This was an objection Katherine had never anticipated, and knew not how
to meet. She colored vividly and hesitated; then, struck with the
ghastly pallor of the old man's face, she exclaimed, "You are ill! you
are fainting!" drawing near him as she spoke.

"I am not ill," he gasped. "I am weak from want of food. I have tasted
none since yesterday afternoon."

"Will you not order some?" said Katherine, looking round for a bell.

"There is nothing in the house. That drunken robber I have just driven
out went off to her revels last night and left me without anything; but
while she was away a tradesman came with a bill I thought was paid, and
so I discovered all her iniquity."

"You must have something," cried Katherine, seriously alarmed. "Can I
get you some wine or brandy?" and she rang hastily.

Mr. Liddell drew a bunch of keys from his trousers pocket, and feebly
selecting one, put it in her hand, pointing to the sideboard.

The first cellaret Katherine opened was quite empty, the opposite one
held two empty bottles covered with dust, and another, at the bottom of
which was about a wineglass of brandy. She sought eagerly for and found
a glass, and brought it to the fainting man, pouring out a small
quantity, which he sipped readily enough. "Ah!" he said, "I was nearly
gone. I must eat. I suppose that wretched brat can cook something. Ring
again." Katherine rang, and rang, but in vain.

"May I go down and see what has become of her?"