my pen I greatly fear I shall get into debt before I can
liberate myself from that house. Yet if I do, what will become of Ada
and the boys?" She paused to cough.

Katherine was silent; the tone of her mother's voice told more than her
words. "But," resumed Mrs. Liddell, "all is not black. The _Dalston
Weekly_ has taken my short story, and given me ten pounds for it.
However, you must take the bad with the good; my poor three-decker has
come back on my hands."

Katherine uttered a low exclamation. "I did hope they would have taken
it! and what miserable pay for that bright, pretty story! Mother, I
cannot believe that the novel will fail. _Do, do_ try Santley & Son! I
have always heard they were such nice people. Try--promise me you will."

"Dear Katie, I will do whatever you ask me; but--but I confess I feel as
if Hope, who has always befriended me, had turned her back at last. I am
so dreadfully tired! I feel as if I was never to rest. Oh for a couple
of years of peace before I go hence, and a certainty that _you_ would
not want!"

"Do not fear for me," cried Katherine, pressing her mother to her and
covering her pale cheeks with kisses. "For myself I fear nothing, but
for _you_, I greatly fear you are unwell; you breathe shortly; your
hands are feverish. Do not let hope go. A few weeks and my uncle will be
stronger, or he may be invigorated by feeling he has killed out the
other old man, and then I will go back to you and help you, whatever
happens. I won't stay here to act compound interest. My own darling
mother, keep up your heart."

"I am ashamed of myself," said Mrs. Liddell, in an unsteady voice. "I
ought not to have grieved your young heart with my depression, for I
_have_ been depressed."

"Why not? What is the good of youth and strength if it is not to uphold
those who have already had more than their share of life's burdens?"

"I assure you this outpouring has relieved me greatly; I shall return
like a giant refreshed," said Mrs. Liddell, rallying gallantly; "and you
may depend on my trying the fortune of my poor novel once more, with
Santley & Son. Now tell me how your domestic management prospers."

A long confidential discussion ensued, and at last Mrs. Liddell was
obliged to leave.

Katherine went to tell her uncle she was going to set her mother on her
way, and to see his cup of beef tea served to him. His remark almost
startled her. "Very well," he said. "Come back soon."

This interview a