y,
"for the sake of your daughter and grandsons. I must point out that by
refusing you not only deprive yourself of the temporary aid you
require, but you cut off your daughter from all chance of winning
over her uncle by the influence of her presence. Propinquity, my dear
madam--propinquity sometimes works wonders; and Mr. Liddell has a great
deal in his power. I would not encourage false hopes, but this is a
chance you may never have again--a chance of sharing her uncle's
fortune. If she refuses, he will never see her again."

Silence ensued. The choice was a grave difficulty. Mrs. Liddell looked
at Katherine, and Katherine looked at the carpet.

Suddenly Katherine looked up quickly, and said, in a clear, decided
voice: "I will go. I will undertake the office of secretary and
housekeeper--at least until my mother pays off this loan."

"Katie, my child, how shall you be able to bear it?"

"Miss Liddell has decided wisely and well," said the lawyer. "I
earnestly hope--nay, I believe--she will reap a rich reward for her
self-sacrifice."

"But, Mr. Newton, I cannot consent without some reflection. I too have
some conditions to impose."

"And they are?" put in Newton, uneasily.

"I cannot define them all clearly on the spur of the moment; but I must
have leave to go and see my daughter whenever I choose, and she must
have the right to spend one day in the week at home."

"This might be arranged," said the lawyer, thoughtfully. "Be brave, my
dear madam. Sacrifice something of the present to secure future good."

"Provided we do not pay too high a price for a doubtful benefit. It will
be terrible for a young girl to be the bond-slave of such a man as John
Liddell."

"Well, mother, I am quite willing to undertake the task. Not that I am
going to be a bond-slave, but as soon as you have paid your debt, I
shall consider myself free."

"By that time, my dear young lady, I hope you will have made yourself of
so much importance to your uncle that he will make it worth your while
to stay," exclaimed Newton, who was evidently actuated by a friendly
feeling toward both mother and daughter.

"He must bribe high, then," returned Kate, laughing.

"Then may I inform Mr. Liddell that you accept his proposition? and you
are prepared to begin your duties at once! Remember he considers his
acceptance of five instead of ten per cent, frees him from the necessity
of paying you any salary."

"Surely the laborer is worthy of hi