t she still to undertake the responsibility of
such a charge?

At last he arrived, a staid, thoughtful-looking man; and before
he had time to do more than exchange a few words with her, Mr.
Newton appeared and carried him off to see the patient.

They seemed a long time gone; and when they returned the doctor
wrote a prescription--a very simple tonic, he said. "What your
uncle needs, Miss Liddell," he said, "is constant nourishment. He
is exceedingly weak; the action of the heart is feeble, the whole
system starved. You must get him to take all the food you can, and
some good wine--Burgundy if possible. He had better get up.
There is really no organic disease, but he is very low. He ought to
have some one in his room at night."

"It will be difficult to manage that," said Mr. Newton.

"I shall look in to-morrow about this time," said the doctor, and
hurried away.

"How have you contrived to make him hear reason?" asked
Katherine, eagerly.

"I took the law into my own hands, for one thing, and I suggested
a powerful motive for living on. I reminded him that he and
another old gentleman are the only survivors in a 'Tontine,' and
that he must try to outlive him. So the cost of doctor, medicine,
etc., etc., ought to be considered as an investment. Do not fail to
get him all possible nourishment. If he rebels, send for me."

"I will indeed. I am almost afraid to stay here alone. Might I
not have my mother with me?"

"Do not think of it"--earnestly. "I was going to say that I believe
you are decidedly gaining on your uncle; but the intrusion of
Mrs. Frederic Liddell yesterday was very unfortunate. My rather
peculiar client is impressed with the idea that you invited her."

"Indeed I did not!" cried Katherine.

"I did not suppose you did, but her appearance seems to have
given Mr. Liddell a shock." Mr. Newton paused, and then asked
in a slow tone, as if thinking hard, "What was your sister-in-law's
maiden name?"

"Sandford," said Katherine.

"Sandford? That is rather a curious coincidence. The late Mrs.
John Liddell was a Miss Sandford."

"Is she dead, then?"

"Yes; she died eight or nine years ago."

"Could they have been related?"

"Possibly. Some likeness seems to have struck your uncle."

There was a short silence, and Mr. Newton resumed. "I trust
you do not find your stay here too trying? I consider it very important
that you should persevere, though it is only right to tell you
that Mr. Liddell h