Curiously enough, he never saw this. In all things he demanded an absolute and unquestioning obedience from his household, so it never for a moment struck him that the girl would dare to defy his authority. Yet it was so; for in place of making her obedient, Sir Rupert's blundering conduct had made her crafty, and she made up her mind that she would never give up her lover. Tommy Valpy stood her friend, and Kaituna met Archie at her house, where they parted with many promises of remaining true to one another. Then Kaituna returned to Thornstream, and resumed her mask of politeness; while Sir Rupert, thinking she had obeyed him, and given up her undesirable lover, was to a certain extent content, although still suspicious of her apparent acquiescence in his wish. Things were in this state when Mrs. Belswin arrived. On leaving the railway station, after her interview with Maxwell, she had met Belk, but did not stop to speak to him, being afraid of Ferrari's jealousy. In this she was quite right, for Belk, seeing her driving past with a stranger, scowled savagely as he took off his hat; while Ferrari, noting the good looks of the young man, and seeing the scowl directed to himself, guessed directly that this was the rival mentioned by Mrs. Belswin. "Mia cara," he said, artfully, as they drove on to Deswarth, "that handsome gentleman who made the bow--is it your friend?" "Friend," echoed Mrs. Belswin, carelessly--"oh, I've so many friends." "Is it--" began Stephano, when Mrs. Belswin turned furiously upon him. "Don't worry me, Stephano; don't you see I'm busy. Is that the man I mentioned to you?--yes, it is. You see he is stronger than you, so don't fight him unless you like. I don't care a morsel for either of you. All I want is to stay by my child; and as you can't help me, you coward, don't worry me with silly questions." Ferrari said no more, but made up his mind to seek an interview with the good-looking stranger, and find out whether Mrs. Belswin regarded him with favour. On arriving at Deswarth, which was a short distance from Thornstream, Mrs. Belswin put the Italian down at "The Chequers Inn," told him to wait there in concealment until she saw him again, and then drove to the Hall. Being determined not to see Sir Rupert until after dinner, in order to discover in the meantime how the land lay, she went up to her own room and sent for Kaituna, who was delighted to see her. "Now you are here," said the girl kissing her friend, "you may perhaps induce papa to let me marry Archie. You know----" "I know all about it, my dear," replied Mrs. Belswin, with a maternal air; "Mr. Maxwell met me at the railway station, and put me in full possession of all the facts." "And do you think papa will let me marry him?" asked Kaituna, timidly. "I really cannot tell, dear, until I see your papa." "At dinner?"