r, that Mrs. Liddell should go as soon as possible to
a southern climate. He recommended Cannes or San Remo--indeed it would
be advisable that several winters in future should be spent in a more
genial atmosphere than that of England.

This advice exactly suited the wishes both of Katherine and her mother.

How easy it was to make arrangements in their altered circumstances! How
magical are the effects of money! How quickly Katherine grew accustomed
to the unwonted ease of her present lot! _If_--oh, if--she were ever
found out, how should she bear it? How could she endure the pinch of
poverty, added to the poison of shame? But the idea that all this wealth
was really _hers_ gained on her, while her fears were lulled to sleep by
a pleasant sense of comfort and security.

Mrs. Frederic Liddell was a good deal disturbed on hearing that her
mother-in-law was ordered abroad.

"Pray what is to become of _me_?" was her first question when Katherine
announced the doctor's verdict. They were sitting over the fire in the
drawing-room, after the boys had said good-night.

"Would you prefer staying in England?" asked Mrs. Liddell.

"For some reasons I should, but you know I _must_ have something to live
on."

"I know that," returned Katherine. "As I cannot execute any any deed of
gift for two years, I think I had better give you an allowance for
yourself and the boys, and let you do as you like. I have talked with
Mr. Newton about it."

"Well, dear, I think it _would_ be the best plan," said Mrs. Frederic,
amiably. "I have not the least scruple in taking the money, because you
know it ought really to be ours."

"Exactly," returned Katherine, with a slight smile, and she named so
liberal a sum that even Mrs. Fred was satisfied.

"Well, I am sure that is very nice, dear," she said; "and when you are
of age will you settle it on my precious boys?"

"I will," replied Katherine, deliberately; "and I hope always to see a
great deal of them."

"Of course you will, but you will not long be Katherine Liddell. When
Mr. Wright comes, my boys will get leave to stay with their mother as
much as they like."

"I do not think I shall easily forget them, even if Mr. Wright appears,"
said Katherine, good-humoredly.

"What a strange girl Katie is!" pursued her sister-in-law. "Was she
never in love, Mrs. Liddell? Had she never any admirers?"

"Not that I know of, Ada."

"Oh! I have been in love many times!" cried Katherine, laughin