s hire," said Mrs. Liddell.

"No doubt of it, madam; but the case is a peculiar one."

Some more particulars were discussed and arranged; Mr. Newton begged
Mrs. Liddell to look out for and select a servant, that Katherine might
begin with some prospect of comfort. It was settled that an interview
should be arranged between Mrs. Liddell and her brother-in-law on the
day but one following, at which Mr. Newton was to assist, Finally she
signed a paper, and received six lovely new crisp bank-notes, the magic
touch of which has so marvellously reviving an effect.

Katherine slipped her arm through her mother's and pressed it lovingly
as they walked to the Metropolitan station for their return journey.
"Now, dear, you will have a little peace," she said.

"Dear-bought peace, my darling. I cannot reconcile myself to such a fate
for you."

"Still, the money is a comfort."

"It is indeed. I will pay the rent to-day, and to-morrow I will give Ada
her money. That will be an infinite relief. And still I shall have a few
pounds left. Katie dear, is it not too dreadful, the prospect of eating,
drinking, sleeping, and beginning _di nuovo_ each morning in that gloomy
house? How shall you bear it?"

"You shall see. If I can have a little chat with you every week I shall
be able for a good deal. Then, remember, the book still remains. When
that succeeds we may snap our fingers at rich uncles."

"When that time comes," interrupted her mother, "you will be tied to the
poor old miser by habit and the subtle claims which pity and
comprehension weave round the sympathetic."

"Oh, if I ever grow to like him it will simplify matters very much. I
almost hope I may, but it is not likely. How strange it will be to live
in a different house from you! How dreadfully the boys will tease you
when I am away! Come; suppose we go and see the _Cheerful Visitor_--the
editor, I mean--before we return, and then we can say we _have_ been to
a publisher. I really do not think Ada knows the difference between an
editor and a publisher."

"Very likely; nor would you, probably, if you had not a mother who
scribbles weak fiction."

"It is a great deal better than much that is published and paid for,"
said Katherine, emphatically.

"Ah! Kate, when money has long been scarce you get into a bad habit of
estimating things merely at their market value. However, let us visit
the _Cheerful Visitor_ on our homeward way. Of course we must tell Ada
of the imp