"I don't fancy Katie has much of a chance herself," returned Mrs. Liddell, as she followed her daughter-in-law into the dining-room. "It is an old man's whim, and he will probably never wish to see her again."
"Very likely. You know dear Katherine does not do herself justice; her manners are so abrupt. You do not mind my saying so?"
"Not in the least." Mrs. Liddell had a fine temper, and also a keen sense of humor. Though fond of and indulgent to her daughter-in-law, she saw through her more clearly than Katherine did, as she gave full credit for the good that was in her, in spite of her little foibles and greediness. "Katherine is much more abrupt than you are."
"Exactly. She will never be quite up to her dear mother's mark. Few step-mothers and daughters get on as we do, and I am sure you would look after poor Fred's boys as if they were your own."
"So would Katherine. Of that you may be sure, my dear."
"Oh yes; she is very fond of them, especially Charlie. I do not think she is really just to Cecil."
"Real justice is rare," returned Mrs. Liddell, calmly. "There is a note for you, Ada, on the chimney-piece; it came just after you went out."
"Why, it is from Mrs. Burnett!"--pouncing on it and tearing it open. "What shall I do?" she almost screamed as she read it. "I am afraid I shall never get there in time. What o'clock is it?--my watch is never right. Half-past twelve, and luncheon is at half-past one. Oh, I must manage it! Read that, dear.--Jane! Jane! bring me some hot water immediately, and come help me to dress.--What is the cab fare to Park Terrace? Eighteenpence?--it can't be so much. Just lend me a shilling; you can take it out of the ten pounds you are to pay me next week." And she flew out of the room.
"Mrs. Liddell sat down with a sigh, and read the note which caused this excitement:
"DEAR MRS. LIDDELL,--Do help me in a dilemma! We have a box for Miss St. Germaine's benefit matinee to-morrow, and Lady Alice Mordaunt wants to come with Fanny and Bea. You know she is not out yet. Now I am engaged to go with Florence to Lady McLean's garden party at Twickenham. So may I _depend_ on you to come and chaperon them? If it were my own girls only, they could go with Ormonde or any one. But Lady Alice is to be escorted to our house by that incarnation of propriety, Mr. Errington; so they must have a chaperon. I therefore depend on you. Luncheon at 1.30. Do not fail. Ever yours affectionately. E. BURNETT."