ou must tell me all about it as we go along," said that lady, as
Katherine took her place beside her, "and you must do nothing rash."

"Oh no, if I can only prevent a recurrence of such a scene. I am most
grateful to you for your kind help, Lord de Burgh. I will let you know
how things are settled."

"Thank you. I shall be glad of a line; but I shall call to-morrow to
hear a full and true account. Now, what's the name of the place?"

"Birch Grove, Wandsworth Common."

De Burgh gave the necessary directions, and the big black horse tossed
up his head, and dashed off at swift trot. Deep was the discussion which
ensued, and which ended in deciding that they would be guided by
circumstances.

The arrival of Miss Liddell was evidently most unexpected. She and her
companion were shown into the guest-parlor, where, after a while, Mr.
Lockwood, the principal, made his appearance.

"This is an unexpected pleasure, Miss Liddell. May I ask the reason of
your visit?"

Whereupon Katherine spoke more temperately than Miss Payne expected,
describing Cecil's letter, and reminding him that she had fully
explained Charlie's nervous weakness, and stating that, if she could not
be assured such treatment should not occur again, she must remove the
boy.

The 'dominie,' apparently touched by her tone, answered with equal
frankness. He had been called away by unavoidable business at the
beginning of the term, and had forgotten to warn his assistant
respecting Liddell minor. He regretted the incident; indeed, he had
intended to inform Miss Liddell of the unfortunate occurrence, but
extreme occupation must plead his excuse. Miss Liddell might be sure
that it should never happen again; indeed, her nephews were very
promising boys--the youngest a little young for his school, but it was
all the better for him to be accustomed to a higher standard. He hoped,
now that this unpleasantness was over, all would go on well.

"I hope so, Mr. Lockwood," returned Katherine; "but should my nephew be
again punished for what he cannot help, I shall immediately remove him
and his brother."

"So I understand, madam," said the schoolmaster, who was visibly much
annoyed by the whole affair. "I presume you would like to see the boys?"

"Yes, certainly. Will you be so good as to grant them a half-holiday?"

This was agreed to, and in a few minutes Cis and Charlie were hanging
round their aunt.

"Oh, auntie dear, have you come to take us away?"

"No,