"Certainly not calculating," she returned.
"Probably his new responsibilities may steady him."
"They may. I almost wish I dare——"
"My dear Katherine, I have been looking everywhere for you. I want you so much to play Mrs. Grandison's accompaniment. She is going to sing one of your songs, and no one plays it as well as you do. So sorry to interrupt your nice talk; but what can a wretched hostess do?"
"Oh, I am quite ready, Mrs. Needham," said Katherine; and she rose obediently.
"Will you come, Mr. Errington?" asked the lady of the house.
"To hear Mrs. Grandison murder one of Miss Liddell's songs, which I dare say I have heard at Castleford? No, thank you. I shall bid you good-night. I am going on to Lady Barbara Bonsfield's, where I shall not stay long."
"Horrid woman! she robbed me of Angela Bradley to-night!" exclaimed Mrs. Needham.
With a quick "Good-night," Katherine went to fulfil her duties in the drawing-room, and did not see Errington again for several days.