it has met with an eye-opener of some kind, I am convinced."

"I should not have given you credit for so much imagination, Mr. De
Burgh."

Here Miss Payne made her appearance, and the boys followed. They were
treated with unusual good-humor and _bonhomie_ by De Burgh, who actually
took Charlie on his knee and asked him some questions about boating,
which occupied them till lunch was announced.

Miss Payne was too much accustomed to yield to circumstances not to
accept De Burgh's attempts to be amiable and agreeable. He could be
amusing when he chose; there was an odd abruptness, a candid avowal of
his views and opinions, when he was in the mood, that attracted
Katherine.

"You _are_ a funny man!" said Cecil, after gazing at him in silence as
he finished his repast. "I wish you would come out in the boat with us.
Auntie said we might go."

"Very well; ask her if I may come."

"He may, mayn't he?"--chorus from both boys.

"Yes, if you really care to come: but do not let the children tease
you."

"Do you give me credit for being ready to do what I don't like?"

"I can't say I do."

"When do you start on this expedition?"

"About seven, which will interfere with your dinner, for Miss Payne and
I have adopted primitive habits, and do not dine late; we indulge in
high tea instead."

"Nevertheless, I shall meet you at the jetty. Till then adieu."

"May we come with you?" cried the boys together--"just as far as the
hotel?"

"No, dears; you must stay at home," said Katherine, decidedly.

"Then do let him come and see how the puppy is. He has grown quite big."

"Yes, I'll come round to the kennel if you'll show me the way," replied
De Burgh, with a smiling glance at Katherine. "Till this evening, then,"
he added, and bowing to Miss Payne, left the room, the boys capering
beside him.

"I should say that man has breakfasted on honey this morning," observed
Miss Payne, with a sardonic smile. "Does he think that he has only to
come, to see, and to conquer?"

"He has been quite pleasant," said Katherine. "I wonder why he is not
always nice? He used to be almost rude at Castleford sometimes." She
paused, while Miss Payne rose from the table and began to lock away the
wine. "I wonder what has become of Mr. Payne? He has not been here for a
long time."

"What made you think of him?" asked his sister, sharply.

"I suppose the force of contrast reminded me of him. What a difference
between Bertie and Mr. De Bur