De Burgh had been looking out at the stretch of water before him as he spoke, but at his last words his eyes sought Katherine's with a look she could not misunderstand. She shivered slightly, an odd passing sense of fear chilling her for a moment as she turned to lay her hat upon the table near, saying, in a cold, collected tone. "You must always remember that the firmest resolution cannot insure success." "It goes a long way toward it, however," he replied. "Ah, there is Cis!" cried Katherine, glad to turn the conversation, "come back from school. Are you not earlier than usual, Cis?"--as the boy came bounding over the grass to the open window. "No, auntie; it is one o'clock." "Well, young man," said De Burgh, who was not sorry to be interrupted, as he felt he was treading dangerous ground, and with instinctive tact endeavored always to keep friends with Katherine's pets, "I have brought you a present, if auntie will allow you to keep it." "What is it?--a box of tools, real tools? I do so want a box of tools! But auntie is afraid I will cut myself." "No; it's a St. Bernard puppy that promises to turn out a fine dog." "Oh, thank you! thank you! that _is_ nice. I don't think you are a bit like the wicked uncle now. May I go and fetch it now, this moment?" "Not till after dinner, dear." "Oh, isn't it jolly! A real St. Bernard dog!"--capering about. "You _are_ a nice man!" "What _are_ you making such a noise for, Cis?" exclaimed his mother coming in, looking admirably well, fresh, becomingly dressed. "Go away, dear, and be made tidy for your dinner. Well, Mr. De Burgh, I never dreamed of your arriving so early. Did you get up in the middle of the night?" "Not exactly. The fact is, I must drive over to Revelstoke late this evening and catch the mail train. I have a command to dine with the Baron to-morrow, to talk over some business of importance, and dared not refuse, as you can imagine. The everlasting old tyrant has been quite amiable to me of late." "Then you'll not be here to escort me back to town, and I hate travelling alone!" cried Mrs. Ormonde. "Unfortunately no," said De Burgh. "But I have a piece of news for you that will freeze the marrow in your bones: Errington is completely ruined." "Impossible!" cried both his hearers at once.