u do!" I saw her
driving Errington in her pony-carriage afterwards, and meeting old
Captain Everard just then, he nodded after them and said, 'That's an
excellent arrangement; the wedding, I hear, is fixed for the
twenty-ninth of next month.' Now, I don't quite believe _that_; Angela
would certainly have told me, but I am sure it will come off soon. I am
glad for both their sakes."

"I am sure they will make a very happy couple, and I really believe I
shall follow their example."

"Quite right! The double event will make a sensation, my dear child: to
see _you_ happily and splendidly settled will be the greatest joy I have
known for years, and what will Colonel Ormonde say?"

"I neither know nor care; and, Mrs. Needham, if you don't mind, I will
go to bed. I have _such_ a headache."

The fateful morning found Katherine resolved and composed.

She would tell De Burgh everything, and, if her revelation did not
frighten him away, she would try to make him happy and to be happy
herself. It would be painful to tell him, but oh! nothing compared with
the agony of humiliation it cost her to prostrate herself morally before
Errington. Still she would be glad when the confession was over;
afterwards, feeling her destiny decided, she would be calmer and more
resigned. Resigned? what a term to apply to her acceptance of an honest
man's hearty affection; for, whatever De Burgh's life may have been, he
had said he had done nothing he was ashamed of. By some unconscious
impulse she dressed herself in black, and went down to the drawing-room
with her knitting, that she might be ready to receive the man who, an
hour later, might be her affianced husband.

On the stairs she met Ford, who informed her that Miss Trant was waiting
for her. Katherine felt glad of any interruption to her thoughts,
especially as she knew that the arrival of a visitor would be the signal
for Rachel's departure.

"I am so glad to see you," exclaimed Katherine, "but how is it you have
escaped so early?"

"I have been to the City to buy goods, and came round here to have a
peep at you, for Miss Payne told me yesterday of your trouble about the
boys."

"How early you are! why, it is scarcely eleven. Yes, (sit down for a
moment,) yes, I was dreadfully angry and upset;" and Katherine proceeded
to describe Cecil's letter, and her visit to the school.

"I wish you could take them away," said Rachel, thoughtfully.

"Perhaps, later on, I may be able, but I