“I do,” cried Katherine, now all attention.

“While we were speaking Mr. Liddell was announced.  Errington looked at him hard, and then asked politely if he were the son of the late Mr. John Liddell, who had been a great friend of his (Errington’s) father.  Your cousin seemed to know the name, and, moreover, very pleased at being spoken to and remembered.  Mr. Errington offered to call, and now I find he has recommended his own solicitors, Messrs. Compton & Barnes, to George Liddell.  I had an interview with the head of the firm yesterday, and he has evidently advised that the strictly legal claims against you should not be pressed.  I cannot help thinking that Mr. Errington has interested himself on your side.”

“Indeed!” cried Katherine, life and warmth coming back to her heart at his words.

“Yes, I do.  Compton appears to have the highest possible opinion of Errington as a man of integrity and intelligence.  He, Compton says, believes that if Liddell could be persuaded such a line of conduct toward you would injure him socially, he would not seek to enforce his rights, for he is evidently anxious to make a position in the respectable world.  As you make no opposition to his claims he ought to show you consideration.  This accidental encounter between Errington and your cousin will, I am sure, prove a fortunate circumstance.”

In her own mind Katherine could not help doubting its accidental character.  How infinitely good and forgiving Errington was!  While she thought, Mr. Newton mused.

“I suppose you have a tolerable balance at the bank?” he said, abruptly.

“Yes.  I have never spent a year’s income in a year.  Just lately, except for buying that house, I have spent very little.”

“That house!  Oh—­ah!  I shall be curious to see how Miss Trant will behave.  If she is true to her word; if she looks upon your loan to her as a loan—­an investment on your side—­you may gain an addition to your income through what was an act of pure benevolence.  When you go home, my dear young lady, look at your bank-book, and let me know exactly how you stand.  We might offer this cormorant of a cousin a portion of your savings to finish the business.  Indeed I should advise you to draw a good large check at once so as to provide yourself with ready money.”

“Would it be quite—­quite honest to do so?” asked Katherine, anxiously.

“Pray do you impugn my integrity?”

“No!  But suppose George Liddell found I had drawn a large check—­perhaps the very day before I propose through you to hand over what remains to me—­he would think me a cheat?”

“And pray why should he know anything about your bank-book? or what consideration do you owe him?  He is behaving very harshly and badly to you.  We will state what is in the bank after you have drawn your check, and offer him half—­which is a great deal too much for him.  Yet I should like him to be your friend, if possible.  Could you get hold of that little girl of his?  Affection for her seems to be the only human thing about him.”