In a short time a summons came for her to join the gentlemen in Mr. Meredith’s study. She found that the tea had been carried there; and when she entered, one glance at her father’s face showed her how greatly he had been charmed by the stranger’s visit. ‘Roma, my dear, Signor Pagliadini has kindly consented to become our guest for a few days. He comes, as you know, as an intimate friend of our esteemed relative Alberto Mattei. It is a greater pleasure, Signor, than you can well understand, for a man in my isolated position to receive a visit from one who comes direct from the land of his fondest dreams—from the land where the brightest, the happiest years of his life were spent! Art is my passion—my deepest delight! and the converse with one who knows and loves her well is more to me than you can easily comprehend. Your ready acceptance of the humble hospitality which I can offer, has given me more pleasure than I can well express.’ The stranger made a suitable reply to this flowery address, showing that the advantage was all on his side, and the obligation a very deep one; and after Meredith had made his rejoinder to this declaration, he turned again to his daughter. ‘Philip has been here, has he not?’ ‘Yes, father.’ ‘I heard his step. I knew he had passed the door twice. How was it he remained so short a time?’ ‘He was in haste, father. He came to ask after you, but he was going to ride with Maud.’ ‘Ah, he is a kind brother. Did you tell him Signor Pagliadini was here?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Signor Pagliadini knows Philip.’ ‘Yes, so I told him; but he could not wait. However, he will see him another day.’ The Italian smiled in rather an odd fashion. ‘My old friend Filippo was not anxious, then, to renew the acquaintance?’ Roma laughed in her quiet way, rather amused at what she thought to be his pique. ‘Philip is a thorough Englishman, Signor,’ she answered, explaining away, as best she could, what had evidently been taken somewhat amiss. ‘He goes his own way in his own fashion, turning neither to right nor left. He had promised to ride with Maud, and ride with Maud he would, in defiance of all other claims upon his time.’ ‘Ah, just so; I perceive. The sister stands always first. It is quite as it should be.’ ‘He is very fond of Maud,’ said Roma, thinking he was still offended, trying to lead the conversation into other channels. ‘If she at all resembles the statue which you are portraying, it is not to be wondered at, this fraternal devotion.’ ‘Maud is very charming,’ said Mr. Meredith; ‘as you will see for yourself some day.’ ‘And you will find that Philip is just as pleasant in his way, when you do meet him,’ continued Roma. ‘You must not mind English ways when you come to England, Signor. They are more blunt, perhaps; but I think an Englishman’s word is worth its weight in gold!’ The Signor smiled pleasantly. ‘My friend Philip Debenham is fortunate in having such a champion.’