nce, was both startled and
displeased at being introduced to him--an impression very strange to
Errington, as he was generally welcomed by all sorts and conditions of
men, and especially of women.

The silence of Lady Alice did not seem to disturb her lover; he turned
to Katherine and asked, "Were you of the riding party to-day!"

"No," she replied, meeting his eyes fully for an instant, and then
averting her own, while the color came and went on her cheek; "I only
arrived in time for dinner."

"Have I ever met this young lady before?" thought Errington, much
puzzled. "Have I ever unconsciously offended or annoyed her? I don't
think so; yet her face is not quite strange to me." And he applied
himself to his dinner.

"I fancy you have had rather a dull time of it in town?" said Colonel
Ormonde, leaning back, while the servants removed the dishes.

"No, I was not dull," replied Katherine, glad to turn to him. "I was
very comfortable, and of course not in a mood to see many strangers or
to go anywhere. Then I was interested in Mr. Payne's undertakings; they
are quite as amusing as amusements."

"Bertie Payne! to be sure; the nephew or brother of your doughty
chaperon. He is always up to some benevolent games. Queer fellow."

"He is very, _very_ good," said Katherine, warmly, "and he _does_ so
much good; only the amount of evil is overpowering."

"Yes," said Errington; "I am afraid such efforts as Payne's are mere
scratching of the surface, and will never touch the root of the evil."

"I suspect he is a prey to impostors of every description," said Colonel
Ormonde, with a fat laugh. "He is always worrying for subscriptions and
God knows what. But I turn a deaf ear to him."

"I cannot say I do always," remarked Errington. "While we devise schemes
of more scientific amelioration, hundreds die of sharp starvation or
misery long drawn out. Payne is a good fellow, and enthusiasts have
their uses."

"You are so liberal yourself, Mr. Errington," cried Mrs. Ormonde, "I
dare say you are often imposed upon in spite of your wisdom."

"My wisdom!" repeated Errington, laughing. "What an original idea, Mrs.
Ormonde! Did you ever know I was accused of wisdom?" he added,
addressing Lady Alice.

"Papa says you are very sensible," she returned, seriously.

"Of course," cried Mrs. Ormonde. "Why, he has written a pamphlet on 'Our
Colonies,' and something wonderful about the state of Europe--didn't he,
Mr. Heywood?"

"Yes," r