e." A short pause, and he began again. "Where are those
boys now?

"At Sandbourne. But, alas! I am going to take them away to-morrow. They
are going to a school at Wandsworth."

"Going down to Sandbourne to-morrow? Is Miss Payne going with you?"

"Oh no; I don't need any one."

"Nonsense! you can't go about alone. I'll meet you at the station and
escort you there."

Katherine laughed. "I am afraid that would never do. You have increased
in importance and I have diminished, till the distance between our
respective stations has widened far too much to permit of familiar
intercourse, or--"

"I never thought I should hear _you_ talking such rubbish. What
difference can there be between us, except that you are a good woman and
I am _not_ a good man? I don't think it's quite fair that on our first
meeting after ages--at least quite two months of separation--you should
talk in this satirical way."

"I speak the words of truth and soberness, Lord de Burgh."

"Perhaps. I can't quite make you out. I am certain you have been in
worse trouble than even want of money. I wish you'd confide in me.
That's the right word, isn't it? Do you know, I can be very true to my
friends, and silent as the grave. I could tell _you_ everything."

"Thank you. I am sure you could be a faithful friend."

"Do you ever see Errington?" asked De Burgh, changing the subject
abruptly.

"Oh yes. He often comes here."

"Indeed? To see you, or Mrs.--what's her name?"

"To see Mrs. Needham," returned Katherine, smiling.

"Hum! I suppose he has a taste for mature beauty?"

"I do not know. At all events Mrs. Needham knows charming girls--enough
to suit all tastes, and Mr. Errington--"

"Is too superior a fellow to be influenced by such attractions, eh?" put
in De Burgh.

"I am not so sure;" and she laughed merrily. "I think there is one fair
lady for whom he is inclined to forego his philosophic tranquility."

"Ha! I thought so. Yourself?"

"_Me_! No, indeed! A young lady of high attainments and a large fortune."

"Indeed? I am glad of it. He must be awfully hard up, poor devil!"

"Mr. Errington can never be poor," cried Katherine, offended by the
disparaging epithet. "He carries his fortune in his brain."

"Well, I am exceedingly thankful I carry mine in my pocket," returned De
Burgh, laughing. "Evidently Errington can do no wrong in your eyes. Let
us wish him success in his wooing. So I am not to be your escort to
Sandbourne? You oug