pose Cis and Charlie will get
some, even if no will is found?"

"I have no idea. If poor Fred had lived, I suppose he would take a
share."

They sat silent for some minutes. Then Kate rose and very deliberately
shut up her mother's writing-book, collected her papers and rough
note-book, and locked them away in her drawer. "Now, dearest mother,"
she said, "promise me not to open that drawer for ten days at least,
unless a very strong inspiration comes to you. By that time we may know
something certain about the will, and at any rate you will have had
change of occupation. Then put on your bonnet and let us go to see our
friend Mrs. Wray. Perhaps she may let us see her husband's studio, and
if he is there we are sure to have some interesting talk. We both sorely
need a change of ideas."

Mrs. Frederic Liddell returned from Brighton in a very thoughtful mood.
She said she had had a "heavenly visit." Such nice weather--such a
contrast to dirty, dreary, depressing London! She had met several old
acquaintances, they had had company every night, and had she only had a
third evening dress her bliss would have been complete. As it was, a
slight sense of inferiority had taken the keen edge off her joy. "At any
rate, the men didn't seem to think there was much amiss with me. Sir
Ralph Brereton and Colonel Ormonde were really quite troublesome. I do
not much like Sir Ralph. I never know if he is laughing at me or not,
though I am sure I do not think there is anything to laugh at in me.
Colonel Ormonde is so kind and sensible! Do you know, Mrs. Liddell, he
says _I_ ought to see Mr. Newton myself, to look after the interests of
my darling boys, and--and try to ascertain the true state of affairs.
That is what Colonel Ormonde says, and I suppose you wouldn't mind, Mrs.
Liddell?" she ended, in a rather supplicating tone; for she was just a
little in awe of her mother-in-law, kind and indulgent though she was.

"Go and see Mr. Newton by all means, Ada, if you feel it would be any
satisfaction to you; but until the right time comes it will be very
useless to make any inquiries. We leave it all to Mr. Newton."

"Oh, you and Katherine are so cold and immovable; you are not a bit like
me. I am all sensitiveness and impulse. Well, if it is not raining cats
and dogs I _will_ go into that awful City and see Mr. Newton
to-morrow."

"Would it not be well to make an appointment?"

"Oh dear no! I will take my chance; I would not write. K