security I have to offer is the furniture of this house--furniture of
the simplest, as you will see."

"Have you seen Mr. Liddell?" asked Mr. Newton, a slight expression of
surprise passing over his face.

"My daughter has," said Mrs. Liddell.

"Yes; I ventured to visit him, because"--she hesitated, and then went
on, frankly--"because we wanted this money very much indeed; and I found
him in a sad condition." Katherine went on to describe the scene of
yesterday, dwelling on the desolate position of the old man. "I felt
frightened to leave him alone; he seems weak, and unfit to take care of
himself. I hope, Mr. Newton, you will go to him and induce him to have a
proper servant. I am going, because I promised in any case to go; and I
must give the little servant's mother the half-crown I promised her."

"I have been somewhat uneasy respecting Mr. Liddell. For a considerable
time I had my doubts of his cook housekeeper; but he is a man of strong
will and peculiar views. Then the fear of parting with money increases
with increasing years. I am glad Miss Liddell succeeded in making
herself known to him; he is a peculiar character--very peculiar." He
paused a moment, looking keenly at Katherine, and added: "With a view to
arranging for the loan you require, I must ask to look at your rooms. I
do not suppose I am a judge of such things, but the knowledge of former
transactions, my recollection of our last interview, determines me to
come myself rather than to send an ordinary employee."

"I feel your kind consideration warmly," said Mrs. Liddell. "Follow me,
and you shall see what few household goods I possess."