you might say that not liking to disinherit me, you suppressed it? This
is true, you know."

"The will!" exclaimed Errington, starting up and pacing the room in
great agitation. "My God! I have destroyed it. Thinking it safer for you
that it should be out of the way, I destroyed it, and by so doing I have
given you, bound hand and foot, into the power of this man. Can you
forgive me?--can you ever forgive me?" He took and wrung her hand,
holding it for a moment, while he looked imploringly into her eyes.

"Oh yes, I do heartily forgive you. You only did it to save me from any
chance of discovery. If only George Liddell will be satisfied not to
claim the money I have spent, I may still be able to keep the boys, for
I have nearly a hundred and fifty pounds a year quite my own," cried
Katherine, loosing her hand. "Do not distress yourself, Mr. Errington. I
know Mr. Newton will do his best for me, and perhaps my cousin will not
exact the arrears. He says he is rich, and if I give him no trouble----"
she paused, for she could not command her voice, while the tears were
already glittering in her eyes. Another word and they would have been
rolling down her cheeks.

"Don't cry, for God's sake!" said Errington, in a low tone, resuming his
seat. "What can be done to soften this fellow? Ah! Miss Liddell, we are
quits now. If you robbed me, I have ruined you."

"From what different motives!" said Katherine, recovering her
self-control. "_I_ am still the wrong-doer."

How heavenly sweet it was to be consoled and sympathized with by him!
But she dared not stay. It was terribly bold of her to have come to his
rooms, only he would never misjudge her, and she was so little known she
scarcely feared recognition by any one she might meet.

"Could I assist Mr. Newton at all in dealing with this kinsman of
yours?" resumed Errington, gazing at her with a troubled look.

"I fear you could not. How are you to know anything of my troubles? No
one dreams that you have any knowledge of my affairs; that you and you
only are aware what an impostor I am."

"You are expiating your offence bitterly. But when the story of this
George Liddell comes out, why should I not, as the son of his father's
old friend, make his acquaintance, and try to persuade him to forego his
full rights?"

"You might try," said Katherine, dejectedly. "Now I have trespassed long
enough. I must go. I have to explain matters to Miss Payne, and I feel
curiously dazed.