After the first few days of stunning surprise, Errington set vigorously to work to clear the wreck.  Garston was advertised; his stud, his furniture—­everything—­put up for sale, and his own days divided between his solicitor and his stock-broker.  His first step was to explain matters to his intended father-in-law, who, being an impulsive, self-indulgent man, swore a good deal about the ill-luck of all concerned, but at once declared the engagement must be at an end.

As Lady Alice was still in Switzerland with her brother and his wife, it was considered wise to spare her the pain of an interview.  Lord Melford explained matters to his daughter in an extremely outspoken letter, enclosing one from Errington, in which, with much good feeling, he bade her a kindly farewell.  To this she replied promptly, and a week saw the extinction of the whole affair.  Errington could not help smiling at this “rapid act.”  It was then about three weeks after the blow had fallen—­a warm glowing June morning.  Errington’s man of business had just left him, and he had returned to his writing-table, which was strewn, or rather covered, with papers (nothing Errington ever handled was “strewn"), and continued his task of making out a list of his private liabilities, which were comparatively light, when his valet—­not yet discharged, though already warned to look for another master—­approached, with his usually impassive countenance, and presented a small note.

Errington opened it, and to his inexpressible surprise read as follows: 

“TO MR. ERRINGTON,—­Allow me to speak to you alone. 
“KATHERINE LIDDELL.”

“Who brought this?” asked Errington, suppressing all expression as well as he could.

“A young person in black, sir—­leastways I think she’s young.”

“Show her in; and, Harris, I am engaged if any one calls.”

Errington went to the door to meet his most unexpected visitor.  The next moment she stood before him.  He bowed with much deference.  She bent her head in silence, but did not offer to shake hands.  She wore a black dress and a very simple black straw hat, round which a white gauze veil was tied, which effectually concealed her face.

“Pray sit down,” was all Errington could think of saying, so astonished was he at her sudden appearance.

Katherine took a seat opposite to his.  She unfastened and took off her veil, displaying a face from which her usual rich soft color had faded, sombre eyes, and tremulous lips.  Looking full at him, she said, without greeting of any kind, “Do you think me mad to come here?”

“I am a little surprised; but if I can be of any use—­” Errington began calmly.  She interrupted him.

“I hope to be of use to you.  No one except myself can explain how or why; that is the reason I have intruded upon you.”

“You do not intrude, Miss Liddell.  I am quite at your service; only I hope you are not distressing yourself on my account.”