and
subjects of discussion and difference of opinion never failed between
Katherine and himself. She consulted him as to what school would be best
for Cecil, and he advised that he should be left as a boarder at the one
which he now attended, and where he had made fair progress, when Miss
Payne and Katherine returned to town.

Bertie looked a new man when he bade them good-by, promising to come
again soon.

Beyond sending a newspaper which recorded his victory in the Barton
Towers steeple-chase De Burgh made no sign, and life ran smoothly in its
ordinary grooves at Sandbourne.

Rachel Trant revived marvellously. The change of scene, the fresh
salt-air, above all the society of Katherine, who frequently visited and
walked with her, all combined to give her new life--even emboldening her
to look at the future. Her manner, always grave and respectful, won
reluctant approval from Miss Payne. And the boys were always pleased to
run to the boatman's cottage with flowers or fruit, and talk to, or
rather question, their new friend. Rachel seemed always glad to see
them, though she evidently shrank from returning their visits. She was
never quite herself, or off guard, except when alone with Katherine.
Then she spoke out of her heart, and uttered thoughts and opinions which
often surprised Katherine, and set her thinking more seriously than she
had ever done before. Finally, hearing from her good old landlady that
some of her customers had returned to town and were inquiring for her,
Rachel said it was time her holiday came to an end.

"I feel now that I can bear to live and try to be independent. Indeed
my life is yours; you have given it back to me, and I will yet prove to
you that I am not unworthy of your wonderful generosity," she said, the
morning of the day she was to start for London, as she sat with
Katherine among the rocks at the point. "The idea of an establishment
such as Mr. Payne suggests is excellent. It ought to be your property,
and good property--I need only be your steward--while it may be of great
use to others."

"I feel quite impatient to carry out the project, and we will set about
it as soon as I return to town," returned Katherine.

"Will you write to me sometimes?" asked Rachel, humbly. "I feel as if I
dare not let you go: all of hope or promise that can come into my
wrecked life centres in you. While you are my friend I can face the
world."

"Yes, Rachel, write to me as often as you like, an