dell
had died intestate; that Mr. Newton was a weak-minded, credulous idiot
to acknowledge this impostor at first sight, _if_ he were not a
double-dealing traitor ready to play into the hands of the new claimant.
He ought to have thrown the onus of proof on _him_, instead of
acknowledging his identity by that childish exclamation. Don't tell
_her_ that he was startled out of prudence and precaution. A spirit from
above or below would not have thrown her (Miss Payne) off her guard
where property was concerned, and what was the use of men's superior
strength and courage if they could not hold their tongues in presence of
an unexpected apparition?

She was, however, profoundly disturbed, and sent at once for her
brother.

It was evening before he arrived in Wilton Street, having gone out
before Miss Payne's note reached him. Like Errington, he was at first
incredulous, and when he had gathered the facts of the case, absolutely
overcome. In fact, he showed more emotion than Errington, yet it did not
impress Katherine so much as Errington's deep, suppressed feeling.

"But what are you to do?" he said, raising his head, which he had bowed
on his hand in a kind of despair.

"It is just the question I have been asking myself," said Katherine,
quietly. "For even if dear old Mr. Newton succeeds in softening George
Liddell, and he forgives me the outlay of what was certainly his money,
the little that belongs to myself I shall want for my nephews."

"And pray is their mother to contribute nothing toward the maintenance
of her children?" asked Miss Payne, severely.

"Poor Ada! she has nothing of her own; it will be desperately hard on
her;" and Katherine sighed deeply. Her hearers little knew the remorse
that afflicted her as she reflected on the false position into which she
had drawn her sister-in-law. What a rage Colonel Ormonde would be in!
How unwisely audacious it was in any mere mortal to play Providence for
herself or her fellows! But Miss Payne was speaking:

"I don't see the hardship; she has a husband behind her--a rich man
too."

"For herself it is all well enough, but it must be very hard to think
that one's children are a burden on a reluctant husband; besides, the
boys will feel it cruelly. Oh, if I can only keep them with me!"

"I understand you," cried Bertie. "Would to God you could lay your
burden at His feet who alone can help in time of need. If you could----"

He was interrupted by Francois, who br