he arms of his chair,
when Mrs. Liddell came in; neither did he hold out his hand. He looked
at her fixedly with his glittering dark eyes.

"You wanted to see me?" he said. "Why?"

"Because I thought it right to see and speak with you before committing
my only child to your keeping."

"But you have done it!--She has agreed to the conditions, has'nt she?"
turning to Newton. "If you go back, I must have my money back."

"Of course, my dear sir--of course," soothingly.

"I am glad that Katherine can be of use to you. I do not wish to retract
anything I have agreed to, but I wish to remind you that my child is
young; that you must let her go in and out, and have opportunities for
air and exercise."

"She may do as she likes; she can do anything. So long as she reads to
me, and buys my food without wasting my money, _I_ don't want her
company. She seems to know something of the value of money, and I'll
keep her in pledge till you have paid me. I'll never let myself be
cheated again, as I was by your worthless husband."

"Let the dead rest," said Mrs. Liddell, sadly. "I have paid you what I
could."

"Ay, the principal--the bare principal. What is that? Do men lend for
the love of lending?" he returned, viciously.

"Pray do not vex yourself. It is useless to look back--annoying and
useless," said the lawyer, with decision.

"Useless indeed! What more have you to say?"

"I should like to see the room my daughter is to occupy. It is as well
she should have the comforts necessary to health, for all our sakes.
_You_ will not find one who will serve you as Katherine can, even for a
high price. I think you feel this yourself," said Mrs. Liddell,
steadily.

"You may go where you like, but do not trouble me. You can come and see
your daughter, but _I_ shall not want to see you; and she may go and see
you of a Sunday, when there are no newspapers to be read; but, mark you
I will not pay for carriages or horses or omnibuses; and mark also that
I have made my will, and I'll not alter it in any one's favor. Your
daughter will have her food and lodging and my countenance and
protection."

"She has done without these for nineteen years," said Mrs. Liddell, with
a slight smile. "But you have given me very opportune help, for which I
am grateful; so I have accepted your terms. Kate shall stay with you
till I have paid you principal and interest, and then _I_ warn you I
shall reclaim my hostage."

"She'll be a good while wit