rted, though both were hushed and grave, they
had glided into their usual confidential, affectionate tone. Business,
however, was not mentioned.

"I wish you could see your cousin's little daughter," said Rachel,
rather abruptly, as Katherine rose to bid her good-bye. "She's an
interesting, naughty little creature, small of her age, but in some ways
precocious. I am fond of her, partly, I suppose, because she likes me.
There is something familiar to me in her face, yet I cannot say that she
actually resembles anyone."

"I should like to see her," returned Katherine; and soon after she left
her friend, relieved and calmed by the feeling that the explanation was
over.

"Well, my dear," cried Mrs. Needham, when they met at dinner. "I have a
great piece of news for you: Mr. Errington is to be the new editor of
_The Cycle_. A capital thing for him! and that accounts for the
announcement of the marriage being held back, just to let people get
accustomed to the first start. It shows what Bradley thinks of him. It
is really a grand triumph to get such an appointment after so short an
apprenticeship."

"I am glad of it, very glad," returned Katherine, thoughtfully. "I
suppose he is considered very clever."

"A first-rate man, quite first-rate, for all serious tough subjects. I
think, dear, if I could run down on Saturday week till Monday it would
be an immense refreshment;" and Mrs. Needham wandered off into the
discussion of a variety of schemes.

On the Saturday following, Katherine and her faithful chaperon set out
for their holiday with mutual satisfaction and a hope that they left
their troubles behind them.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

RECONCILIATION.

The change to Sandbourne did Katherine good; she grew calmer, more
resigned, though still profoundly sad. The sense of having been brought
in touch with one of the most cruel problems of society affected her
deeply, and the contrast between the present and past of a year ago,
when she had the boys with her, forced her to review her mental
conditions since the great change in her fortunes wrought by her own
act.

She had ample time for thought. Miss Payne was suffering from touches of
rheumatism, which made long walks impossible; so Katherine wandered
about alone.

The weather was bright, but, although it was the beginning of May, not
warm enough to sit amongst the rocks at the point. Katherine, however,
often walked to and fro recalling De Burgh's looks and tones