atisfaction.
Miss Bradley's face looked softer and brighter, and a sort of animation
came into her gestures, slight and dignified though they were. They
seemed to have much to say, and said it with a certain amount of
well-bred familiarity. Yes, they were evidently friends; very naturally.
How happy she was to be thus free from any painful consciousness in his
presence! She was as stainless as himself, could look fearlessly in his
eyes and assert herself, while she (Katherine) could only crouch in
profoundest humility, and gratefully gather what crumbs of kindness and
notice he let fall for her benefit. It was quite pitiable to be easily
disturbed by such insignificant circumstances. How pitiably weak she
was! So, with an effort, she turned her attention to Mrs. Needham and
Bertie, who had slipped into an argument, as they often did, respecting
the best and most effective method of dealing with the poor. In this
Katherine joined with somewhat languid interest, quite aware that
Errington and Miss Bradley grew more and more absorbed in their
conversation, till Miss Payne, feeling herself _de trop_, left her place
to speak with Mrs. Needham, while Katherine and Bertie gradually dropped
into silence.

"Miss Bradley's carriage," was soon announced, and she rose tall and
stately, nearly as tall as Errington.

"Will you excuse me for running away so soon, dear Mrs. Needham?" she
said, "but I promised Mrs. Julian Starner to go to her musical party
to-night. I am to play the opening piece of the second part, so I dare
not stay longer. You are going?"--to Errington, who bowed assent. "Then
I can give you a seat in my brougham," she continued, with calm, assured
serenity.

"Thank you," and Errington, turning to Katherine, said quickly: "Will
you let me know when you hear from Newton? I am most anxious as regards
Liddell's decision."

"I will, certainly. Good-night." She put her hand into his, and felt in
some occult manner comfort by the gentle pressure with which he held it
for half a moment. Yes, beaten, defeated, punished as she was, he felt
for her with a noble compassion. Ought not that to be enough?

"Good-night, Miss Liddell. I hope you will come and see me. I am always
at home on Tuesday afternoons; and Miss Payne, when I have seen the
grandmother of the girl we have been speaking about, I will let you
know, and you will kindly take into consideration the points I
mentioned. Good-night." And she swept away, leaning o