‘Ah well, I can understand that. It is but natural, I suppose. If I were young again, and had your means and your experience, I don’t know but what I should do the same myself. Have you made any plans yet? Have you settled anything definite?’ ‘Oh no; I never do settle things beforehand. I just do what I like, and go where I will. I detest plans,’ was the careless response. ‘I suppose Mr. Torwood always did the planning in past days?’ suggested Belassis. ‘Oh—ah—yes; Mr. Torwood did all that. Of course it was his affair chiefly.’ ‘I suppose you will join him when you do begin to travel again?’ said Belassis, gently feeling his way. ‘I dare say. I really haven’t made any plans. I don’t see my way to getting off yet awhile.’ ‘No, not quite yet, I suppose. You would like to see dear Maud safely married first?’ Tor made a quick gesture with his hand, and his brow suddenly clouded. ‘See Maud married!’ he echoed rather sharply. ‘Who says she is going to marry?’ ‘Well, nobody says so yet; but at the same time we cannot be quite blind to what is passing. She seems really fond of Lewis, and she will reap so substantial an advantage by marrying him, that it is impossible not to rejoice at the prospect. I am sure you must feel as I do upon the point, my dear Philip, and rejoice with me.’ ‘I don’t believe she cares two straws for Lewis,’ answered Tor coolly. ‘My dear boy, excuse me. I am sure she entertains very warm feelings for him.’ ‘I think she may like him next best to that mastiff pup I gave her the other day; but I think the dog stands first.’ Mr. Belassis laughed in a rather sickly fashion. ‘You are so amusing, Phil; such good company.’ ‘Glad to hear it, I’m sure. I have to make up for so much lost time with my relations—eighteen years of separation is a good spell.’ Mr. Belassis coughed and fidgeted, and allowed the challenge to pass unanswered. ‘To return to what we were saying about dear Maud. She really is fond of Lewis, though I admit she may not be what is called “in love” with him. Still, she has a strong affection for him, and I trust you will use your influence to lead her to make such a choice as shall be so much to her advantage, as a marriage with Lewis will prove.’ ‘I don’t feel disposed to interfere in the matter one way or another,’ answered Tor coldly. ‘But think of your sister’s future.’ ‘I do think of it; but I’m man of the world enough to know that money isn’t everything. She shall marry according to her own wishes—a man she really cares for; if he is rich, her lack of fortune will matter little; and if he is poor, I shall take care she does not suffer. I have enough for both, and I’ll not have her coerced by a question of L.S.D.’