“Dreams, idle dreams, Lord de Burgh.  I shall be all right to-morrow.”

“I intend to come and see you if you are,” he returned, significantly.

“To-morrow I shall be out all the afternoon,” said Katherine, quickly.

“Some other day then,” he replied, with resolution.

“Good-morning, Lord de Burgh, or rather good evening, for it is seven o’clock,” said Mrs. Needham.  “Charming place, isn’t it?”

“Very nice, indeed.  I suppose I have the freedom of the house now, through your favor.”

“Certainly; good-bye, come and see us soon.”

“May I?” he whispered, as he handed Katherine into the carriage.

She smiled and shook her head, looking so sweet and arch that De Burgh could not help pressing her hand hard as he muttered something of which she could only catch the word “mischief.”

“Well,” said Mrs. Needham, when they had left the villa behind, and she had succeeded in wrapping a woollen scarf closely round her throat, for the evening had grown chill, “I knew I was right all along, and now old Bradley himself has as good as told me that Angela is engaged to Errington.”

“Indeed!” said the lady, who shared their conveyance.  “What did he say?”

“He was sitting with me on the lawn, and Miss Bradley went past between Errington and that tall military-looking man, who did not seem to know anyone; so I just remarked what a distinguished sort of person Mr. Errington was, and Bradley, looking after him in an exulting sort of way, said, “Distinguished!  I believe you.  That man, ma-am,” (you know his style) “will be in the front rank before long.  I recognized his power from the first, and, what’s more, so did Angela.  I am going to give a proof of my confidence in him that will astonish everyone; you’ll hear of it in a week or two.”  Now what can that mean but that he is going to trust his daughter to him?  You see, Errington is like a son of the house.  I am heartily glad, for I have reason to know that he has been greatly attached to her a considerable time, and they are admirably suited.”

“Well! he is a very lucky fellow; independent of all the money Bradley has made, this new magazine of his is a splendid property.”

And Katherine, listening in silence, told herself that one chapter of her life was closed for ever.

CHAPTER XXXII.

ILL MET.

A note from Mrs. Ormonde next morning informed Katherine that she had returned to Castleford, and recorded her deep regret that she could not call before leaving town, but that time was too short, although they had delayed their departure for a couple of days.

“We met Lord de Burgh at Lady Mary Vincent’s; you can’t think what a fuss she made about him.  I remember when she would not let him inside her doors.  He is older and more abrupt than ever.  He told me he was going to meet you at Mrs. Needham’s, and said hers was the only house in London worth going to.  I suspect there is great fortune in store for you, Katie, and no friend will rejoice at it more warmly than I shall.  Do write and tell me all about everything; it is frightfully dull down here. 
“Your ever attached sister,
“ADA.”