"To Mr. Errington,—Allow me to speak to you alone.
Katherine Liddell."
"Who brought this?" asked Errington, suppressing all expression as well as he could.
"A young person in black, sir—leastways I think she's young."
"Show her in; and, Harris, I am engaged if any one calls."
Errington went to the door to meet his most unexpected visitor. The next moment she stood before him. He bowed with much deference. She bent her head in silence, but did not offer to shake hands. She wore a black dress and a very simple black straw hat, round which a white gauze veil was tied, which effectually concealed her face.
"Pray sit down," was all Errington could think of saying, so astonished was he at her sudden appearance.
Katherine took a seat opposite to his. She unfastened and took off her veil, displaying a face from which her usual rich soft color had faded, sombre eyes, and tremulous lips. Looking full at him, she said, without greeting of any kind, "Do you think me mad to come here?"
"I am a little surprised; but if I can be of any use—" Errington began calmly. She interrupted him.
"I hope to be of use to you. No one except myself can explain how or why; that is the reason I have intruded upon you."
"You do not intrude, Miss Liddell. I am quite at your service; only I hope you are not distressing yourself on my account."