ending change, but we need not explain too much."

The journey back was less silent. Both mother and daughter were
oppressed by the task undertaken by the latter. But Katherine was
successful in concealing the dismay with which she contemplated a
residence with John Liddell. "Whatever happens, I must not seem afraid
of him or _be_ afraid of him," she thought, with instinctive perception.
"I will try to do what is just and right, and leave the rest to
Providence. It must be a great comfort to have faith--to believe that if
you do the right thing you will be directed and assisted by God. What
strength it would give! But I haven't faith. I cannot believe that
natural laws will ever be changed for me, and I _know_ that good,
honest, industrious creatures die of hunger every day. No matter. Do
rightly, come what may, is the motto of every true soul. I don't
suppose I shall melt this old man's stony heart, but I will do my best
for him. His has been a miserable life in spite of his money. There is
so much money cannot buy!"

"How dreadfully late you are!" said Mrs. Frederic, querulously, when
they reached home. "I really could not keep the children waiting for
you, so we have finished dinner; but Maria is keeping the mutton as hot
as she can for you. Dear me! how sick I am of roast mutton! but I
suppose it is cheap"--contemptuously.

"Poor dear! it shall have something nice to-morrow," returned Mrs.
Liddell, with her usual strong good temper.

"I suppose you are too tired, Katherine, to come with me. The band plays
in Kensington Gardens to-day, and I wanted so much to go and hear it."

"I am indeed! Besides, mother has a great deal to tell you when we have
had some dinner."

"Oh, indeed! Has your book been accepted, Mrs. Liddell? or has that
terrible uncle of ours declared Katherine to be his heiress?"

"Have a little patience, and you shall hear everything."

"I am dying of curiosity and impatience. Here, Sarah, _do_ bring up
dinner--Mrs. Liddell is so hungry!"

The announcement that Katherine was invited to live with John Liddell
created a tornado of amazement, envy, anticipation--with an undercurrent
of exultant pride that they were at last recognized by the only rich man
in the family--in the mind of the pretty, impressionable little widow.

"Gracious! What a grand thing for Kate! But she will be moped to death,
and he will starve her. Why, Katherine, when it is known that a
millionaire has adopted you his den