"Blundering little idiot!" thought De Burgh; while Katherine answered, with remarkable composure.
"Nothing so formidable; only to be my instructor in the art of driving."
"Well, and do you accept?"
"Yes; I shall be very pleased to learn. I should like to be able to 'conduct' a pair of ponies, as the French would say."
"Ah yes! and cut a dash in the Park," said Mrs. Ormonde, taking the seat De Burgh reluctantly vacated for her. "I don't see why she should not, Mr. De Burgh; do you?"
"Certainly not, provided only Miss Liddell can handle the ribbons."
"Very well, Katherine: you devote yourself to acquire the art here, and then join us in a house in town this spring. I was reading the advertisements in the Times to-day. I always look at the houses to let, and there is one to let in Chester Square which would suit us exactly; that is, if you will join. She ought to have a season in town, ought she not, Mr. De Burgh?"
He looked keenly at Katherine, and smiled. "Yes, Miss Liddell ought to taste the incomparable delights of the season by all means. Life is incomplete without it."
"I should like to experience it certainly, for once, but I shall be more in the mood for such excitements next year—perhaps," returned Katherine, gravely.
"Oh, my dear Katie, never put things off! At all events, be presented. That would be a sort of beginning; and I am to be presented too, so we might go together."