“She must—­she shall,” cried De Burgh, impetuously, and he hastily left the room.

By the time Katherine had put on her out-door dress, and written an explanatory line to Mrs. Needham, De Burgh returned with Miss Payne.

“You must tell me all about it as we go along,” said that lady, as Katherine took her place beside her, “and you must do nothing rash.”

“Oh no, if I can only prevent a recurrence of such a scene.  I am most grateful to you for your kind help, Lord de Burgh.  I will let you know how things are settled.”

“Thank you.  I shall be glad of a line; but I shall call to-morrow to hear a full and true account.  Now, what’s the name of the place?”

“Birch Grove, Wandsworth Common.”

De Burgh gave the necessary directions, and the big black horse tossed up his head, and dashed off at swift trot.  Deep was the discussion which ensued, and which ended in deciding that they would be guided by circumstances.

The arrival of Miss Liddell was evidently most unexpected.  She and her companion were shown into the guest-parlor, where, after a while, Mr. Lockwood, the principal, made his appearance.

“This is an unexpected pleasure, Miss Liddell.  May I ask the reason of your visit?”

Whereupon Katherine spoke more temperately than Miss Payne expected, describing Cecil’s letter, and reminding him that she had fully explained Charlie’s nervous weakness, and stating that, if she could not be assured such treatment should not occur again, she must remove the boy.

The ‘dominie,’ apparently touched by her tone, answered with equal frankness.  He had been called away by unavoidable business at the beginning of the term, and had forgotten to warn his assistant respecting Liddell minor.  He regretted the incident; indeed, he had intended to inform Miss Liddell of the unfortunate occurrence, but extreme occupation must plead his excuse.  Miss Liddell might be sure that it should never happen again; indeed, her nephews were very promising boys—­the youngest a little young for his school, but it was all the better for him to be accustomed to a higher standard.  He hoped, now that this unpleasantness was over, all would go on well.

“I hope so, Mr. Lockwood,” returned Katherine; “but should my nephew be again punished for what he cannot help, I shall immediately remove him and his brother.”

“So I understand, madam,” said the schoolmaster, who was visibly much annoyed by the whole affair.  “I presume you would like to see the boys?”

“Yes, certainly.  Will you be so good as to grant them a half-holiday?”

This was agreed to, and in a few minutes Cis and Charlie were hanging round their aunt.

“Oh, auntie dear, have you come to take us away?”

“No, dears, but I have talked to Mr. Lockwood;” and she explained the fact that Mr. Sells did not know that Charlie’s laughter was involuntary.