d I will answer your
letters. Trust me: I will always be your true friend."

CHAPTER XXII.

"WARP AND WOOF."

When the rough weather of a stormy autumn obliged Katherine to keep
in-doors she began to feel the monotony of existence by the sad sea
waves, and to wish for the sociability of London. The end of October,
then, saw Miss Payne and party re-established in Wilton Street, having
left Cecil at school. With Charlie, Katherine could not part just yet.
She intended to keep him till after Christmas, when he was to go to
school with his brother.

Though town was empty as regarded "society," there was plenty of life
and movement in the streets, and Katherine, always thankful for
occupation which drew her thoughts away from her profound regret for the
barrier which existed between Errington and herself, was glad to be back
in the great capital. She threw herself into the scheme of establishing
Rachel Trant as a "court dressmaker" most heartily, and Bertie Payne
spared time from his multifarious avocations to give important
assistance. Rachel herself, too, proved to be a wise counsellor, her
previous training having given her some experience in business.
Katherine therefore found interesting employment in looking for a small
house suited to the undertaking.

Mr. Newton was writing busily in his private room one foggy afternoon
when he was informed that Miss Liddell wished to speak to him.

"Show her in at once," he said, cheerfully, as if pleased, and he rose
to receive her. "Glad to see you, Miss Liddell, looking all the better
for your sojourn by the sea-side. Why, it must be nearly six months
since I saw you."

"Yes, quite six months, Mr. Newton. I suppose you have been refreshing
yourself too, after the fatigues of the season. You must try Sandbourne
next year. It is a very nice little place."

"Sandbourne? I don't think I know it. But now what do you want, my dear
young lady? I don't suppose you come here merely for pleasure."

"I assure you it always gives me great pleasure," said Katherine, with a
sweet, sunny smile. "You have always been my very good friend."

"Well, a sincere one, at all events," returned the dry old lawyer, whose
aridity was not proof against the charm of his young client.

"I must not waste your time," she resumed, drawing her chair a little
nearer the table behind which he was ensconced. "I want to buy a house
which I have seen, and I want you to attend to all details connec