visitor, in dry, precise tones. "My client means no offence."

"Nor do I mean to take any," she replied, handing him back the note.
"Pray how am I to prove my own identity?"

"It would not, I suppose, be very difficult; but, as it happens, _I_ can
be your witness. I quite well remember seeing you with Mr. Liddell, your
late husband, some sixteen or seventeen years ago."

"Indeed! I am surprised that I do not recall you. I generally have a
good memory, but--"

"_I_ am not surprised. I was unhappily the bearer of an unpleasant
message, which excited Mr. Liddell considerably, and your attention was
absorbed by your efforts to calm him."

"I remember," said Mrs. Liddell, coloring deeply. "It was a trying
time."

"We will consider this inquiry answered. As regards the loan"--the door
opening to admit Katherine interrupted him; he rose and bowed formally
when her mother named her; then he resumed his sentence--"as regards
the loan, I must first know the amount it is proposed to borrow, in
order to judge of the security offered."

"I asked my uncle for thirty pounds, but I should be very glad if he
would lend us forty."

"No, Katie; I dare not take so much," interrupted her mother. "Remember,
it must be repaid; and," addressing the lawyer, she added, "the only