Part 82 (1/2)
”Some other day then,” he replied, with resolution.
”Good-morning, Lord de Burgh, or rather good evening, for it is seven o'clock,” said Mrs. Needham. ”Charming place, isn't it?”
”Very nice, indeed. I suppose I have the freedom of the house now, through your favor.”
”Certainly; good-bye, come and see us soon.”
”May I?” he whispered, as he handed Katherine into the carriage.
She smiled and shook her head, looking so sweet and arch that De Burgh could not help pressing her hand hard as he muttered something of which she could only catch the word ”mischief.”
”Well,” said Mrs. Needham, when they had left the villa behind, and she had succeeded in wrapping a woollen scarf closely round her throat, for the evening had grown chill, ”I knew I was right all along, and now old Bradley himself has as good as told me that Angela is engaged to Errington.”
”Indeed!” said the lady, who shared their conveyance. ”What did he say?”
”He was sitting with me on the lawn, and Miss Bradley went past between Errington and that tall military-looking man, who did not seem to know anyone; so I just remarked what a distinguished sort of person Mr.
Errington was, and Bradley, looking after him in an exulting sort of way, said, ”Distinguished! I believe you. That man, ma-am,” (you know his style) ”will be in the front rank before long. I recognized his power from the first, and, what's more, so did Angela. I am going to give a proof of my confidence in him that will astonish everyone; you'll hear of it in a week or two.” Now what can that mean but that he is going to trust his daughter to him? You see, Errington is like a son of the house. I am heartily glad, for I have reason to know that he has been greatly attached to her a considerable time, and they are admirably suited.”
”Well! he is a very lucky fellow; independent of all the money Bradley has made, this new magazine of his is a splendid property.”
And Katherine, listening in silence, told herself that one chapter of her life was closed for ever.
CHAPTER x.x.xII.
ILL MET.
A note from Mrs. Ormonde next morning informed Katherine that she had returned to Castleford, and recorded her deep regret that she could not call before leaving town, but that time was too short, although they had delayed their departure for a couple of days.
”We met Lord de Burgh at Lady Mary Vincent's; you can't think what a fuss she made about him. I remember when she would not let him inside her doors. He is older and more abrupt than ever. He told me he was going to meet you at Mrs. Needham's, and said hers was the only house in London worth going to. I suspect there is great fortune in store for you, Katie, and no friend will rejoice at it more warmly than I shall.
Do write and tell me all about everything; it is frightfully dull down here.
”Your ever attached sister, ”ADA.”
Beyond a pa.s.sing sensation of annoyance that De Burgh should make a display of his acquaintance with Mrs. Needham and herself, this epistle made no impression on Katherine, who was glad to have an unusual amount of work for Mrs. Needham, who had started--or rather promised her a.s.sistance in starting--a new scheme for extracting wax candle out of peat. Respecting this she was immensely sanguine, for the first time in her life she was to be properly remunerated for her trouble, and in a year or two would make her fortune.
The day flew past with welcome rapidity, and in the evening Katherine was swept off to a ”first-night representation,” which, though by no means first-rate, helped to draw Katherine out of herself, and helped her to vanquish vain regrets.
”You'll make a dozen copies of those notes please, dear,” said Mrs.
Needham, as she stood dressed to go out after an early luncheon the following day, ”and I'll sign them when I come in; then there is the notice of the play for my Dullertoova letter, and be sure you send those extracts from the _Weekly Review_ to Angela Bradley. You know all the rest; if I am not home by seven don't wait dinner for me.”
Katherine had scarcely settled to her task, when the servant entered to say that Lord De Burgh would be glad to speak to her, as he had a message from Mrs. Needham.
”How strange!” murmured Katherine, adding aloud, ”Then show him in.”
”I have just met Mrs. Needham, and she told me to give you this,” said De Burgh, handing a card to Katherine as soon as she had shaken hands with him. It was one of her own cards, and on the back was scribbled,
”Don't mind the notes.”