"The deuce you have! It is too awful to see you in slavery."
"Very pleasant, easy slavery."
"So this chief of yours gives parties, receptions, at homes. Why doesn't she ask me?"
"I am sure she would if she knew of your existence."
"Do you mean to say you have never mentioned me to her, nor enlarged upon my many delightful and noble qualities?"
"I am ashamed to say I have not."
Lord de Burgh rose slowly and reluctantly. "Are you going to bring the boys here?"
"No; Miss Payne has most kindly invited them to stay with her. As yet she has not found any one to replace me. Poor little souls, I shall be glad when their holidays are over, for I fear they are not the same joy to Miss Payne as they are to me."
"Ah! believe me, you want some help in bringing up a couple of boys. Just fancy what Cis will be six or seven years hence. Why, he'll play the devil if he hasn't a strong hand over him."
"I don't believe it!" cried Katherine, smiling. "Why should he be worse than other boys?"