Mr. Graves was a suave, kindly old man, with a great liking for Miss Marjory; so he entered with interest into her story, expressing great concern at the idea of her being in any way disturbed, and denouncing any attempt at turning her out of her house as a ‘monstrous iniquity.’ ‘Oh, you needn’t fear that, Mr. Graves, for I shall not go,’ answered Miss Marjory, with a derisive laugh. ‘Little Torwood was an infant when I last saw him; and, as I said to my young cousins to-day, it isn’t likely I am going to turn out of my house for a baby in long-clothes. I’ve settled what I’m going to do. I will see the young man myself. I don’t like Wetherby, and I hate all middle-men. I’ll settle the matter with Torrington Torwood himself. I’ve written now to demand his address.’ ‘Ah, my dear lady, that would certainly be a pleasanter way of managing matters; but young men do not always care about being troubled with business, and sometimes decline to act except through their agents.’ ‘Oh, that is all nonsense!’ quoth Miss Marjory sharply. ‘I mean to see him myself. He cannot say no to an old woman, his father’s friend—he is too much of a Torwood, I hope, for that.’ ‘Ah well, we will hope for the best. But he may not be in England, you know; his father became a great traveller, and the son may inherit his tastes. What then, my dear madam?’ ‘Why, then I shall write to him,’ answered Miss Marjory, nothing daunted. ‘I am determined to deal with him direct.’ ‘I wish you all success,’ said the old man, lifting his hat. ‘And if young Torwood does come over in person, let me see him. I should like to make acquaintance, for his father’s sake.’ Miss Marjory sped on her way, well-pleased with herself and her decision. She made a few purchases in the shops under the arcade, and exchanged greetings with several friends whom she met there. Miss Marjory’s movements were so brisk that it took her but a short while to accomplish her errands; and when at length she consulted the little memorandum she held in her hand, she said half aloud: ‘Now I think I’ve done all my work, so I’ll go and talk to Alfred Belassis about that iron bar I want for the greenhouse roof.’ Alfred Belassis lived some way down the High Street, and did an extensive business in ironmongery. He was an honest, upright tradesman and a good workman; and Miss Marjory had a great deal to say upon the subject of greenhouses, iron girders, and some small repairs about the house, to which he listened with respectful attention. ‘And Belassis,’ said Miss Marjory, in conclusion, ‘I wish you would look in yourself some morning. My lease is nearly out, and before I renew it I should like to make a note of all that wants doing inside and out, and consider how much I ought to do, and what I shall demand of my landlord. I would rather have you with me when I make the tour of inspection.’ ‘Very good, ma’am,’ answered Belassis respectfully; and Miss Marjory said good-morning, and walked home.