"No; I think I may venture so far, though Mr. Liddell _is_ suspicious."

"Then I must ask you to wait while I put on my hat," said Katherine, and
left the room.

She had changed her dress when her mother followed her. "My love, you
had better take a few shillings, and try and come back soon. Why, Katie,
considering you had to do cooking yesterday, you ought not to have put
on your best frock, dear, for I see little chance of another."

"Oh, mother, I could _not_ go out in my old black cashmere with Mr.
Newton. Why, he is the perfection of neatness."

"Here is Ada, just coming in."

"What a volley of questions she will ask! Now, mother, do _not_ satisfy
her. Tell her my rich uncle has sent his solicitor to interview us, and
that I am going to dine with him. I wish I could have had some dinner
before I went, for I am going to Hungry Hall."

"Courage, darling! If we _can_ get this loan it will be a great relief.
Do not keep him waiting any longer--there are your gloves. Come back as
soon as ever you can."




CHAPTER IV.