It was ten o’clock when the two culprits entered the drawing-room, and found the company looking decidedly bored. They had expected Tor to amuse them during the evening, and had felt aggrieved by his disappearance. ‘We have been across to see Ladywell by moonlight,’ said Tor. ‘It looks quite romantic in that aspect.’ ‘You might have let me come too. I love a moonlight walk,’ cried Bertha. ‘You’re always so selfish, Maud.’ ‘Phil isn’t your brother,’ returned Maud. ‘I had ever so many things to say to him.’ ‘Well, I think he might have stayed with us the first evening,’ said Matilda, with languid raillery. ‘Are we such a dreadfully unendurable family, Phil, that you cannot put up with us for one evening?’ ‘It is the fashion now, I believe, for young men to do exactly as they please, without any regard for the wishes of others or the exigencies of society,’ remarked Mrs. Belassis incisively. Tor laughed; for anyone to laugh after such a remark showed a boldness, not to say a recklessness, which was enough to provoke a shudder of horror. ‘I am afraid my social education has been sadly neglected, my dear aunt, and that ignorance, not fashion, prompted this breach of manners. When a man has been knocking about the world for ten years, with nothing but his own fancy to please, he grows sadly benighted as to the “exigencies of society.” I am afraid I was ignorant that it possessed any.’ ‘Ah, indeed! Then you will find yourself in many very unpleasant predicaments before many days are past.’ ‘If I can extricate myself as easily as in the present instance, I do not think I need feel appalled,’ answered Tor, taking a seat between his two cousins. ‘Surely I have not sinned past forgiveness? I think I can see signs of relenting already. Shall we seal the peace by making a plan? Shall we all lunch at Ladywell Manor the day after to-morrow? Will you all be my guests, and help at the housewarming? and afterwards we can explore the grounds together at our leisure.’ The cousins brightened up wonderfully at this suggestion. Tor made himself exceedingly agreeable and entertaining during the remainder of the evening; and by the time the ladies retired to their rooms, they were loud in his praises—Mrs. Belassis alone excepted. ‘Philip, my lad, I just want to speak a single word to you to-night,’ said Mr. Belassis, when he found himself alone with his supposed nephew. ‘Certainly, sir; what is it?’ ‘It is in reference to dear Maud,’ answered Mr. Belassis, struggling to appear quite at ease, when really not at all comfortable. ‘Are you aware that your father, in opposition to my wishes, made a very extraordinary condition as to the money which Maud has to inherit?’ ‘I have not heard exactly what it was—though I have my suspicions,’ answered Tor coldly.