ter all, merely keeps a _pension_."

"If Miss Payne could hear you!" said Katherine.

"Oh, I should never say it to her. But, Katherine, now is your time,
when you are of age, and before you marry--now is the time to settle
whatever you intend to settle on my poor little boys. I am sure you will
excuse me for mentioning it, won't you? Between you and me, I don't
think 'Duke would have married if he had not believed you would provide
for Cis and Charlie. I don't know what would become of us if they were
thrown on his hands."

"You need not fear," cried Katherine, quickly. "My nephews shall never
cost Colonel Ormonde a sou."

"No, I was sure you wouldn't, dear, you are such a kind, generous
creature, so unselfish. I do hate selfishness, and though the allowance
you now give is very handsome--"

"I am to make it a little larger," put in Katherine, good-humoredly, as
Mrs. Ormonde paused, not knowing how to finish her sentence. "Be
content, Ada; you shall have due notice when I have made all my plans. I
have a good deal to do, for I ought to make my will too."

"Your will! Oh yes, to be sure. I never thought of that. But if you
marry it will be of no use."

"Until I _am_ married it will be of use."

"And when do you intend to come to us?"

"Oh, some time next month."

"I hope so. I want to come up for a while after Easter, and am trying to
get the Colonel to take a house; _that_ depends on you a good deal. If
you would join me in taking a house for three months he would agree at
once."

"But I have just agreed to stay with Miss Payne for a year."

"How foolish! how short-sighted!" cried Mrs. Ormonde. "You will be just
lost in a second-rate place like this."

"It will suit me perfectly. I only want rest and peace at present. I
dare say it will not be so always."

"Well, I know there is no use in talking to you. You will go your own
way. Only, as I am in town, _do_ come to my dressmaker's. Though you had
your mourning in Paris, do you know, you look quite dowdy. You'll not
mind my saying so?"

"I dare say I do. Miss Payne got everything for me."

"Oh, are you going to give yourself into her hands blindfold? I am
afraid she is a designing woman. You really must get some stylish
dresses. You must do yourself justice."

"I have as many as I want, and there is no need of wasting money, even
if you have a good deal. How many poor souls need food and clothes!"

"Oh, Katherine, if you begin to talk in that way,