‘It was a very odd will. I advised him repeatedly against it; but he would have it so. He was very fond of my Lewis. He was bent upon the match. He only leaves one-third of the money to Maud, unless she marries my son. I could not persuade him to act otherwise.’ Tor’s lip curled slightly. ‘Very magnanimous of you, sir.’ ‘No, no; only just, my boy; only just. Lewis has no claim to the money.’ ‘Not the least in the world.’ ‘Exactly; but he will have two-thirds, that is £10,000, if Maud, when she attains her majority, declines to marry him. He is ready enough to fulfil his share of the contract. He is devoted to her.’ Tor felt as though he should much like to kick the devoted Lewis. ‘Well, sir, what is your object in opening this subject to-night?’ ‘Because, my dear Philip, I can see at a glance that you will obtain great influence over your sister; and I am most anxious that your influence should be so exercised as to lead her to make a wise and right choice when the time comes.’ Tor looked anything but pleasant as this suggestion was thrust upon him. ‘My sister must make her own choice,’ he answered coldly, conscious that he would feel distinctly annoyed if she elected to marry Lewis Belassis. ‘Of course, Philip, of course; the dear girl must be guided by her own feelings: but most likely she will come to you for counsel and advice, when she knows how the matter stands. All I ask you is this—remember how much is involved in all this; remember her interest is to do her father’s will, and use your influence to make her act so that she will not forfeit her fortune.’ Tor took a few paces backwards and forwards in the room. ‘When will she be told?’ ‘Very soon now; any time, indeed. You will be a true brother to her, Philip?’ ‘Certainly,’ answered Tor, rather haughtily. ‘And you will counsel her to accept my son?’ ‘That depends upon circumstances. I can promise nothing. I have yet to learn what manner of man your son is.’ CHAPTER VI. A MORNING WALK. Tor awoke next morning to a variety of new sensations. This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure. He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.