She hesitated over the last word, knowing in her own heart the errand which was taking her up to town. "But can't you put off your visit for a time?" "I'm afraid not." Kaituna said nothing, but looked reproachfully at her friend, whereupon Mrs. Belswin kissed her with a gay laugh. "Don't look so scared, my child. I shall only be away for a few days." "You will like Sir Rupert, I'm sure," said Mrs. Valpy, who had been slowly following out a train of thought. "He is a most delightful man." "So I have always heard," replied the chaperon coldly. "Perhaps he'll marry again," said Tommy, idly, more for the sake of saying something than from any idea of Sir Rupert's matrimonial intentions. "No." The answer came from Mrs. Belswin, and had escaped her against her will; but on seeing the surprise her sudden ejaculation had created, she explained herself with calm grace. "Of course I mean that Sir Rupert would surely not think of marrying when he has this dear child to comfort him." "I don't think papa will ever marry again," said Kaituna, in a low tone. "I wonder at your saying such a thing. He was too fond of my mother to forget her easily." Mrs. Belswin turned away her head and sneered, for she was too well acquainted with Rupert Pethram's selfish heart to believe that he regretted her in the least. Seeing, however, that the subject was a painful one to Kaituna, and by no means relishing it herself, she hastened to turn the conversation by saying the first thing that came into her head. "By the way, do you know I have an admirer here?" "Not the vicar?" cried Tommy, clapping her hands. "No; I'm not antique enough." "Then Mr. Gelthrip?" "Ah, he's too devoted to his sick sister. No! My admirer is that handsome Mr. Belk." "Papa's bailiff," said Kaituna, smiling. "Well, he is very handsome, but I must confess I don't like his face." "Nor do I," declared Tommy, boldly. "He's got the same disagreeable countenance as his mother." "From what I've heard I think he's a very dissipated young man," said Mrs. Valpy, slowly. "I suppose Mr. Gelthrip told you that," remarked Mrs. Belswin, with curling lip. "So like him. He never opens his mouth except to destroy a reputation." "I'm afraid Belk has no reputation to destroy," laughed Tommy, jumping up. "But we shall meet the Rev. Gelthrip to-night, and I declare it's time to dress." The clock chimed the half-hour, and the ladies went away to dress, with the exception of Mrs. Belswin, who remained in her chair absorbed in thought. "In a fortnight," she muttered to herself slowly. "Ah! I must be prepared for him. I'll try and see him in London, and convince him that I must stay by my child. If he consents, well and good; if he refuses----" She stopped, drew a long breath, and clenched her hands. "If he refuses--I'll see Ferrari." CHAPTER XI. THE ART OF DINING.