‘Phil will be a popular man whatever he does,’ put in Bertha glibly. ‘There, Phil, I don’t often pay compliments, so you ought to feel flattered.’ Tor bowed; but there was no time to put in a word. ‘You have not said a word yet as to your intentions,’ continued Matilda. ‘You are keeping us all on tenter-hooks. We are all in dreadful fear that you will keep to your wandering life, and your _fidus Achates_, and leave poor Ladywell desolate, and the whole neighbourhood lamenting at your departure. Do be a good boy, and say you will settle down and live amongst us.’ ‘It is rather early days to settle upon one’s course of action,’ answered Tor; ‘but Ladywell shall certainly not be left desolate.’ ‘Oh well, I know that the house and place have to be kept up, to a certain extent; but I don’t call that anything. What’s the good to anyone of a splendid house and lovely gardens if nobody lives there? It’s no more good than a ruin.’ ‘Ah! but somebody will be living there now.’ ‘Oh, then you are going to stay! I am glad!’ cried Matilda. ‘How you do like to tantalize us!’ she added, looking up archly. ‘I believe he’s only chaffing now,’ added Bertha doubtfully. ‘I believe he means the servants. Do let him have his say out without interrupting so often.’ ‘I was thinking of Maud,’ answered Tor. ‘Of course she will live there now. She will be mistress of my house, whether I am there or not.’ Both faces fell visibly. They had failed to realize that Maud would live at Ladywell as mistress there, and the idea was anything but palatable. They were not fond of their bright, pretty cousin, whose cleverness and sweet temper often threw their attractions sadly into the shade. ‘Maud!’ cried Matilda almost scornfully. ‘Maud the mistress of Ladywell! Oh, poor Phil! you will have an odd _ménage_!’ ‘How so?’ asked Tor quietly. ‘Why, Maud is a child—a mere baby in all household matters. She knows nothing and cares nothing for such things. She will make a sad mess of your affairs, if you entrust them to her, Phil.’ He laughed carelessly. ‘Oh, as for that, Maud need not trouble her head over domestic details. I dare say there is a housekeeper to see to all that; if not, we can get one. Maud can receive company, and ride with me, and drive round to call on our friends, and give dinners and dances, and all the hospitalities of which you spoke just now. Her part will be to dress elegantly and reign as lady of the Manor. She need not be bothered with housekeeping.’ Matilda and Bertha looked still more blank; and the latter said, with a short laugh: ‘Oh, Phil, what an idea! I suppose Maud has been trying to get all the nonsense out of her head into yours. Such an arrangement would be too absurd. She hasn’t the least bit of dignity or experience.’ ‘Well, as she is my sister, I don’t see how any other arrangement is possible,’ said Tor, with inward amusement at the obvious jealousy of the cousins.