stponed, and bequeath all she possessed to Errington.
It was rather a formidable undertaking to announce this intention to Mr.
Newton, who would be sure to be surprised and interrogative, but she
would do it. Having, therefore, made an appointment with him, she
screwed up her courage and set out, accompanied by Miss Payne, who had
been laid up with a cold, and was venturing out for the first time. She
took advantage of Katherine's brougham to have a drive. The morning was
very fine, and they started early, early enough to allow Miss Payne to
leave the carriage and walk a little in the sun on "the Ladies' Mile."

As they proceeded slowly along, a well-appointed phaeton and pair of
fine steppers passed them. It was occupied by two gentlemen, one old,
gray, bent, and closely wrapped up; the other vigorous, dark, erect,
held the reins. He lifted his hat as he passed Katherine and her
companion with a swift, pleased smile.

"Who are those women?" asked the old gentleman, in a thick growl.

"Miss Liddell and her companion."

"By George! she looks like a gentlewoman. Turn, and let us pass them
again."

De Burgh obeyed, and slackened speed as he went by. At the sound of the
horses' tramp Katherine turned her head and gave De Burgh a bright smile
and gracious bow.

"She is wonderfully good-looking for an heiress," remarked Lord de
Burgh, who was, of course, the wrapped-up old gentleman. "I should say
something for you if you could show such a woman with sixty or seventy
thousand behind her as your wife. Why don't you go in and win? Don't let
the grass grow under your feet."

"It is easier said than done. Miss Liddell is not an ordinary sort of
young lady; she is not to be hurried. But I do not despair, by any
means, of winning her yet. If I press my suit too soon, I may lose my
chance. Trust me, it won't be my fault if I fail."

"I see you are in earnest," said the old man, "and I believe you'll
win."

De Burgh nodded, and whipped up his horses.

"That must be the old lord," said Miss Payne, as the phaeton passed out
of sight. "Mr. De Burgh seems in high favor. I cannot help liking him
myself. There is no nonsense about him, and he is quite a gentleman in
spite of his _brusquerie_."

"Yes, I think he is," said Katherine, thoughtfully, and walked on a
little while in silence. Then Miss Payne said she felt tired; so they
got into the carriage again and drove to Mr. Newton's office. There
Katherine alighted, and desir