s, or any other
dissipation suited to their tender years?"

"My dear Lord de Burgh, what an infliction for you! and how very good
of you to think of them! Pray do not trouble about them."

"I understand," said De Burgh. "I'll leave my card for your chief below;
and be sure you don't forget me when you are sending out cards.
By-the-way, I have a pressing invitation to Castleford. When I write to
refuse I'll say I have seen you, and that I am going to take charge of
the boys during the holidays."

"No, no; pray do not, Lord de Burgh," cried Katherine, eagerly. "You
know Ada, and--"

"Are you ashamed to have me as a coadjutor?" interrupted De Burgh,
laughing. "Trust me; I will be prudent. Good-by for the present."

Katherine stood in silent thought for a few moments after he had gone.
She fully understood the meaning of his visit; though there had been
little or nothing of the lover in his tone. He had come as soon as
possible to place himself and all he had at her disposal. He was
perfectly sincere in his desire to win her for his wife, and she almost
regretted she could not return his affection: it might be true
affection--something beyond and above the dominant whim of an imperious
nature. And what a solution to all her difficulties! But it was
impossible she could overcome the repulsion which the idea of marriage
with any man she did not love inspired. There was to her but one in the
world to whom she could hold allegiance, and _he_ was forbidden by all
sense of self-respect and modesty. How was it that, strive as she might
to fill her mind to his exclusion, the moment she was off guard the
image of Errington rose up clear and fresh, pervading heart and
imagination, and dwarfing every other object?

"How miserably, contemptibly weak I am, and have always been! Why did I
not stifle this wretched, overpowering attraction in the beginning?" Ay!
but when did it begin?

This is a sort of question no heart can answer. Who can foresee that the
tiny spring, forcing its way up among the stones and heather of a lonely
hill-side, will grow into the broad river, which may carry peace and
prosperity on its rolling tide to the lands below, or overwhelm them
with destructive floods, according to the forces which feed it and the
barriers which hedge it in?

CHAPTER XXX.

"CIS AND CHARLIE."

Again the spring sunshine was lending perennial youth even to London's
dingy streets, and making the very best winter garment