Now, after mature consideration, Katherine determined to make the will she had so long postponed, and bequeath all she possessed to Errington.  It was rather a formidable undertaking to announce this intention to Mr. Newton, who would be sure to be surprised and interrogative, but she would do it.  Having, therefore, made an appointment with him, she screwed up her courage and set out, accompanied by Miss Payne, who had been laid up with a cold, and was venturing out for the first time.  She took advantage of Katherine’s brougham to have a drive.  The morning was very fine, and they started early, early enough to allow Miss Payne to leave the carriage and walk a little in the sun on “the Ladies’ Mile.”

As they proceeded slowly along, a well-appointed phaeton and pair of fine steppers passed them.  It was occupied by two gentlemen, one old, gray, bent, and closely wrapped up; the other vigorous, dark, erect, held the reins.  He lifted his hat as he passed Katherine and her companion with a swift, pleased smile.

“Who are those women?” asked the old gentleman, in a thick growl.

“Miss Liddell and her companion.”

“By George! she looks like a gentlewoman.  Turn, and let us pass them again.”

De Burgh obeyed, and slackened speed as he went by.  At the sound of the horses’ tramp Katherine turned her head and gave De Burgh a bright smile and gracious bow.

“She is wonderfully good-looking for an heiress,” remarked Lord de Burgh, who was, of course, the wrapped-up old gentleman.  “I should say something for you if you could show such a woman with sixty or seventy thousand behind her as your wife.  Why don’t you go in and win?  Don’t let the grass grow under your feet.”

“It is easier said than done.  Miss Liddell is not an ordinary sort of young lady; she is not to be hurried.  But I do not despair, by any means, of winning her yet.  If I press my suit too soon, I may lose my chance.  Trust me, it won’t be my fault if I fail.”

“I see you are in earnest,” said the old man, “and I believe you’ll win.”

De Burgh nodded, and whipped up his horses.

“That must be the old lord,” said Miss Payne, as the phaeton passed out of sight.  “Mr. De Burgh seems in high favor.  I cannot help liking him myself.  There is no nonsense about him, and he is quite a gentleman in spite of his brusquerie.”

“Yes, I think he is,” said Katherine, thoughtfully, and walked on a little while in silence.  Then Miss Payne said she felt tired; so they got into the carriage again and drove to Mr. Newton’s office.  There Katherine alighted, and desired the driver to take Miss Payne home and return for herself.

“And what is your business to-day?” asked Mr. Newton, when, after a cordial greeting, his fair client had taken a chair beside his knee-hole table.

“A rather serious matter, I assure you.  I want to make my will.”

“Very right, very right; it will not bring you any nearer your last hour and it ought to be done.”