money; but I will pay you in kind.  You have saved my dear sister, I will provide for the nephews that are dear to you.  I have already seen Newton and my own solicitor, and laid my propositions before them.  I don’t pretend to munificence for them, besides, I shall not forget either you or them in my will, but they shall have means for a right good education and a good start in life.  Now I want you to forgive my brutality when we first met, and, more, I want you to be my daughter’s friend.”  He grasped her hand.

Katherine’s eyes had already brimmed over.

“Forgive you!” she repeated.  “I am quite ready to forgive.  I was vexed, of course, that you should be unreasonably prejudiced against me; but I am deeply grateful for your generosity to the boys.  If you knew the joy, the relief you have given me, it would, I am sure, gladden you.  But let us try to make Rachel happy too.  I wish——­”

“She is happiest in her own way.  Work is the only cure for ills like hers,” interrupted Liddell.  “Time will do wonders, and her wish to keep our relationship secret is wise.”  There was a pause; then Liddell, looking steadily at Katherine, exclaimed, “You are a real true, good-hearted woman; the world would be a better place if there were a few more like you in it.”  He then passed on to his plans for the future; his projects for his daughter’s education, opening his mind with a degree of confidence which amazed Katherine, considering that two days before he was an enemy.

Presently he ceased to speak, and, after a moment’s thought, stood up.

“Now I have said my say, and I must go,” he exclaimed.  “I only came to explain myself to you, for the less of such a story committed to paper the better.  I am due in town to-morrow morning; write to Rachel, and come and see her as soon as you can.  I wish,” he added, with a searching glance, “that I had a woman like you to regulate matters and take care of my little Marie; then I could keep her with me.”

“She is far better at school,” returned Katherine, a little startled by this suggestive speech.  “But will you not have some luncheon before you go?”

“No, thank you.  I had some before coming on here.  I need very little food, and scarcely anything gives me pleasure; but I like you, my cousin, and I want your friendship for the child.”

“She shall have it, I promise.”

After a few more words, George Liddell bid her good-bye.  She stood a few minutes in deep thought before going to tell her good news to Miss Payne, reflecting that she must not betray the real motive of his change towards herself; the less she said the better.  While she thought, Miss Payne came in looking unusually eager.

“Wouldn’t he stay and have a bit to eat?” she exclaimed.  “I saw him going out of the gate from my room.”

“No, he is in a hurry to get back to town.  Ah! my dear Miss Payne, he came down to make his peace with me, and he is going to provide for the boys.”