adiness and firmness of decision presented an
exception to a general rule--just as they were amazed now.

Herbert tried a last remonstrance. "Is it possible, Catherine, that you
don't see the cruelty of showing that newspaper to Miss Westerfield?"

Even this appeal to Mrs. Linley's sympathies failed to shake her
resolution. "You may trust me to be careful," was all she said in reply;
"I shall prepare her as tenderly for the sad news from America, as if
she was a daughter of my own."

Hearing this, Mrs. Presty showed a sudden interest in the proceedings
"When do you mean to begin?" she asked.

"At once, mamma."

Mrs. Presty broke up the meeting on the spot. "Wait till I am out of
the way," she stipulated. "Do you object to Herbert giving me his arm?
Distressing scenes are not in his line or in mine."

Mrs. Linley made no objection. Herbert resigned himself (not at all
unwillingly) to circumstances. Arm in arm, he and his wife's mother left
the room.

Randal showed no intention of following them; he had given himself time
to think. "We are all wrong, Catherine," he said; "and you alone are
right. What can I do to help you?"

She took his hand gratefully. "Always kind! Never thinking of yourself!
I will see Miss Westerfield in my own room. Wait here, in case I want
you."

After a much shorter absence than Randal anticipated, Mrs. Linley
returned. "Has it been very distressing?" he asked, seeing the traces of
tears in her eyes.

"There are noble qualities," she answered, "in that poor ill-used
girl. Her one thought, as soon as she began to understand my motive in
speaking to her, was not for herself, but for me. Even you, a man, must
have felt the tears in your eyes, if you had heard her promise that
I should suffer no further anxiety on her account. 'You shall see no
distressing change in me,' she said, 'when we meet to-morrow.' All she
asked was to be left in her room for the rest of the day. I feel sure
of her resolution to control herself; and yet I should like to encourage
her if I can. Her chief sorrow (as it seems to me) must be--not for
the mother who has so shamefully neglected her--but for the poor little
brother, a castaway lost in a strange land. Can we do nothing to relieve
her anxiety?"

"I can write," Randal said, "to a man whom I know in New York; a lawyer
in large practice."

"The very person we want! Write--pray write by today's post."

The letter was dispatched. It was decided--and wisely