‘Perhaps they will find some one to be interested in them in the great metropolis,’ suggested Tor, smiling. ‘I hope, for their sakes, that they will.’ Tor’s humane wish was presently realized; and, before two years were over, Matilda and Bertha had both found husbands, infinitely to their own satisfaction. * * * * * Thornton House was at once re-named, and Ladywell Lodge became a centre for the united energy of architect, mason, and decorator. Tor’s prediction, that the place would soon be changed past recognition, was amply fulfilled; and Ladywell Lodge became the envy and admiration of the neighbourhood. Not within, alone, did the transformation scene take place. As soon as the season of the year permitted it, down came Miss Marjory from her northern home, and planting, transplanting, turfing, and changes of all descriptions went on as if by magic. ‘I can’t think how you know how to do it all, Miss Marjory,’ cried the delighted Maud, when she came round to see what was going on. ‘It’s not like the same place. It will be perfectly lovely when the spring comes, and the summer. I can’t think how you do it all—it’s like magic!’ ‘If I didn’t know how to lay out a garden by this time, I should be a bright specimen,’ returned Miss Marjory, amused and pleased. ‘I mean Mr. Torwood to have the best laid-out place in the county, because, my dear, I am very fond of him; I always feel something like a mother to him.’ Everyone agreed that Miss Marjory had achieved her object before she left; and when she did so, she carried off Maud to spend a month with her at Whitbury. Tor had a general invitation to come whenever he pleased; and, to do justice to the ‘Torwood impudence,’ he was not shy in availing himself of the privilege accorded to him. ‘I believe he comes more to see you than to see me, Miss Marjory,’ said Maud, one day. ‘I always tell him I am awfully jealous of you.’ With the twinkle in her eye, which all who knew her liked to see, Miss Marjory answered: ‘Well, my dear, of course when he begins comparing you and me, it is impossible not to be aware beforehand at what conclusion he will be bound to arrive.’ * * * * * Phil was married at the beginning of the new year. He and Roma made, as Miss Marjory said, a very handsome, but not a very interesting couple. They were absolutely absorbed in one another, which was very right and proper; but such people are not exciting company, and it was considered an advantage when they were safely started off for Italy, to spend their honeymoon. Ten days later, when the bridal couple were, no one knew where, Michael Meredith was found dead in his bed one morning; and the funeral had to take place before it was possible for Phil and Roma to get back. Tor wrote to his friend, strongly advising him to keep Roma abroad for many months, until the shock and her first grief had worn themselves out.