“‘Madonna’ was the word I wanted. To me it is still a matter of wonder that she ever looked at me, let alone accepted my humble suit. But at that time, of course, I was in a very good position. Some of my comic operas were being played. I had a considerable sum of money which, fortunately, I invested in house property, and she was a little--er--extravagant--yes, that’s the word, she was a little extravagant. It was perhaps my fault.” There was a long silence while he ruminated, his chin bent on his chest, his eyes fixed upon the table-cloth. “Yes, it was my fault. I told my dear friend Shaddles, when he suggested a divorce----” “Shaddles?” squeaked Lizzy. “You don’t know that old--that gentleman, do you?” Mackenzie looked at her in surprise. “Why, Mr. Shaddles is my lawyer. That is how I came to have the good fortune to secure you as my tenants. You remember Mr. Shaddles recommended my little house?” “Shaddles! Good Lord!” said Lizzy, pushing back her plate. “I don’t think I could ever have slept in my bed if I’d known!” “He is a good man, a true man, and a friend,” said Mr. Mackenzie soberly. “And he’s a mean old skinflint,” said Lizzy, despite Lois’ warning glance. “He’s a wee bit near,” admitted Mr. Mackenzie. “But then, some lawyers get that way. His father was like that.” “Did he ever have a father?” asked Lizzy, with assumed surprise. “His father and his father’s father were the same way. But the Shaddles are great lawyers, and they’ve managed great estates. They’ve been lawyers to the Moron family for hundreds of years.” “Do you know the Morons then?” asked Lois. He hesitated. “I cannot say that I know them. I know of them. The old earl, the father of the present boy, I have seen once. He lived abroad for many years, and was--weel, I’ll no’ call him bad, but he was a gay man by all accounts. And a scandalous liver. Willie, his son, was a fine boy, but he died. Selwyn, the younger son by the second wife, must be the lad to whom you’re referring.” Even Lizzy was impressed by the old man’s knowledge of the Morons’ genealogical tree. “It is a good thing for the family that they have this fine boy, Selwyn; though, if her ladyship had a daughter, she would succeed to the title, the Morons being one of those families where a woman succeeds failing a male heir.” After dinner was cleared away he brought up his violin and played for half an hour; and Lizzy, whose respect for the musician seemed to have taken an upward curve, tolerated the performance with admirable fortitude. The evening passed all too quickly, and at ten o’clock Lois looked at her watch and the two girls exchanged glances. Lizzy rose with a shiver. “Back to the house of fate,” she said dramatically. “And thank heaven this is the last night we shall sleep there!” She could not guess that neither Lois Reddle nor she would ever pass into that house of fate again! Chapter Eighteen