“You need not fear,” cried Katherine, quickly.  “My nephews shall never cost Colonel Ormonde a sou.”

“No, I was sure you wouldn’t, dear, you are such a kind, generous creature, so unselfish.  I do hate selfishness, and though the allowance you now give is very handsome—­”

“I am to make it a little larger,” put in Katherine, good-humoredly, as Mrs. Ormonde paused, not knowing how to finish her sentence.  “Be content, Ada; you shall have due notice when I have made all my plans.  I have a good deal to do, for I ought to make my will too.”

“Your will!  Oh yes, to be sure.  I never thought of that.  But if you marry it will be of no use.”

“Until I am married it will be of use.”

“And when do you intend to come to us?”

“Oh, some time next month.”

“I hope so.  I want to come up for a while after Easter, and am trying to get the Colonel to take a house; that depends on you a good deal.  If you would join me in taking a house for three months he would agree at once.”

“But I have just agreed to stay with Miss Payne for a year.”

“How foolish! how short-sighted!” cried Mrs. Ormonde.  “You will be just lost in a second-rate place like this.”

“It will suit me perfectly.  I only want rest and peace at present.  I dare say it will not be so always.”

“Well, I know there is no use in talking to you.  You will go your own way.  Only, as I am in town, do come to my dressmaker’s.  Though you had your mourning in Paris, do you know, you look quite dowdy.  You’ll not mind my saying so?”

“I dare say I do.  Miss Payne got everything for me.”

“Oh, are you going to give yourself into her hands blindfold?  I am afraid she is a designing woman.  You really must get some stylish dresses.  You must do yourself justice.”

“I have as many as I want, and there is no need of wasting money, even if you have a good deal.  How many poor souls need food and clothes!”

“Oh, Katherine, if you begin to talk in that way, you will be robbed and plundered to no end.”

“I hope not.  Here is tea, and Miss Payne.  I will come and see you to-morrow early, and bring some little presents for the boys.”

CHAPTER XII.

“I WAS A STRANGER AND YE TOOK ME IN.”

Mrs. Ormonde lingered as long as she could.  Bond Street was paradise to her, Regent Street an Elysian Field.  While she staid she gave her sister-in-law little peace, and until she had departed Katherine did not attempt to go into business matters with Mr. Newton.  She was half amused, half disgusted, at Mrs. Ormonde’s perpetual reminders, hints, and innuendoes touching the settlement on her boys.  Ada was the same as ever, yet Katherine liked her for the sake of the memories she evoked and shared.