aid Katherine, frankly. "Don't you know what it is to
be out of sorts?"

"Don't I, though? If that's what ails you I can understand you well
enough. I wish you would let me prescribe for you: a nice long wandering
through Switzerland, over some old passes into Italy (they are more
delicious than ever, now that they are deserted), and then a winter in
Rome."

"Thank you," returned Katherine, laughing. "Perhaps you might also
recommend horse exercise on an Arab steed."

"Yes, I should. You would look stunning in a habit."

"Dreams, idle dreams, Lord de Burgh. I shall be all right to-morrow."

"I intend to come and see you if you are," he returned, significantly.

"To-morrow I shall be out all the afternoon," said Katherine, quickly.

"Some other day then," he replied, with resolution.

"Good-morning, Lord de Burgh, or rather good evening, for it is seven
o'clock," said Mrs. Needham. "Charming place, isn't it?"

"Very nice, indeed. I suppose I have the freedom of the house now,
through your favor."

"Certainly; good-bye, come and see us soon."

"May I?" he whispered, as he handed Katherine into the carriage.

She smiled and shook her head, looking so sweet and arch that De Burgh
could not help pressing her hand hard as he muttered something of which
she could only catch the word "mischief."

"Well," said Mrs. Needham, when they had left the villa behind, and she
had succeeded in wrapping a woollen scarf closely round her throat, for
the evening had grown chill, "I knew I was right all along, and now old
Bradley himself has as good as told me that Angela is engaged to
Errington."

"Indeed!" said the lady, who shared their conveyance. "What did he say?"

"He was sitting with me on the lawn, and Miss Bradley went past between
Errington and that tall military-looking man, who did not seem to know
anyone; so I just remarked what a distinguished sort of person Mr.
Errington was, and Bradley, looking after him in an exulting sort of
way, said, "Distinguished! I believe you. That man, ma-am," (you know
his style) "will be in the front rank before long. I recognized his
power from the first, and, what's more, so did Angela. I am going to
give a proof of my confidence in him that will astonish everyone; you'll
hear of it in a week or two." Now what can that mean but that he is
going to trust his daughter to him? You see, Errington is like a son of
the house. I am heartily glad, for I have reason to know that he has