"Where money is concerned, Mr. Liddell recognizes neither friend nor foe. He will wish some form of the nature of a bill of sale to be signed." "Whatever you both think right," said Mrs. Liddell. 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." "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. "A RIFT IN THE CLOUDS." "Where in the world is Katherine going, and who is that man?" exclaimed the younger widow, her light blue eyes wide open in amazement, when Katherine had passed her with a smiling "Good-by for the present," and walked down the road beside the precise lawyer.