These thoughts flashed through Tor’s mind in a few seconds. He was not, however, going to show any open gratitude for the admission just granted. All he said was: ‘I agree with you entirely, Signor. Whatever passes upon this subject had better be discussed privately between us two, before being given to the world at large. And now that this rather awkward conversation is at an end, and we have come to a satisfactory conclusion, will you allow me the pleasure of showing you round the garden? There is a good deal worth looking at there.’ The interruption was welcome to both men. It was not pleasant, after what had just passed, to sit there facing one another, trying to keep up a conversation on indifferent subjects. Whilst walking leisurely upon the terraces and in the shady shrubbery paths, it was easier to establish easy relations; and the Italian showed a great deal of intelligent interest in all he saw. He admired the whole place very heartily; seemed struck by the knowledge Tor had so quickly acquired, and was altogether both friendly and pleasant. Tor was more and more convinced that he had known this guest of his before, although he failed to recall the name. Voice, manner, and expression all seemed in a manner familiar, and left an impression upon his mind that he had liked as well as known the Signor at some distant date. When the ladies returned, the men joined them at their tea, and Maud seemed much struck by the handsome Italian, and made so much of him that Tor was half inclined to feel jealous. Although he could not speak it, Signor Pagliadini understood English very fairly, and seemed pleased and flattered by the way in which she chattered away to him. When he had gone, she had a great deal to say about his handsome eyes, and soft voice, and courtly manners. Tor was somewhat silent and absent; but she did not seem to observe it, and was rather startled by the sudden way in which he changed the subject. ‘Maud,’ he said, ‘do you think you and Aunt Olive would mind very much if I were to bring some lady-visitors to Ladywell?’ ‘Lady-visitors!’ echoed Maud. ‘Why, Phil, what an odd suggestion from a confirmed old bachelor like you! Of course we shall be delighted—we always are delighted to do your bidding. But who are they? and why do you want them?’ ‘They are Miss Marjory Descartes and her niece, whose name I forget; but I think I must include her. I like Miss Marjory immensely, as you know; and I feel inclined to ask her to come and spend a week here, before she has time to forget the favourable impression I produced upon her in Whitbury.’ ‘Yes, dear boy, have her by all means. I wish you joy,’ answered Maud sweetly and slily. ‘But, Phil dear, don’t you think she’s just a little bit _old_ for you?’