ought a letter just arrived by the
last post.

"It is from Mr. Newton," exclaimed Katherine, opening it eagerly. And
having read it rapidly, she added, "You would like to hear what he says."

"'MY DEAR MISS LIDDELL,--As I cannot see you early to-morrow I
will send you a report. I had a long argument with your cousin after you
left to-day, and although he is still in an unreasonable state of
irritation against you and myself and every one, I do not despair of
bringing him to a better and a juster frame of mind. For the present it
would be as well you did not meet. I should advise your taking steps at
once to remove your nephews from Sandbourne, and also, while you have
money pay the quarter in advance, as you do not know how matters may
turn. It was a most fortunate circumstance that the house occupied by
Miss Trant was purchased in her name, as Mr. Liddell cannot touch that,
and if she is at all the woman you suppose her to be, she will pay you
interest for your money. If you could only persuade your cousin to let
you see and make friends with this little daughter of his--_there_ lies
the road to his heart.

"'Meanwhile say as little as possible to any one about this sudden
change in your fortunes. To Miss Payne you must, of course, explain
matters; but she is a sensible, prudent woman.

"'With sincere sympathy, believe me yours most truly,
"'W. NEWTON.'"

"There is a gleam of hope, then," exclaimed Bertie.

"I don't know what you mean about hope. At best a drop from about two
thousand a year to a hundred and fifty is not a subject for
congratulation.--Well, Katherine, you are most welcome to stay here as
my guest till you find something to do, for find something you must."

"I knew you would be kind and true," said Katherine, her voice a little
tremulous, "and believe me I will not sit with folded hands."

CHAPTER XXV.

"BREAD CAST ON THE WATERS."

There were indeed long and heavy days for Katherine, few though they
were, before Mr. Newton thought it well to communicate the intelligence
to Colonel and Mrs. Ormonde. He wished to be able to extract some more
favorable terms from Liddell, so that his favorite client might fulfil
her ardent desire to keep her nephews still with her, and assist in
their maintenance and education. This was, in the shrewd old lawyer's
estimation, a most Quixotic project, but he saw it was the only idea
which enabled h