had to knock at his door, as he was not
moving, and after a brief interview returned to inform Katherine that
Mr. Liddell grumbled at her for being up too early, and on hearing that
it was half past eight, said she had better bring him a cup of tea.

Katherine carried it to him herself. He took very little notice of her,
but said he would get up presently and hear the papers read.

When she came back with some jelly, for which she had sent to the
nearest confectioner, he ate it without comment, and told her she
might go.

It was a miserable morning, but about noon, to her great delight,
she saw Mr. Newton opening the garden gate. She flew to admit
him.

"I am so thankful you have come!"

"How is Mr. Liddell?"

"He seems quite himself this morning, except that he is inclined
to stay in bed."

"He must see a doctor," said Mr. Newton, speaking in a low
voice and turning into the parlor. "We must try and keep him
alive and in his senses for every reason. I am glad he is still in bed;
it will give me an excuse for urging him to take advice, for of
course I shall not mention your note."

"No pray do not. He evidently does not like to be thought ill."

"Pray how long have you been here--nearly a month? Yes, I
thought so. I cannot compliment you on your looks. How do you
think you have been getting on with our friend?"

"Not very well, I fear," said Katherine, shaking her head. "He
rarely speaks to me, except to give some order or ask some necessary
question. Yet he does not speak roughly or crossly, as he does
to Mrs. Knapp; and something I cannot define in his voice, even in
his cold eyes, tells me he is growing used to my presence, and that
he does not dislike it."

"Well, I should think not, Miss Liddell," said the precise lawyer,
politely. "I trust time may be given to him to recognize the claims
of kindred and of merit. Pray ask him if he will see me, and in the
mean time please send a note to Dr. Brown--a very respectable
practitioner, who lives not far; ask him to come at once. I must
persuade Mr. Liddell to see him, and if possible while I am present."

The old man showed no surprise at Mr. Newton's presence; it was
almost time for his monthly visit, and as he brought a small sum of
money with him, the result of some minor payments, he was very
welcome.

Katherine, immensely relieved, sat trying to work in the front
parlor, but really watching for the doctor. Would her uncle see
him? and if not, ough