only way left to us to save. It wasn't at all a good thing for Mabel and
me, for we had to leave our education unfinished. But mother thought it
best. What's the matter, Loftie?"

"Only if you're going on in this strain I'm off to bed. It is hard on a
fellow when he comes once in a while to see his sisters to be called
over the coals by them. You know I'm awfully fond of you, Kitty, and
somehow I thought you'd be a comfort to me. You know very little indeed
of the real worries of life."

Loftus spoke in a tone of such feeling that Catherine's warm heart was
instantly touched.

"I won't say any more," she answered. "I know it isn't right of me. I
always wished and longed to be a help to you, Loftie."

"So you can. You are a dear little sis when you like. You're worth
twenty of May. I think you are going to be a very handsome girl, Kate,
and if you are only fed up properly, and dressed properly, so that the
best points of your figure can be seen--well--now what's the matter?"

"Only I won't have you talking of me as if I were going to be put up to
auction."

"So you will be when you go to London. All girls are. The mothers are
the auctioneers, and the young fellows come round and bid. Good
gracious, what a thunder-cloud! What flashing eyes! You'll see what a
famous auctioneer mother will make! What is the matter, Kitty?"

"Nothing. Good-night. I'm going to bed."