deal later than
usual in returning home, having determined to finish their shopping and
take a few days' complete rest before starting on their travels.

Mrs. Frederic met them with a heightened color and a curious embarrassed
look. The drawing room was lit by a splendid fire, and sweet with the
perfume of abundant hot-house flowers; there was something vaguely
prophetic in the air.

"Do come to the fire, dear Mrs. Liddell; you must be so cold! I have
been quite uneasy about you," she exclaimed, effusively.

"Have you had a visitor, Ada?" asked Katherine, whose suspicions were
aroused.

"I have, and I want to tell you all about it. I am far too candid to
keep anything from those I love. My visitor was Colonel Ormonde. He
asked me to marry him, and--and, dear Mrs. Liddell--Katherine--I hope
you will not be offended, but I--I said I would," burst forth Mrs.
Frederic; and then she burst into tears.

There was a minute's silence. Katherine flushed crimson, and did not
speak, but Mrs. Liddell said, kindly: "My dear Ada, if you think Colonel
Ormonde will make you happy and be kind to the boys, you are quite
right. I never expected a young creature like you to live alone for the
rest of your existence, and I believe Colonel Ormonde is a man of
character and position."

"He is indeed," cried Ada, falling on her mother-in-law's neck. "You are
the wisest, kindest woman in the world. And you, Katherine?"

"I _do_ hope you will be _very, very_ happy," responded Katherine; "but
I must say I think he is rather too old for you. That, however, is your
affair."

"Yes, of course it is"--leaving Mrs. Liddell to hug Katherine. "I am
quite fond of him; that is, I esteem and like him. Of course I shall
never love any one as I did my dear darling Fred; but I do want some one
to help me with the boys, and Marmaduke (that's his name) is quite fond
of them. So now, dear Mrs. Liddell, I will stay on here till--till I am
married, if you don't mind."

"It is the best thing you can do, Ada. I wish we could stay and be
present at your marriage."

"But that is impossible," cried Katherine.

"And not at all necessary," added Mrs. Frederic, hastily. "My friend
Mrs. Burnett will help me in every way, and I have been trouble enough
already."

"I do not think so," said Mrs. Liddell, quietly. "But I am very weary. I
will go to my room. Katie dear, bring me some tea presently."

And the widow escaped to rest, perhaps to weep over the bright