Here some shouts from the garden drew Newton's attention to the window,
through which Cecil and Charlie could be seen endeavoring to put some
noxious insect on the neck of the nurse-maid, who had taken them their
noonday slices of bread and butter. "My grandsons," said Mrs. Liddell,
smiling--"My poor boy's orphans."

"Hum!" said the little man; and he stood a moment in thought.

"I think Miss Liddell said her uncle expressed a wish that she should
return to see him?"

"He made me promise to go back to-day."

"Then by no means disappoint him. He is a very difficult man to manage,
and if your daughter"--to Mrs. Liddell--"could contrive to interest him,
to make him indulge in a few of the comforts necessary to his years and
his position, it would be of the last importance, and ultimately, I
hope, not unprofitable to herself."

"I fear the last is highly improbable; but Katherine will certainly
fulfil her promise."

"I am going to drive over to Legrave Crescent myself: if it would suit
Miss Liddell to accompany me, I shall be most happy to be her escort."

"Thank you; I shall be very glad."

"My brother-in-law will not imagine there is any collusion between you?"
asked Mrs. Liddell, with a smile. "Men of his character are suspicious."