‘Well, I have come, you see,’ said Tor encouragingly. ‘And if I cannot stop them, I hope at least to expose them, which often comes pretty much to the same thing.’ Tor’s cool matter-of-fact tone quieted the widow’s agitation, as he meant it should. ‘Now, Aunt Olive,’ he said, after a pause, ‘do not be afraid, and do not be excited. Let us talk this matter quietly over, and let me hear what you know of this precious relative of ours.’ Thus called upon, Aunt Olive showed symptoms of the old nervousness, which Tor checked by asking a simple question. ‘Did you know my father well, Aunt Olive?’ ‘Yes, yes—very well. Maud (that is your mother, Philip) and I were deeply attached; it was Celia who never seemed like one of us. We loved each other dearly, and always lived in close companionship. Your father was like a brother to me. My first years of widowhood were spent in his house—you were a child, Phil, but I dare say you remember so much.’ Tor bent his head. ‘I do not remember my childhood very clearly. I was at school the last two years of my father’s lifetime; but of course I know the circumstances.’ ‘Your mother had died a few years back. I kept his house for him afterwards. I knew in that way, much of what went on, and of how much he was troubled.’ ‘How was he troubled? By Belassis?’ ‘It was money troubles—heavy losses. I don’t understand business, nor did he, but your uncle did. Your uncle managed his affairs for him, and never lost his own money; but your poor father was for ever losing his property—I never did understand how it was.’ ‘Foul play, I suspect,’ said Tor quietly. ‘I am no business man myself, unfortunately; still, one knows that such things are done. But when my father died, he left me absolutely nothing. Was he aware that all his property had gone, that he left me quite dependent upon my uncle?’ ‘No, I am sure he did not know that,’ answered Mrs. Lorraine quickly. ‘I know he believed there was almost as much for you as for Maud. He was a wealthy man, your father; and heavy as had been his losses, he still believed he left you amply provided for. I was thunderstruck when the news came that there was nothing left out of all the property. I have never been able to understand it.’ Tor’s face was stern. ‘This is worse than I expected; and after eighteen years it would be difficult, I suppose, to institute an inquiry. I must think about it. Who were the executors under my father’s will?’ ‘Your uncle and aunt; and Alfred was guardian and sole trustee for you and Maud. Oh yes, one can well see under whose influence it was that that will had been made.’ ‘How was it my father was so much under Belassis’ influence?’ Mrs. Lorraine shook her head mournfully.