"What is it, agra?" "Why, that cheque Mr. Winter sent me--Roberts got me the money for it." "Misther Roberts is a knowledgeable man." "But, nurse, this portion of it is for you." "Oh, blessed Vargin! look at this. Now, Miss Kate, do you think I'd be afther robbin ye iv twenty pounds--and I wid a pile iv notes in the savin's bank, if I could only get at them." "That is it, exactly," interrupted Miss Vernon, hastily, "you must have money, and though you and I are on those terms, that we do not keep debtor and creditor accounts, you know very well, I consider it not only a pleasure, but a duty, to share with you whatever I possess, only in this case, I have kept the lion's share--no more, nurse--you must take it--I shall think you do not love me if you refuse." There was something so urgent in Miss Vernon's tones, that nurse felt herself compelled to obey, _malgré lui_. "Sure I'll keep them fur ye." "Do what you will, nurse; but, remember, though I can, and may have to bear much, I could not support the idea of your wanting any thing. One kiss before I go down. How I wish Georgy would let you come with me to Bayswater, and stay at home herself." "She hasn't so much sinse--though I'm sorry for her, she's in grate throuble entirely about you going away--faith I begin to make it out." Lady Desmond was, as Mrs. O'Toole said, in great trouble, restless, miserable, capricious; at one moment pressing Kate to change her plans, and accompany her to Ireland, at another, evidently ready to facilitate her departure, while she hurried her own preparations, yet showed a disposition to linger within the charmed precincts where echo sometimes conveyed a rumour of Lord Effingham's proceedings. He was still at Cowes, and the _Morning Post_ of that day gave an account of a dinner given by him on board his new yacht, "The Meteor," to all the celebrities of the R. Y. C. "That does not look like disappointment," thought Lady Desmond, as she read, "time, and time only can satisfy me of the truth." She was silent during the repast, of which Kate strove to partake, and rose at once, on Miss Vernon suggesting that she had promised to be with Mrs. Storey at two. Nurse made her appearance as the cousins descended to the carriage. "Once more good-bye, kindest and best," said Kate, embracing her, and trying to speak steadily. "Georgy," she continued, laying her hand impressively on Lady Desmond's arm, "I know you love nurse for her own sake. But, remember, I feel every kindness shown to her as intended for myself." "You may trust nurse safely to me," replied her cousin; and they entered the carriage.