"If he be grateful, he will feel pleased to think that you may be removed to a happier situation," said the rector.
"True!" exclaimed Kate. "And if I only earned more money than I do here, I should be able to provide him with a great many little comforts."
"Assuredly," replied the fashionable preacher, who during this colloquy had gradually drawn his chair closer to that of the young maiden. "The gentleman, to whom I have before alluded, called upon me yesterday. It appears he learnt from the policeman that you had been educated at the school in my district, and that my housekeeper was well acquainted with you. He nobly offered to contribute a sum of money towards settling you in some comfortable manner."
"The generous stranger!" exclaimed Kate. "What is his name, sir—that I may pray for him?"
"Mr. Markham——"
"Markham!" cried the young girl, strangely excited by the mention of that name.
"Yes. Have you ever heard of him before?" asked the rector, surprised at the impression thus produced.
Katherine appeared to reflect profoundly for some moments; then, opening a secret drawer of her work-box, she drew forth a small satin bag, carefully sewed all round.
She took her scissors and unpicked the thread from one end of the bag.
The rector watched her attentively, and with as much surprise as interest.