"Will you excuse me for running away so soon, dear Mrs. Needham?" she
said, "but I promised Mrs. Julian Starner to go to her musical party
to-night. I am to play the opening piece of the second part, so I dare
not stay longer. You are going?"--to Errington, who bowed assent. "Then
I can give you a seat in my brougham," she continued, with calm, assured
serenity.
"Thank you," and Errington, turning to Katherine, said quickly: "Will
you let me know when you hear from Newton? I am most anxious as regards
Liddell's decision."
"I will, certainly. Good-night." She put her hand into his, and felt in
some occult manner comfort by the gentle pressure with which he held it
for half a moment. Yes, beaten, defeated, punished as she was, he felt
for her with a noble compassion. Ought not that to be enough?
"Good-night, Miss Liddell. I hope you will come and see me. I am always
at home on Tuesday afternoons; and Miss Payne, when I have seen the
grandmother of the girl we have been speaking about, I will let you
know, and you will kindly take into consideration the points I
mentioned. Good-night." And she swept away, leaning on Errington's arm.
"Now that we are by ourselves," said Mrs. Needham, comfortably, "I must
tell you what I have been proposing to Miss Liddell.
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