no marriage."

"How worldly you have grown, Kate!" cried Mrs. Ormonde, in a superior
tone. She did not perceive anything but sober seriousness in her
sister-in-law's tone, and was infinitely annoyed at her taking the
insinuations against De Burgh's disinterestedness with such
indifference. "I suppose you think it would be a very fine thing to be
Baroness De Burgh, and go to court with all the family jewels on."

"I shall certainly not go as Katherine Liddell."

"Pray, why not? Ah, yes; it would all be very fine! But I am too deeply
interested in you, dear, not to warn you that De Burgh would make a very
bad husband; he has such a horrid, sneering way sometimes; and as to
being faithful--constancy is a thing unknown to him."

"What would Colonel Ormonde say if he knew you gave his favorite kinsman
so bad a character?"

"Oh, my dear Katherine, you must not betray me! Duke would be furious.
But of course your happiness is my first consideration."

"Thank you," returned Katherine, gravely.

"And Mr. Payne, how does he like Mr. De Burgh's visits here?"

"I don't think he minds"--seriously. "I should be sorry if he were
annoyed. I am very fond of Bertie Payne."

This declaration somewhat bewildered Mrs. Ormonde. But before she could
find suitable words to reply, Charlie came running to meet them, jumping
up to kiss his aunt first, and cried; "Mr. De Burgh has come. I saw him
driving up to the hotel outside the omlibus."

"The omnibus!" repeated Mrs. Ormonde.

"He would find no other conveyance from the train unless he ordered one
previously," said Katherine, laughing.

"Dear me! I suppose he will be here directly. How early he must have
started!" in a tone of annoyance. "I feel so hot and uncomfortable after
this dreadfully long walk, I _must_ change my dress before I see any
one." And she hastened on.

After holding his aunt's hand for a while, Charlie darted away to
overtake Francois, whom he perceived at a little distance.

"I declare, Katherine, you are quite supplanting me with those boys!"
exclaimed their mother, querulously.

"Ada, I would not for the world wean them from you, if--I
mean"--stopping the words which rushed to her lips. "I should be sorry.
But you have new ties--another boy. Could you not spare Cis and Charlie
to me--for I have no one?"

"I am sure that is your own fault. However, if after three or four
months' experience you are not tired of them, I shall be very much
surprised."