The banker was in the most excellent spirits this morning. He felt like an unruly schoolboy when the holidays come. He was beyond the arm of physical punishment still, and the phase of mental torture in which he had existed for some time had yielded to his present jovial bravado. His old sense of the ridiculous had returned upon him and expelled self-consideration. While he felt profoundly the necessity for precautions, he was careless as to the means he used, and inclined to estimate nothing as more than a grim joke. "You see," continued Sir William, "now that I am leaving, I am going to throw myself upon your indulgence and good-nature. You and I have a lot of waiting upon legal forms before we can act officially or authoritatively in the new positions we find ourselves." "A lot of waiting upon legal forms," assented Grey; and added mentally, "Thank God!" "But I suppose no one is going to say I am not the right man." "You may build on that. I daresay"--with a bland humorous smile--"I daresay few have greater interest in disputing your identity (there can be no dispute of your descent) than the representatives of Miss Midharst; and I"--with a bow and deprecating wave of the long arms and white hands--"have no such intention." "That is all right. Well, now I want to spend the most of that money you were so kind as to advance me on this place"--with a comprehensive sweep of the hand taking in the Castle and all the Island. "Quite so. I understood that from you before. I do not think you could do better with the money, Sir William." "I am glad you approve. I not only want your approval, but your co-operation also. Will you help me?" "To the utmost of my ability." "I do not intend beginning for a month or so; but as I shall then be away, I shall be unable to ensure the carrying out of my plans unless I can count on the friendly supervision, however slight, of someone who would take an interest in the work of renovation and improvement----" "And," interrupted the banker with a cordial smile, "you wish to know if I would undertake to see your wishes carried out. Nothing in the world could give me greater pleasure. I do not think you could suggest anything I would more gladly undertake." "Allow me to explain a little." "I assure you no explanation is necessary." "Excuse me, I think it is. It would be the height of impertinence in me to ask you to do anything of the kind, but----" "But that you know I shall always be only too glad to be of any service to Sir William Midharst." "You really overwhelm me with your goodness. I feel very much at taking such favours from one who has known me so short a time." "When people are well met, good-feeling ripens very quickly. Do you, Sir William, believe in love at first sight?" "Yes," said the baronet, looking up with an expression of surprise and curiosity. "Why?" he asked, in a tone of perplexity.