" over the events of the past week.

"So De Burgh took the boys about everywhere?" said Mrs. Ormonde, as
Katherine went downstairs with her when she was leaving, and they were
alone together. "It is something new for him to play the part of
children's maid; and, do you know, he only left cards on us, and never
asked to come in."

"He was always good-natured," returned Katherine, with some
embarrassment; "and, you remember, he used to notice Cis and Charlie at
Castleford a good deal."

"Yes; after _you_ came," significantly. "Never mind, Katie dear, I am
not going to worry you with troublesome questions; but I am sure no one
in the world would be more delighted than myself _did_ you make a
brilliant match."

"Believe me, there will never be anything brilliant about me, Ada."

"Well, we'll see. When do you take the boys to school?

"On Wednesday; should you like to come and see the place?"

"I should like it of all things, but I mustn't, dear."

"I do hope the school may prove all I expect; but the change will be bad
for Charlie. He had lost nearly all his nervousness; strange teachers
and a new system may bring it back."

"Oh, I hope not. Does he still stop short and speechless, and then laugh
as if it were a good joke, when he is puzzled or frightened?"

"Very rarely, I believe. I will write to you the day after I leave the
boys at Wandsworth. They don't like going at all, poor dears.'

"Well, we shall not be much longer in town, I am sorry to say, and I
want a few things from Miss Trant before I go. I suppose she will not
raise her prices to me?"

"Oh no, I am sure she will not."

CHAPTER XXXI.

"MISS BRADLEY AT HOME."

It was a bleak, blowy day when Katherine took the boys to school, and on
returning she went straight to Miss Payne, who had promised to have tea
ready for her.

Somewhat to her regret, she found only Bertie Payne, who explained that
his sister had been called away about some business connected with a
lady with whom she was trying to come to terms respecting her house,
which she had now decided on letting.

"And how did you part with the boys?" he asked when he had given her a
cup of tea and brought her the most comfortable chair.

"It was very hard to leave them," returned Katherine, whose eyes looked
suspiciously like recently shed tears. "The place did not look half so
nice to-day as I thought it was. Everything is rough and ready. The
second master, too, is a harsh, sev