Niece Catherine Part 13

'And I say, are you working for prizes too, as we are?'

Brian glanced smilingly at Catherine, who blushed radiantly as he answered:

'Yes, Ted, for a prize that is very beautiful; but I cannot stay to tell you now what the prize is, because I am going out with Miss Carmichael this afternoon.'

'Carr, you'll tell us all about it to-night, won't you?'

''Bout Mr. North's prize!' added Toddie.

An interruption occurred at this moment. A servant brought in a note for Catherine, and explained that Mr. Carmichael's carriage had come for her.

The letter was as follows:

'CARM HALL.

'MY DEAR NIECE,--

'I hope you will give me as much of your society as possible to-day (bringing Mr. North with you, if he has arrived yet in Beverbridge); but apart from this desire of mine, pray keep the carriage waiting as long as suits your convenience.

'Believe me to be,

'Your affectionate uncle,

'ROSS CARMICHAEL.'

'Oh, good-bye to our nice walk!' sighed the girl mischievously, as she handed the note to Brian. 'A closed carriage too! I see it through the window! And this is such a lovely autumn day! Dear old uncle, I ought to be ashamed of my grumbles, though, for he meant to show me a most considerate attention!'

Brian laughed, as he answered:

'The walk is a loss, certainly, but by driving we shall be able to spend a longer time at Carm Hall, and I am anxious to make the acquaintance of your relatives.'

'Mr. Carmichael is a charming old gentleman,' said Mrs. Arderne.

'And what is Colonel Carmichael, please, ma'am?'

'My darling girl, don't question me in that impertinent fashion. My admiration for your elder uncle does not make me blind to the charm of the younger.'

'Uncle Jack impressed you favourably, I am certain, though you saw so little of him!'

'Mr. North, do you mean to allow Catherine to obstinately insist upon offending Mr. Ross Carmichael?'

Brian looked from the interrogator to Catherine's demurely smiling face, then back again.

'If I wished Catherine to be worldly-wise, Mrs. Arderne, I should be wishing her to give me up.'

'No, not necessarily,' cried the kind little woman, anxious to make amends for having reminded him of his poverty. 'If Mr. Ross takes a fancy to you, he might--do anything for you both. He is already much attached to his niece. It is only her obstinate choice of a home with Uncle Jack that stands in the way of her heiress-ship!'

'While Catherine sees a work awaiting her, she will become happy only by doing it. I would rather she should be happy than rich.'

'Then _you_ believe in her possession of a serious vocation to convert the inhabitants of Redan Cottage?'

'I always believe in a woman's vocation to do that good which she clearly sees ought to be done, and for which her gifts and sympathies fit her,' he answered gravely.

'Oh, Brian, thank you!' the girl cried gratefully.

'I thought that only Catherine was quixotic and imprudent, but now I see that you are both in the conspiracy to ruin your prospects!' was Mrs.

Arderne's regretful reply. 'At least you need not let Uncle Ross's horses catch their deaths of cold! Go and get ready, Catherine, foolish child!'

As they were driven along the well-kept country road leading to Carm Hall, Catherine and Brian talked of their 'prospects' almost as practically as Mrs. Arderne could have done, but they were the prospects of finding work for him, not an heiress-ship for her! And to an irreligious or G.o.d-forgetting person their trust in the efficacy of asking heavenly aid would, no doubt, have seemed childish. They were content, however, because now they both believed that G.o.d would provide for the necessities of those who turned to Him in faith.

It was Mr. Carmichael's footman, not his personal attendant, James, who opened the door of Carm Hall to them, and they were ushered into the large drawing-room, where the master of the house was awaiting them.

'Uncle Ross, I have brought Brian, you see!'

'I am glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. North.'

These were the first words spoken.

Some time elapsed before the trio could shake off the strangeness of their meeting; even the elderly man was conscious of a feeling of awkwardness. Brian, who had come to be inspected, was perhaps most at ease. It was due, chiefly, to his adroit management of the situation that conversation became more confidential before long.

In speaking of some news of the day, he alluded to the opinion advocated on the subject by the paper for which he had formerly worked, and expressed his regret at having lost his employment.

'For, as you know, sir, I am a very poor man, with the best possible reason for desiring success in my profession.'

'Catherine says you are a hard worker when work is ready for you to do,'

said Mr. Carmichael.

'It would be strange if I were not, since our home depends upon my industry,' answered Brian, with a smile. 'We have been making each other very hopeful--haven't we, Catherine?--by deciding that work usually comes to those who are anxious and _able_ to do it.'

'Work, perhaps--though personally I doubt your optimistic theory--but not always the kind of work desired.'

'It would only be a question of capability with me. I would do any honourable remunerative task.'

Uncle Ross began to question Brian closely as to the writing he had done, and the extent of his literary and journalistic experience, and the talk became animated, interspersed with anecdotes of celebrated literature, and keen, clever expressions of opinion by the younger man.

Catherine sat silent, listening and taking pride in her lover. That Uncle Ross was pleased was evident.

It was after tea--over which Catherine presided--that a chance question brought discord among them. Mr. Carmichael asked their plans.

Was Mr. North staying long in Beverbridge? and how much of his time was already allotted?

'None, except this evening, when I believe I am to have the pleasure of making your brother's acquaintance,' answered Brian.

The frown, almost habitual, but which had been invisible during the last hour, returned to the squire's brow.

'I regret that my niece continues to court the favour of those persons--I should say of the person--who has wronged me.'

'It was an involuntary wrong; Uncle Jack desires nothing so much as to have his share in the quarrel forgiven him!'