ppy frame of mind he resumed his ordinary life, and when he
encountered his former idol, met her with a heartiness and unconcern
which the lady regarded with secret disapproval. He was now so sure of
himself that, despite a suspicion of ulterior design on the part of Miss
Boom, he even accepted an invitation to tea.

The presence of Mr. Raggett made it a slow and solemn function. Nobody
with any feelings could eat with any appetite with that afflicted man at
the table, and the meal passed almost in silence. Kate cleared the meal
away, and the men sat at the open door with their pipes while she washed
up in the kitchen.

"Me an' Raggett thought o' stepping down to the 'Sailor's'" said Mr.
Boom, after a third application of his friend's elbow.

"I'll come with you," said Dick.

"Well, we've got a little business to talk about," said Boom
confidentially; "but we shan't be long. If you wait here, Dick, we'll
see you when we come back."

"All right," said Tarrell.

He watched the two old men down the road, and then, moving his chair
back into the room, silently regarded the busy Kate.

"Make yourself useful," said she brightly; "shake the tablecloth."

Tarrell took it to the door, and having shaken it, folded it with much
gravity, and handed it back.

"Not so bad for a beginner," said Kate, taking it and putting it in a
drawer. She took some needlework from another drawer, and, sitting down,
began busily stitching.

"Wedding-dress?" inquired Tarrell, with an assumption of great ease.

"No, tablecloth!" said the girl, with a laugh. "You'll want to know a
little more before you get married."

"Plenty o' time for me," said Tarrell; "I'm in no hurry."

The girl put her work down and looked up at him.

"That's right," she said steadily. "I suppose you were rather surprised
to hear I was going to get married?"

"A little." said Tarrell; "there's been so many after old Raggett, I
didn't think he'd ever be caught."

"Oh!" said Kate.

"I daresay he'll make a very good husband," said Tarrell patronisingly.
"I think you'll make a nice couple. He's got a nice home."

"That's why I'm going to marry him," said Kate. "Do you think it's wrong
to marry a man for that?"

"That's your business," said Tarrell coldly; "speaking for myself, and
not wishing to hurt your feelings, _I_ shouldn't like to marry a girl
like that."

"You mean you wouldn't like to marry me?" said Kate softly.

She leaned forward as she spoke, u