ps if it were
clean gone I might feel more at rest. How strange it is that instead of
growing accustomed to the contemplation of my own dishonesty I become
more keenly alive to the shame of my act as time rolls on! Perhaps if I
am brave and resolute I may conquer the scorpion stings of
self-reproach. How dear those two sweet peaceful years have cost me!
Would I undo it all to save myself these pangs? No. Then I suppose to
bear is to conquer one's fate."

CHAPTER XV.

CROSS PURPOSES.

The first ten days at Castleford would have been dull indeed to
Katherine but for the society of Cis and Charlie in the mornings, and
the interest she took in watching Errington (who was of course a
frequent visitor) in the evenings.

Though she avoided conversing with him as much as possible, he was a
constant study to her. He was different from all the men she had
previously met. She often wondered if anything could disturb him or
hurry him. Had he ever climbed trees and torn his clothes, or thrashed
an adversary? Had he any weaknesses, or vivid joys, or passionate
longings? Yet he did not seem a prig. His manner, though dignified, was
easy and natural; his eyes, though steady and penetrating, were kindly;
his bearing had the repose of strength. It was too awful to contemplate
what his estimate of herself would be if he knew; but then he must
_never_ know!

As it was, he seemed inclined to be friendly and communicative, pleased
when he met her strolling in the garden with Lady Alice, and gratified
to find that she could accompany his _fiancee's_ songs. Indeed he said
he had never heard Lady Alice sing so well as when Miss Liddell played
for her.

Apart from the boys and Errington, Katherine found time hang very
heavily on her hands. The aimless lingering over useless fancy-work or
second-rate novels, the discussion of such gossip as their
correspondence supplied, by means of which Mrs. Ormonde and Lady Alice
got through the day, were infinitely wearisome to her.

Miles Errington was one of those happy individuals said to be born with
a silver spoon in his mouth. The only son of a wealthy father, who,
though enriched by trade, had come of an old Border race, he had had the
best education money could procure. More fortunate still in the
endowments of nature, he was well formed, strong, active, and blessed
with perfect health; while mentally he was intelligent and reflective,
thoughtful rather than brilliant, and by tempera