orgetting when you said this,' said Kate proudly, and her
face grew scarlet as she spoke.

'Tell me that you like him or that he likes you; tell me that there is
something, anything, between you, child, and I'll be discreet and mannerly,
too; and more, I'll behave to the old lady with every regard to one who
holds such dear interests in her keeping. But don't bandage my eyes, and
tell me at the same time to look out and see.'

'I have no confidences to make you,' said Kate coldly. 'I came here to ask
a favour--a very small favour, after all--and you might have accorded it
without question or ridicule.'

'But which you never need have asked, Kate,' said the other gravely. 'You
are the mistress here; I am but a very humble guest. Your orders are
obeyed, as they ought to be; my suggestions may be adopted now and
then--partly in caprice, part compliment--but I know they have no
permanence, no more take root here than--than myself.'

'Do not say that, my dearest Nina,' said Kate, as she threw herself on her
neck and kissed her affectionately again and again. 'You are one of us, and
we are all proud of it. Come along with me, now, and tell me all that
you advise. You know what I wish, and you will forgive me even in my
stupidity.'

'Where's your brother?' asked Nina hastily.

'Gone out with his gun. He'll not be back till he is certain Miss Betty has
taken her departure.'

'Why did he not offer to take me with him?'

'Over the bog, do you mean?'

'Anywhere; I'd not cavil about the road. Don't you know that I have days
when "don't care" masters me--when I'd do anything, go anywhere--'

'Marry any one?' said the other, laughing.

'Yes, marry any one, as irresponsibly as if I was dealing with the destiny
of some other that did not regard me. On these days I do not belong to
myself, and this is one of them.'

'I know nothing of such humours, Nina; nor do I believe it a healthy mind
that has them.'

'I did not boast of my mind's health, nor tell you to trust to it. Come,
let us go down to the dinner-room, and talk that pleasant leg-of-mutton
talk you know you are fond of.'

'And best fitted for, say that,' said Kate, laughing merrily.

The other did not seem to have heard her words, for she moved slowly away,
calling on Kate to follow her.

CHAPTER XXI

A SMALL DINNER-PARTY

It is sad to have to record that all Kate's persuasions with her cousin,
all her own earnest attempts at conciliation, and her