The poor little fellow did not complain of his aunt’s decision; he just laid his head on her shoulders and cried silently.  This was worse than any other line of conduct.  Cis declared his intention of running away forthwith; however, when matters were laid before him and the joys of a half-holiday set forth, he consented to try ‘old Sells’ a little longer, and then Katherine took them back to Wilton Street, where they spent a quiet happy afternoon with their aunt, to whom they poured out their hearts, and were finally taken back by the polite Francois.

“You are the kindest of much enduring employers,” said Katherine, gratefully, when she joined Mrs. Needham at dinner.  “I earnestly hope my sudden desertion has not inconvenienced you.  Now I am ready to work far into the night to make up for lost time.”

“Oh, you need not do that; I changed my plans after I met Lord de Burgh, and came home to write here.  Now tell me all about those poor dears and that brute of a master.”

The excitement of this expedition over, Katherine felt rather depressed and nervous the next morning.  She dreaded Lord de Burgh’s visit, yet did not absolutely wish to avoid it.  It was due to him that the sort of probation which he had voluntarily instituted should come to an end.  She could not allow herself to be made conspicuous by the constant attentions of a man who was known to be about the best match in London, yet she was genuinely sorry to lose him—­as a friend he had been so kind and thoughtful about the boys too!  Well, she would be frank and sympathetic, and soften her refusal as much as possible.  How she wished it were over, she found writing an impossible task, and Mrs. Needham, noticing her restlessness, observed, with a grave smile,

“I expect you will have some very good news for me this afternoon!  I am going out to luncheon.”

“No, dear Mrs. Needham, I do not think I shall,” returned Katherine.  “I fear——­”

“Lord de Burgh is in the drawing room,” said the parlor-maid.

“Go, Katherine,” cried Mrs. Needham; “and don’t tell me there is any doubt about your having good news!  You deserve bread and water for the rest of your natural life if you don’t take the goods the gods provide.”

Katherine hesitated, smiled miserably, and left the room.

“Well, and how did you find the poor little chap?” were De Burgh’s first words.  “There’s nothing wrong, I hope?—­you look as white as a ghost, and your hand is quite cold;” placing his left on it, as it lay in his grasp.  “The boys are well?”

“Yes, quite well, and reconciled with some difficulty to remain where they are,” she returned, disengaging herself and sinking rather than sitting down into a corner of a sofa nearest her.

“Then what has upset you?  I suppose,” softening his voice, “the whole thing was too much for you.”

“I daresay I excited myself more than I need have done, but I think my little Charlie is safe for the future.”