Though town was empty as regarded "society," there was plenty of life and movement in the streets, and Katherine, always thankful for occupation which drew her thoughts away from her profound regret for the barrier which existed between Errington and herself, was glad to be back in the great capital. She threw herself into the scheme of establishing Rachel Trant as a "court dressmaker" most heartily, and Bertie Payne spared time from his multifarious avocations to give important assistance. Rachel herself, too, proved to be a wise counsellor, her previous training having given her some experience in business. Katherine therefore found interesting employment in looking for a small house suited to the undertaking. Mr. Newton was writing busily in his private room one foggy afternoon when he was informed that Miss Liddell wished to speak to him. "Show her in at once," he said, cheerfully, as if pleased, and he rose to receive her. "Glad to see you, Miss Liddell, looking all the better for your sojourn by the sea-side. Why, it must be nearly six months since I saw you." "Yes, quite six months, Mr. Newton. I suppose you have been refreshing yourself too, after the fatigues of the season. You must try Sandbourne next year. It is a very nice little place." "Sandbourne? I don't think I know it. But now what do you want, my dear young lady? I don't suppose you come here merely for pleasure." "I assure you it always gives me great pleasure," said Katherine, with a sweet, sunny smile. "You have always been my very good friend." "Well, a sincere one, at all events," returned the dry old lawyer, whose aridity was not proof against the charm of his young client. "I must not waste your time," she resumed, drawing her chair a little nearer the table behind which he was ensconced. "I want to buy a house which I have seen, and I want you to attend to all details connected with it." "Oh--ah! Well, a good house would not be a bad investment; it would be very convenient to have a residence in London." "It is not for myself; it is a speculation." "A speculation? What put that into your head?" Whereupon Katherine told him her story. "I think it rather a mad undertaking," was Mr. Newton's verdict. "These projects seldom succeed. I don't care for clever interesting young women who have no one belonging to them and cannot corroborate their stories. How do you know she was not dismissed from Blackie & Co.'s for theft?" Katherine laughed. "I certainly do not know," she said, "but I _feel_ it is quite as impossible for her to steal as it is for myself." "Feel!--feel!" (impatiently). "Just so: impostors thrive on the good feelings of--of the simple."