Katherine flushed crimson, and did not
speak, but Mrs. Liddell said, kindly: "My dear Ada, if you think Colonel
Ormonde will make you happy and be kind to the boys, you are quite
right. I never expected a young creature like you to live alone for the
rest of your existence, and I believe Colonel Ormonde is a man of
character and position."
"He is indeed," cried Ada, falling on her mother-in-law's neck. "You are
the wisest, kindest woman in the world. And you, Katherine?"
"I _do_ hope you will be _very, very_ happy," responded Katherine; "but
I must say I think he is rather too old for you. That, however, is your
affair."
"Yes, of course it is"--leaving Mrs. Liddell to hug Katherine. "I am
quite fond of him; that is, I esteem and like him. Of course I shall
never love any one as I did my dear darling Fred; but I do want some one
to help me with the boys, and Marmaduke (that's his name) is quite fond
of them. So now, dear Mrs. Liddell, I will stay on here till--till I am
married, if you don't mind."
"It is the best thing you can do, Ada. I wish we could stay and be
present at your marriage."
"But that is impossible," cried Katherine.
"And not at all necessary," added Mrs. Frederic, hastily. "My friend
Mrs.
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