I suppose I may consider him a sort of
nephew?"
"My dear, of _course_! Colonel Ormonde, as well as myself, is proud to
consider you his aunt. Yes, I am very happy--though Ormonde _is_ rather
provoking sometimes; still, he is not half bad, and I know how to manage
him. You are _such_ a favorite with my husband, Katie. He admires you so
much, I sometimes threaten to be jealous--why, what is the matter,
dear?"
Katherine had suddenly covered her face with her handkerchief and burst
into tears.
"Do not mind me, Ada!" she said, when she could speak. "It was just that
name; no one has called me Katie except my mother and you, and the idea
that I should never hear her speak again overpowered me for a moment."
Mrs. Ormonde was puzzled. Not knowing what to do in face of a great
grief, she took out her own pocket-handkerchief politely.
"Of course, dear," she said; "it is quite natural. I was awfully cut up
when I heard of your sad loss--and mine too, for I am sure Mrs. Liddell
loved me like her own child; it was quite wonderful for a mother-in-law.
I was afraid to speak to you about her, but I am sure she would like you
to live with us; it is your natural home. And--and she would, I am sure,
be pleased if she can know what is going on here below, to see that you
fulfilled your kind intentions to her poor little grandsons.
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