l Ormonde!" cried Katherine. "If every one was
as good as Mr. Payne, the world would be a different and a better
place."

"Hey! Have you constituted yourself his champion? Lucky dog! Come, my
dear girl, we must be going. Are you well wrapped up? It is deuced cold,
and we have nearly three miles to drive from the station."

He himself looked liked a mountain in a huge fur-lined coat.

"Good-by, then, dear Miss Payne. I suppose I shall not see you again for
a fortnight or three weeks."

"By George! we sha'n't let you off with so short a visit as that! Say
three years. Come, march; we haven't too much time." Throwing a brief
"good-morning" at the "old maid" of uncertain position, the Colonel
walked heavily downstairs in the wake of his admired young guest.

Monckton was scarcely four hours from London, but when the drive to
Castleford was accomplished there was not too much time left to dress
for dinner.

Mrs. Ormonde was awaiting Katherine in the hall, which was bright with
lamps and fire-light; behind her were her two boys.

When Katherine had been duly welcomed. Mrs. Ormonde stood aside, and the
children hesitated a moment. Cecil was so much grown, Katherine hardly
knew him. He came forward with his natural assurance, and said,
confidently: "How d'ye do, auntie? You have been a long time coming."

Charlie was more like what he had been, and less grown. He hesitated a
moment, then darted to Katherine, and throwing his arms round her neck,
clung to her lovingly. She was infinitely touched and delighted. How
vividly the past came back to her!--the little dusty house at Bayswater,
the homely establishment kept afloat by her dear mother's industry, the
small study, and the dear weary face associated with it. How ardently
she held the child to her heart! How thankfully she recognized that here
was something to cherish and to live for!

"They may come with me to my room?" she said to her hostess.

"Oh, certainly!--only if you begin that sort of thing you will never be
able to get rid of them."

"I will risk it," said Katherine, as she followed Mrs. Ormonde upstairs
to a very comfortable room, where a cheerful fire blazed on the hearth.

"I am afraid you find it rather small, but I was obliged to give the
best bedroom to Lady Alice--_noblesse oblige_, you know. I am sure you
will like her, she is so gentle; I think her father was very glad to let
her come, as she can see more of her _fiance_. They are not to be
ma