Katherine, laughing. "Learned
I certainly am not; but I am fond of indiscriminate reading, though not
studious."

"I like a nice novel, with dreadful people in it, like Miss St. Maur's.
Have you read any of hers?"

"I don't think so. I do not know the name."

"The St. Maurs are Devonshire people--a very old country family, I
believe. Still, when she writes about the season in London, I don't
think it is very like." Another pause.

"You have been in Italy, I think, Lady Alice?" recommenced Katherine.

"Oh yes, often. Papa is always cruising about, you know, and we stop at
places. But I have never been in Rome."

"Yachting must be delightful."

"I do not like it; I am always ill. Aunt Mary took me to Florence for a
winter."

"Then you enjoyed that, I dare say," said Katherine.

"I got tired of it. I do not care for living abroad; there is nothing to
do but to go to picture-galleries and theatres."

"Well, that is a good deal," returned Katherine, smiling. "Where do you
like to live, Lady Alice?"

"Oh, in the country. I am almost sorry Mr. Errington has a house in
town. I am so fond of a garden, and riding on quiet roads! I am afraid
to ride in London. The country is so peaceful! no one is in a hurry."

"What a happy, tranquil life she will lead under the aegis of such a man
as Mr. Errington!" thought Katherine.

"Do you play or sing?" asked Lady Alice, for once taking the initiative.

"Yes, in a very amateur fashion."

"Then," with more animation, "perhaps you would play my accompaniments
for me; I always like to stand when I sing. Mrs. Ormonde says she
forgets her music. Is it not odd?"

"Well, people in India do as little as possible. I shall be very pleased
to play for you. Shall we practice to-morrow?"

"Oh yes; immediately after breakfast. There is really nothing to do
here."

"Immediately after breakfast I am going out with the boys--Mrs.
Ormonde's boys. Have you seen them? But we shall have plenty of time
before luncheon."

"Are you fond of children?" slowly, while her busy needle paused and she
undid a stitch or two.

"I am fond of these children; I do not know much about any other."

"Beverley's children (my eldest brother's) are very troublesome; they
annoy me very much." Silence while she took up her stitches again. "The
worst of this pattern is that if you talk you are sure to go wrong."

"Then I will find a book and not disturb you," said Katherine,
good-humoredly. She felt kindly