most unwonted
outburst of irrepressible indignation, but it distressed her. "Come,
Ada, don't be cross," she said. "It was perhaps want of tact in me to
suggest anything, though my idea is right enough. It is quite natural
that you should be awfully vexed. Perhaps Mr. Newton _is_ wrong; at all
events, if the law is unjust, _I_ need not act unjustly, and believe me,
I _will_ not."

"I hope not," returned the young widow, a little mollified. "I always
believe you haven't a bad heart, Katherine, though you have a
disagreeble sullen temper. Now _I_ am too open; you see the worst of me
at once; but I do not remember unkindness; and if you do what is right
in this, I--I shall always speak of you as you deserve. Do get me
something to eat; I am awfully hungry, and though I hate beer, I will
take some; it is better than nothing. How _you_ go on on water I cannot
imagine; it will ruin your digestion."

So they went amicably enough into the dining-room together, one to be
ministered to, the other to minister.

Here the boys joined them; but for a wonder their mother was silent
respecting her visit to the lawyer, and soon went away to write to
Colonel Ormonde, on whom she had conferred, unasked, the office of prime
counsellor and referee. This opened up a splendid field for letters full
of flattering appeals to his wisdom and judgment, and touching little
confessions of her own weakness, folly, and need for guidance.

"DEAR MISS LIDDELL,--I should be glad if you could call on
Tuesday next about one o'clock. I have various documents to show you,
or I should not give you the trouble to come here. If Mrs. Liddell is
disengaged and could come also it would be well. I am yours faithfully,
A. NEWTON."

Such was the letter which the first post brought to Katherine about six
weeks after the death of John Liddell.

Katherine, who always rose and dressed first, found it on the table when
she went down to give the boys their breakfast, to coax the fire to burn
brightly if it was inclined to be sulky, and to make the coffee for her
mother and Mrs. Fred.

As soon as she had seen the two little men at work on their bread and
milk she flew back to her mother.

"Do read this! Do you think that Mr. Newton wants me because I am to
have my uncle's money at last?"

"Yes, I do. There can be no other reason for his wishing to see you,
dearest child. What a wonderful change it w