I am
deeply sorry for your disappointment, but I have done nothing to
irritate Colonel Ormonde into forgetting what is due to a lady and his
wife's benefactress." Katherine was thoroughly roused, and stood, head
erect, with glowing eyes, and soft red lips curling with disdain.
"I always said she was violent; didn't' I, Duke?" sobbed Mrs. Ormonde.
"Katherine, you do amaze me."
"There is no denying she is a plucky one," he returned, with a gruff
laugh. "I too deny that you should consider it a misfortune for the boys
to come under my care. I owe a duty to my own son, and am not going to
play the generous step-father to his hurt. If you can't come to
advantageous terms with this--this impostor, as I verily believe he is.
I'll send the boys to the Bluecoat School or some such institution. They
have turned out very good men before this."
"I am sure we could expect no more from Colonel Ormonde, and when you
think that I shall be entirely dependent on him for"--sob--"my very
gowns"--sob--"and--and little outings--and" a total break down.
"If I am penniless," said Katherine, controlling her inclination to
scream aloud with agony, "I must accept your offer--any offer that will
provide for my nephews. If not, I will devote myself and what I have to
them.
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