om, when I heard her fly up stairs, and he rushed away,
slamming the door as if he would take the front of the house out.
Katherine has never been herself since. It is my firm belief she is
strongly attached to him,--what do you think?"

"I don't know what to think; they were very good friends, but I do not
think Katherine was in love with him. She is a curious girl. I often am
tempted to fancy she has something on her mind."

"Nonsense, my dear Miss Payne. I never met a finer, truer nature than
Katherine Liddell's," cried Mrs. Needham, an affectionate smile lighting
up her handsome, kindly face. "The worst of it is, I do not know whom to
blame, and Katherine has put me on honor not to ask her."

"I cannot help you," said Miss Payne; and she fell into a thoughtful
silence, while Mrs. Needham watched her eagerly.

"I am going away for a few weeks," resumed Miss Payne. "I have let my
house, and I shall go to Sandbourne; the weather seems settled, and it
will be pleasant there. If you can spare her, I will ask Katherine to
come with me, she liked the place, and perhaps in the intimacy of
every-day life she may tell me what happened; but, remember, _I'll_ not
tell you unless she gives me leave."

"No, no, of course not; but I am sure she would trust _me_ as soon as
anyone.'

"Very likely. It will just depend upon who is near her when she is in a
confidential mood."

"Perhaps. I am sure it would do her good; and Sandbourne is not far. If
De Burgh wants to make it up, he can easily run down there."

"Yes, he knows his way. I am not sure that he is the right man, though,"
said Miss Payne, reflectively; "he is too ready to ride rough-shod over
everyone and everything."

"Do you think so? I must say I thought him a delightful person, so
natural and good-natured."

"Well, let me go and see Katherine. I am anxious to take her away with
me."

Katherine was most willing to accept Miss Payne's proposition. She was
soothed and gratified by the thoughtful kindness shown her by both her
friends, and anxious to refresh her mind and recruit her strength before
taking up her life again.

"You are so good to think of taking me with you," she cried, when Miss
Payne ceased speaking. "I should like greatly to go, if Mrs. Needham can
spare me."

"Of course I can. You will come back a better secretary than ever,"
exclaimed that lady, cheerfully. "I will try to run down and see you
some Saturday. It is rather a new place, this Sa