‘I shouldn’t say exactly that,’ he answered. ‘I have had occasional disputes with different men at different times. When my blood is up, I speak my mind pretty freely, and lay it on thick; but then, I don’t think I am easily roused to wrath, and I have no recollection of any row likely to have made an eternal enmity between me and another fellow. No, I have no clue at all to his motive, but I am quite certain he has one, and possesses some knowledge of the truth; he would not go on as he does, if he was actuated merely by a curiosity to know why I was called “Torwood” in Italy and am “Debenham” here. His whole language and bearing convinces me that he comes here as an enemy and a spy. And if Mrs. Belassis once gets a hint as to the true state of the case, it will be all up with me. I wish I had never sent Phil away on that voyage.’ ‘Why so?’ ‘Because, if I could, I would fetch him back at all risks. I would tell the whole truth—show my accounts, get you as a witness as to my motives, and take my chance of a prosecution. I have Phil’s I O U for a larger sum than I have yet expended; and although I have forged his signature, and passed myself off under a false name, I think I might, by counsel’s aid, get off pretty easily. But I don’t choose to risk it, with Phil out of reach on the high seas. Things would be more complicated, and disagreeable insinuations might be cast at me. I wish he had never gone; but as he has, I must try to hold out these few months longer, and then, when he is once back, whether ill or well, he shall come to Ladywell, and I will abdicate in his favour. I think I shall have pretty well broken Belassis’ power by that time, and opened the eyes of the executors. He will never regain the ascendency he once had here.’ ‘Oh yes, you must certainly hold out. I will help you. I am sure I can hold the Belassis faction at bay, if I can do no more. You are certain that Philip Debenham has sailed?’ ‘Quite certain. I have received, through Dr. Schneeberger, a letter from his medical friend under whose care Phil travels. It was written on board the vessel, and said that the journey had been safely accomplished, that Phil had borne it well, though without any sign of returning powers, and that they were to sail before midnight. He will be far enough away by now.’ ‘Safely out of Mrs. Belassis’ or the Italian’s reach, anyway,’ said Miss Marjory. ‘I wonder who this Italian can be? A spy of hers?’ ‘Not possible, I think. He came as a guest to a Mr. Meredith, a sculptor here, with an introduction from a relative of theirs in Florence who has known him for several years. I made, for my own satisfaction, as many close inquiries as I could without attracting attention. He says he knew Philip well, and me slightly; that he met us in Rome and Naples. I dare say it is all true enough—indeed it must be, for he recalls incidents that I remember quite well, only I don’t remember him.’