Ethel perceived vaguely that the forceful man who held her in the hollow of his hand had met more than his match. Over that spectacle she rejoiced like a small child; but at the same time Arthur Twemlow's absolute conviction that the Five Towns was losing ground frightened her, made her feel that life was earnest, and stirred faint longings for the serious way. It seemed to her that she was weighed down by knowledge of the world, whereas gay Millicent, and Rose with her silly examinations.... She plunged again into the actuality of the letter from Paris.... 'I called really to speak to you about my father's estate.' Ethel was startled into attention by the sudden careful politeness in Arthur Twemlow's manner and by a quivering in his voice. 'What of it?' said Stanway. 'I've forgotten all the details. Fifteen years since, you know.' 'Yes. But it's on behalf of my sister, and I haven't been over before. Besides, it wasn't till she heard I was coming to England that she--asked me.' 'Well,' said Stanway. 'Of course I was the sole executor, and it's my duty----' 'That's it,' Twemlow broke in. 'That's what makes it a little awkward. No one's got the right to go behind you as executor. But the fact is, my sister--we--my sister was surprised at the smallness of the estate. We want to know what he did with his money, that is, how much he really received before he died. Perhaps you won't mind letting me look at the annual balance-sheets of the old firm, say for 1875, 6, and 7. You see----' Twemlow stopped as Stanway half-turned to look at the door between the two rooms. 'Go on, go on,' said Stanway in his grandiose manner. 'That's all right.' Ethel knew in a flash that her father would have given a great deal to have had the door shut, and equally that nothing on earth would have induced him to shut it. 'That's all right,' he repeated. 'Go on.' Twemlow's voice regained steadiness. 'You can perhaps understand my sister's feelings.' Then a long pause. 'Naturally, if you don't care to show me the balance-sheets----' 'My dear Twemlow,' said John stiffly, 'I shall be delighted to show you anything you wish to see.' 'I only want to know----' 'Certainly, certainly. Quite justifiable and proper. I'll have them looked up.' 'Any time will do.' 'Well, we're rather busy. Say a week to-day--if you're to be here that long.' 'I guess that'll suit me,' said Twemlow. His tone had a touch of cynical cruel patience. The intangible and shapeless suspicions which Ethel had caught from Leonora took a misty form and substance, only to be immediately dispelled in that inconstant mind by the sudden refreshing sound of Milly's voice: 'We've called to take Ethel home, papa--oh, mother, here's Mr. Twemlow!' In another moment the office was full of chatter and scent, and Milly had run impulsively to Ethel: 'What _has_ father given you to do?' 'Oh dear!' Ethel sighed, with a fatigued gesture of knowing nothing whatever.