her aspect struck sudden terror into Katherine's heart; something
had gladdened her heart to give that expression of joyous softness to
her eyes. But it was weak and contemptible to let this sudden fear
overmaster her, so she strove to be amused and interested in the
conversation of those she knew, and her acquaintance had increased
enormously since she came to reside with Mrs. Needham.

Presently Katherine caught sight of a stately head above the general
level of the crowd, and a pair of grave eyes evidently seeking
something. Who was Errington looking for? Miss Bradley, of course! As
she arrived at this conclusion, De Burgh appeared at the head of the
stairs, looking, as he always did, extremely distinguished--his dark
strong face showing in remarkable contrast to the simpering young
minstrels, pale young poets, and long-haired professors who formed the
larger half of the male guests.

"Well, Miss Liddell, are you quite well and flourishing? Why, it is
quite three days since I saw you," he asked, and his eyes dwelt on her
with a look of utter restful satisfaction--a look that disturbed her.

"Is it, indeed? They seem all rolled into a single disagreeable one to
me."

"Tell me all about it," said De Burgh, in a low confidential tone. "Must
you stand here in the gangway? it's awfully hot and crowded."

Before she could reply, Errington forced his way through the crowd, and
addressed her.

"I began to fear I should not find you, Miss Liddell," he said, with a
pleasant smile. "I have been away for some time--though perhaps you were
not aware of it."

"I was aware we did not see you as frequently as usual. Where have you
been?"

"On a secret and delicate mission which taxed all my diplomatic skill,
for I had to deal with an extremely crotchetty Scotchman."

"You make me feel desperately curious," said Katherine, languidly.

"How do you do, Errington?" put in De Burgh. "I heard of you in
Edinburgh last week;" and they exchanged a few words. Then, to
Katherine's annoyance, De Burgh said, with an air of proprietorship, "I
am going to take Miss Liddell out of this mob, to have tea and air, if
we can get any. I have to hear news, too," he added, significantly.

Errington grew very grave, and drew back immediately with a slight bow,
as if he accepted a dismissal.

There was no help for it, so Katherine took De Burgh's offered arm and
went downstairs.

"I wonder what the secret mission could have been?" said Kathe