Part 63 (2/2)
De Burgh had throughout this period conducted himself with prudence and discretion. He often called about tea-time, and frequently managed to meet Katherine in the evening, but he carefully maintained a frank, friendly tone, even when expressing in his natural brusque way his admiration of herself or her dress. He talked pleasantly to Miss Payne, and subscribed to many of Bertie's charities. Katherine was getting quite used to him, though they disagreed and argued a good deal. She sometimes tried to persuade herself that De Burgh had given up his original pretentions and would be satisfied with platonics. But her inner consciousness rejected the theory. Still, De Burgh came to be recognized as a favored suitor by society, and the ”mothers, the cousins, and the aunts” of eligible young men shook their heads over the mistake she was making.
Now, after mature consideration, Katherine determined to make the will she had so long postponed, and bequeath all she possessed to Errington.
It was rather a formidable undertaking to announce this intention to Mr.
Newton, who would be sure to be surprised and interrogative, but she would do it. Having, therefore, made an appointment with him, she screwed up her courage and set out, accompanied by Miss Payne, who had been laid up with a cold, and was venturing out for the first time. She took advantage of Katherine's brougham to have a drive. The morning was very fine, and they started early, early enough to allow Miss Payne to leave the carriage and walk a little in the sun on ”the Ladies' Mile.”
As they proceeded slowly along, a well-appointed phaeton and pair of fine steppers pa.s.sed them. It was occupied by two gentlemen, one old, gray, bent, and closely wrapped up; the other vigorous, dark, erect, held the reins. He lifted his hat as he pa.s.sed Katherine and her companion with a swift, pleased smile.
”Who are those women?” asked the old gentleman, in a thick growl.
”Miss Liddell and her companion.”
”By George! she looks like a gentlewoman. Turn, and let us pa.s.s them again.”
De Burgh obeyed, and slackened speed as he went by. At the sound of the horses' tramp Katherine turned her head and gave De Burgh a bright smile and gracious bow.
”She is wonderfully good-looking for an heiress,” remarked Lord de Burgh, who was, of course, the wrapped-up old gentleman. ”I should say something for you if you could show such a woman with sixty or seventy thousand behind her as your wife. Why don't you go in and win? Don't let the gra.s.s grow under your feet.”
”It is easier said than done. Miss Liddell is not an ordinary sort of young lady; she is not to be hurried. But I do not despair, by any means, of winning her yet. If I press my suit too soon, I may lose my chance. Trust me, it won't be my fault if I fail.”
”I see you are in earnest,” said the old man, ”and I believe you'll win.”
De Burgh nodded, and whipped up his horses.
”That must be the old lord,” said Miss Payne, as the phaeton pa.s.sed out of sight. ”Mr. De Burgh seems in high favor. I cannot help liking him myself. There is no nonsense about him, and he is quite a gentleman in spite of his _brusquerie_.”
”Yes, I think he is,” said Katherine, thoughtfully, and walked on a little while in silence. Then Miss Payne said she felt tired; so they got into the carriage again and drove to Mr. Newton's office. There Katherine alighted, and desired the driver to take Miss Payne home and return for herself.
”And what is your business to-day?” asked Mr. Newton, when, after a cordial greeting, his fair client had taken a chair beside his knee-hole table.
”A rather serious matter, I a.s.sure you. I want to make my will.”
”Very right, very right; it will not bring you any nearer your last hour and it ought to be done.”
The lawyer drew a sheet of paper to him, and prepared to ”take instructions.”
”I should like to leave several small legacies,” began Katherine, ”and have put down the names of those I wish to remember, with the amounts each is to receive. If you read over this paper” (handing it to him) ”we can discuss----”
She was interrupted by a tap at the door which faced her, but was on Newton's left. A high screen protected the old lawyer from draughts, and prevented him from seeing who entered until the visitor stood before him.
”Come in,” said Newton, peevishly; and as a clerk presented himself, added, ”What do you want?”
”Beg pardon, sir. A gentleman downstairs wants to see you so very particularly that he insisted on my coming up.”
”Well, say I can't. I am particularly engaged. He must wait.”
While he spoke Katherine saw a man cross the threshold, a tall, gaunt man, slightly stooped. His clothes hung loosely on him, but they were new and good. His hair was iron gray, and thin on his craggy temples.
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