‘I will be cautious. I will do nothing rash,’ answered Tor, his thoughts wandering to the Phil whose duties he had assumed. He saw at once the danger of starting a quarrel, which he might be able to sustain with success, but which might involve his more gentle-spirited friend in much difficulty when he assumed the reins of government. ‘I have no love of disputes. You may be sure I shall not embroil myself needlessly.’ Mrs. Lorraine’s face put on a look of approval and relief. ‘You are a dear boy, Phil. You are like a tower of strength amongst us.’ Maud now came tripping back, begging Phil to make haste and escape with her, because she fancied some of her cousins were coming in search of them. Three minutes later they were beyond the precincts of Thornton House; they had crossed the narrow lane that divided the two properties, and had plunged into the deep shadows of the wooded park which surrounded Ladywell Manor. ‘Now, Phil,’ cried Maud triumphantly, ‘you are standing on your own ground—your very own! What does it feel like to be a landed proprietor?’ ‘Makes one feel a foot and a half taller, at the least! What a lovely night for a walk, Maud—the moonlight and the shadows and the dew upon the grass! I don’t remember the Manor a bit, Maud. Were we often there as children?’ ‘No, hardly ever. We used to play in the park sometimes, but I don’t know that we ever went to the house when we were little. Since we have been grown up, we have been sometimes to call on old Uncle Maynard—I and my cousins, I mean. I dare say you never were there at all.’ ‘No? Well, I certainly don’t remember it. But old Maynard must have been very proud of the place. I hear he has stipulated that not less than a thousand a year is to be spent in keeping up the establishment in the way in which he kept it up. I suppose he was afraid that my roving habits would be too strong for me, and induce me to shut up the house and leave it to decay. Any way, he has provided against any such intention by his will; and whether or not I live there, the gardens and the house will be kept up in style, horses in the stables and servants about the place. You, Maud, as lady of the Manor, will reap the advantage of the arrangement.’ Tor had been informed by his uncle, at dessert, of this proviso in the will, and he had been much relieved to hear of it. It lessened the uncomfortable sense of responsibility which haunted him at times, when the disposal of Phil’s property was under discussion, and made his way plain in many ways.