arted woman; the world would be a better place if there were a
few more like you in it." He then passed on to his plans for the future;
his projects for his daughter's education, opening his mind with a
degree of confidence which amazed Katherine, considering that two days
before he was an enemy.

Presently he ceased to speak, and, after a moment's thought, stood up.

"Now I have said my say, and I must go," he exclaimed. "I only came to
explain myself to you, for the less of such a story committed to paper
the better. I am due in town to-morrow morning; write to Rachel, and
come and see her as soon as you can. I wish," he added, with a searching
glance, "that I had a woman like you to regulate matters and take care
of my little Marie; then I could keep her with me."

"She is far better at school," returned Katherine, a little startled by
this suggestive speech. "But will you not have some luncheon before you
go?"

"No, thank you. I had some before coming on here. I need very little
food, and scarcely anything gives me pleasure; but I like you, my
cousin, and I want your friendship for the child."

"She shall have it, I promise."

After a few more words, George Liddell bid her good-bye. She stood a few
minutes in deep thought before going to tell her good news to Miss
Payne, reflecting that she must not betray the real motive of his change
towards herself; the less she said the better. While she thought, Miss
Payne came in looking unusually eager.

"Wouldn't he stay and have a bit to eat?" she exclaimed. "I saw him
going out of the gate from my room."

"No, he is in a hurry to get back to town. Ah! my dear Miss Payne, he
came down to make his peace with me, and he is going to provide for the
boys."

"Why, what has happened to him? I can hardly believe my ears."

"I am sure I could hardly believe mine. I suppose as he grew accustomed
to feel that everything was in his hands, and that I had given him no
trouble, he saw that he had been unnecessarily severe. Then his little
girl took him to Rachel Trant's, and they evidently spoke of me;
probably she gave a highly colored description of my goodness, and,
being an impulsive man, he said he would come and see me, whereupon she
wrote to warn me."

"That's all possible; but somehow I feel there is more in it than I
quite understand."

"I am sure I do not care to understand the wherefore, if only my cousin
carries out his good intentions as regards Cis and Charli