He spoke so gravely that his companions felt half pleased and half fearful. As nobody had as yet fallen in love with either of them for their pretty faces, it was something of a relief to hear their cousin speak so dispassionately of good looks. But then came the crucial question, would their respective characters, minds, and tempers pass muster here? ‘He never would care for Bertha,’ thought Matilda; ‘she is so flighty and sarcastic and bold. I don’t think I need be afraid of _her_.’ Whilst Bertha said to herself: ‘He never could admire Matilda; she is so fat and lazy, and never has two ideas in her head. I’m sure nobody need fear her as a rival. Phil is sure to like spirit and dash.’ And both girls thought with strange unanimity: ‘What a good thing Maud is his sister! What a splendid thing it would be to be the mistress of Ladywell Manor!’ Tor was perfectly aware that both his companions were wishful to marry him; but the fact that such was the case did not awake any vanity within him. It hardly could do so, since he knew equally well, that this desire on their part had nothing whatever to do with his personal attractions, but had been in their minds long before he ever appeared upon the scene. In fact, it was not upon himself that their young affections were set, but upon the owner of Ladywell Manor. He was only the owner _pro tem._, and would soon be succeeded by another, to whom he must hand over the property, together with the hearts of the two fair aspirants for marriage with the heir. Tor smiled to himself as this idea crossed his mind. He was more amused than displeased by the calculations of his companions, for he had outlived his years of youthful romance, and understood very well the practical value of money. Most likely these girls had learnt the same lesson, and in a harder school. Was it wonderful that they should think as they did, or struggle after a good marriage? Most women in their circumstances would have done the same. Whilst Tor and his companions were indulging in the foregoing conversation and meditation, Maud and Lewis were not silent on their part. Maud was willing to let Matilda and Bertha enjoy Phil’s society without molestation. She felt so rich in the possession of such a brother, that she could afford to be generous. She was in gay spirits, and chatted away to Lewis as fast as her tongue could wag. She told him of the golden future before her; how she was to be queen of Phil’s splendid house, to have servants and carriages and horses at her disposal, beautiful dresses to wear, and no wish, as it seemed to her, left ungratified. She was so well used to chatter her thoughts to Lewis, that her flow of language never failed, and his silence passed unheeded.