“I only asked, because if she was in poverty—­”

“Oh,” interrupted the lawyer, “if she were alive, she would have her share of the estate, as her marriage was never dissolved.”

A short pause ensued, and then Newton asked if Miss Liddell would like some money, as he would be happy to draw a check for any sum she required.  Then, indeed, Katherine felt that her days of difficulty were over.

Mrs. Liddell and her daughter were in no hurry to leave their humble home.  In truth Katherine was more frightened than elated at the amount of property she had inherited, and would have felt a little less guilty had she only succeeded in obtaining a moderate competence.

A curious stunned feeling made her incapable of her usual activity for the first few days, and averse even to plan for the future.

She kept her sister-in-law quiet by a handsome present of money wherewith to buy a fresh outfit for herself and her boys.  Finally she roused up sufficiently to persuade Mrs. Liddell to see an eminent physician, for she did not seem to gather strength as rapidly as her daughter expected.

The great man, after a careful examination, said there was nothing very wrong; the nervous system seemed to be a good deal exhausted, and the bronchial attack of the previous year had left the lungs delicate, but that with care she might live to old age.

He directed, however, that Mrs. Liddell should go as soon as possible to a southern climate.  He recommended Cannes or San Remo—­indeed it would be advisable that several winters in future should be spent in a more genial atmosphere than that of England.

This advice exactly suited the wishes both of Katherine and her mother.

How easy it was to make arrangements in their altered circumstances!  How magical are the effects of money!  How quickly Katherine grew accustomed to the unwonted ease of her present lot! If—­oh, if—­she were ever found out, how should she bear it?  How could she endure the pinch of poverty, added to the poison of shame?  But the idea that all this wealth was really hers gained on her, while her fears were lulled to sleep by a pleasant sense of comfort and security.

Mrs. Frederic Liddell was a good deal disturbed on hearing that her mother-in-law was ordered abroad.

“Pray what is to become of me?” was her first question when Katherine announced the doctor’s verdict.  They were sitting over the fire in the drawing-room, after the boys had said good-night.

“Would you prefer staying in England?” asked Mrs. Liddell.

“For some reasons I should, but you know I must have something to live on.”

“I know that,” returned Katherine.  “As I cannot execute any any deed of gift for two years, I think I had better give you an allowance for yourself and the boys, and let you do as you like.  I have talked with Mr. Newton about it.”