"I will go at once. But you must give me a little money. I would gladly
pay for the things, but I have only my omnibus fare back."

"How much do you want?" he returned, drawing forth an old worn green
porte-monnaie.

"If you will be satisfied with a chop, two shillings will get all you
want," said Katherine.

"There, then; bring me the change and account," he returned, handing her
the required sum.

Since her mother had become a housekeeper Katherine had done a good deal
of the marketing and household management, and had put her heart into
her work, as was natural to her. She therefore felt quite competent to
make these small purchases.

"You will want a little more wine or something," she ventured to
suggest.

"I have plenty--plenty. Make haste!"

Katherine called the little girl, told her she was going out, and
promised to bring her back some food. Then she sped on her way to some
shops she had noticed on her way, and soon accomplished her errand. This
necessity for action put her right with herself, and gave her the
courage she needed. With a word to the fainting old miser, she descended
to the chaotic kitchen, where she rejoiced the heart of the small slavey
by the sight of the cold beef and bread she had brought for her. Then
she set to work to cook the chops she had purchased. This done, to the