sent."

Here her little grandsons, who had more than once broken in upon her
musings, came running across the grass to inform her they were sure it
was tea-time, as they were very hungry.

"Then we shall go home," said Mrs. Liddell, immediately clearing her
face of its look of gloom, and rising to accompany them, cheered by the
thought that perhaps Katie's dear face might be ready to welcome her.

But neither daughter nor daughter-in-law awaited her, and a couple of
hours went slowly over--slowly and wearily, for she forced herself to
tell the boys a couple of thrilling tales, before they went to bed, to
keep them quiet and cool. Then, with promises that both mamma and auntie
should come and kiss them as soon as they returned, she dismissed the
little fellows.

It was past seven when Katherine at last appeared at the garden gate.

"I am so glad you have come in before Ada," cried Mrs. Liddell,
embracing her. "Are you very tired, dearest?"

"No, not nearly so tired as yesterday; and, mother dear, I think that
strange old man will certainly give us the money."

"Thank God! Tell me all about your day."

"It was all very funny, but not terrible, like yesterday. My uncle seems
determined to make a cook of me. He would not let them buy or prepare
any food for him, except a cup of tea and some toast, until I came. How
that frail old man can exist upon so little nourishment I cannot
imagine; but though I seem to give him satisfaction, he does not express
any. While he and Mr. Newton talked I was sent to look at the condition
of the rooms upstairs. Such a condition of dust and neglect you could
not conceive. Oh, the gloom and misery of the whole house is beyond
description!"

"Did you get anything to eat yourself?" asked Mrs. Liddell.

"Yes; Mr. Newton, who is really kind and friendly under his cool,
precise exterior, sent for some cakes. He staid a good while. I think he
has a good deal of influence on Mr. Liddell. (I can hardly call him
uncle.) He was more polite when Mr. Newton was present. When he was
going away he said, 'I am happy to say I have convinced Mr. Liddell that
you are his niece, and if you and your mother will call upon me at noon
to-morrow, the loan you wish for can be arranged, if you will agree to
certain conditions, which I should like to explain both to you and to
Mrs. Liddell.' He gave me his card. Here it is. He has written 'twelve
to one' on it."

"They must be very hard conditions if we can