arrival with clear anticipation and enthusiasm. Although the weather had turned an ominous gray and the storm that had threatened all d ay had finally unleashed itself, Cat herself had run out with an umbrella and helped her new companion descend the carriage.
    “ Let us get you upstairs at once,” Cat cried, out of breath, as the pair twirled in the front door.
    “ Just a moment, let me see you, Catherine. Heavens, you've grown up, my dear!” Then she smiled with amusement in her warm brown eyes. “But are you really the young lady you seem?”
    “ Often, Miss Bartlett, but I fear not always,” Cat admitted. “I am far better behaved than in the past, though, you may rest assured.”
    Cat ordered tea ser ved in Miss Bartlett's chamber, while Felicia unpacked for her. Soon they were cozily ensconced by a roaring fire, letting the rain fall if it would.
    “ What a grand time we shall have, Miss Bartlett, for there are a dozen books of which I would talk with you! I am sorry you missed Cecily's wedding, but I must own it is good to have you all to myself.”
    “ Yes, it is regrettable that I couldn't get away sooner, but I am sure I shall see Cecily when she returns from her wedding trip. There is one thing, Catherine,” Miss Bartlett continued hesitantly. “Our relationship has changed somewhat now. Moreover, tomorrow you will be twenty. You may not know that I am but six and twenty. I know it is undoubtedly deepest vanity, but I feel as old as a church when you call me 'Miss Bartlett.' Do you think I could ask you to call me Eveline?”
    Reaching to take her friend's hand, she replied with a smile, “If you will call me Cat!”
    ****
    Cat arose early on the morning of her twentieth birthday and looked out over the hills, silver with dew. In the far distance, she could make out the soft haze rising from the gray sea. Storm clouds still hovered on the horizon, but it appeared that the day had a good chance of proving fair. On this auspicious day, which marked the beginning of her adult responsibilities, she needed a good omen. Cat drew in a deep breath, shut her eyes, and firmly resolved that this year she would try to live up to the responsibilities of her new position, conduct herself with decorum and make Eveline happy that she had decided to return to Sparrowell. And, she thought wryly to herself, if I remain secluded in the country, I might very well adhere to my resolutions through the week.
    Although there was to be no formal celebration, the day was nonetheless to be a full one. Cat would open her gifts after breakfast. Mr. Bagsmith, her solicitor, was expected sometime after that to go over the details of her coming of age. After luncheon, Aunt Leah and Uncle Martin planned to depart for the Lake District, and Cat intended to speak with Snagworth, not only about the estate, but also his odd outburst at the wedding reception. With one thing and another this item had been neglected; moreover, she felt a little ill at ease taking the