address," he said. "And here, Miss Liddell, is the check
for next week."

"I have still some money from the last," said Katherine, blushing. "I
had better give it to you, and then the check need not be interfered
with." She hated to speak of money before her uncle.

"As you like. You are a good manager, Miss Liddell."

"Give it to me," cried the invalid from his easy-chair; "I will put it
in my bureau. I have a few coins there, and they can go together."

"Very well; but had not my uncle better write an acknowledgment? We
shall be puzzled about the money when we come to reckon up at the end of
the month, if he does not."

Katherine had been taught by severe experience the necessity of saving
herself harmless when handling Mr. Liddell's money.

"An acknowledgment," repeated the old man, with a slight, sobbing,
inward laugh. "That is well thought. Yes, by all means write it out, Mr.
Newton, and I will sign. Oh yes; I will sign!"

Newton turned to the writing-table and traced a few lines, bringing it
on the blotting-pad for his client's signature.

"I can sign steadily enough still," said Mr. Liddell, slowly, "and my
name is good for a few thousands. Hey?"

"That it certainly is, Mr. Liddell."

"Do you think old Fergusson could sign as steadily as that?" asked Mr.
Liddell, with a slight, exulting smile.

"I should say not. What writing of his I have seen was a terrible
scrawl."

"Hum! he wasn't a gentleman, you know. He drank too; not to be
intoxicated, but too much--too much! For he will find the temperance man
too many for him. _I'll_ win the race, the waiting race;" and he laughed
again in a distressing, hysterical fashion, that quite exhausted him.

Katherine flew to fetch cold water, while the old man leaning back
panting and breathless, and Mr. Newton, much alarmed, fanned him with a
folded newspaper.

He gradually recovered, but complained much of the beating of his heart.
Mr. Newton wished to send for the doctor, but Mr. Liddell would not hear
of it. Then he urged his allowing the servant at least to sleep on the
sofa in the front parlor, leaving the door into Mr. Liddell's room open.
To this the object of his solicitude was also opposed, so Mr. Newton
bade him farewell. Katherine, however, waylaid him in the hall, and they
held a short conference.

"He really ought not to be left alone at night."

"No, he must not," said Katherine. "I will make our servant spend the
night in the parlor. She ca