NIECE CATHERINE
By MARY HAMPDEN
AUTHOR OF 'ALISON'S AMBITION' 'THE GIRL WITH A TALENT' 'STRANGERMARGARET' ETC.
THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY
56 PATERNOSTER ROW AND
65 ST PAUL'S CHURCHYARD
Butler & Tanner,
The Selwood Printing Works
Frome, and London.
Contents
CHAPTER I. The Heroine
CHAPTER II. Uncle Ross
CHAPTER III. Uncle Jack
CHAPTER IV. Catherine's Resolution
CHAPTER V. An Unshaken Resolution
CHAPTER VI. A Sunday's Experiences
CHAPTER VII. A Ray of Light
CHAPTER VIII. The Coming of Catherine's Betrothed
CHAPTER IX. An Important Offer
CHAPTER X. The Unexpected Happens
CHAPTER XI. Confidences and an Attempt
CHAPTER XII. Good-bye
CHAPTER XIII. The Fate of a Letter
CHAPTER XIV. Catherine's Appeal
CHAPTER XV. As God Willed
CHAPTER I
The Heroine
'Catherine!—Catherine!'
Mrs. Arderne stood at the foot of the staircase, looking upward, andcalling her companion. Though her voice sounded impatient there was anamused smile on her face, because she could hear merry laughter from thenight-nursery, where 'Catherine' was helping nurse to put Ted and Toddieinto bed.
The last call produced the effect desired. A tall slim young woman camerunning downstairs, explaining and apologising.
'Oh, I am really very sorry! Have you been trying to make me hear? Ididn't know that you were calling, not until a minute ago; and then Tedwas on my lap, and made himself so heavy when I tried to lift him backinto his cot!'
'You spoil my children.'
The mother was still smiling. Catherine laughed aloud, and verymusically, the laugh of a girl to whom people had always been kind.
'If you seriously meant that accusation, Mrs. Arderne, I should have totry to prove my innocence; but as I am sure you didn't, I will only tellyou what a darling Ted has been to-night. He