‘I can believe it—as his father was before him. I wonder——’ He paused; but Tor took up the word and added: ‘Wonder if the second Philip Debenham will be as amenable as the first? I should not have much anxiety on that point.’ ‘You think——?’ ‘I think Roma and Signor Pagliadini spent a great deal of time wandering about in the moonlight together.’ ‘Did they?’ Old Meredith looked disturbed for a moment, as though he had been guilty of some indiscretion, as indeed he had. ‘Really, I did not notice—I—I—. You see, Roma was engaged.’ ‘Only she knew she was free. She was certainly allowed to run into danger; but on the whole, I fancy, it will not turn out amiss.’ ‘Go and find her,’ said Meredith. ‘I must see her myself; go and fetch her to me. Where has Philip Debenham gone?’ ‘I should not be surprised to find them together,’ said Tor, rising. ‘If so, shall I bring both the culprits?’ ‘Yes, do so. It is strange, indeed, how my will always fulfils itself.’ ‘Indeed, yes,’ answered Tor, with a slight smile. ‘And you know, Mr. Torwood, I did misdoubt you somewhat from the first.’ ‘You certainly did, sir, in the first moment of our acquaintance. Your sagacity, you see, was not at fault.’ And then he went off on his errand. He did not find those he sought very readily; but they were alone and together, sure enough, in a remote part of the garden. It was not difficult to see that Philip Debenham had easily usurped Signor Pagliadini’s place; but even yet Roma was not quite content. ‘Well,’ said Tor, when his presence was first observed, ‘is it all well?’ ‘Roma is afraid of what her father will say,’ said Phil. ‘He was so fond of you,’ said Roma, looking up at him without any fear or shame. ‘You can’t have him now, Roma,’ said Phil. ‘He’s engaged to Maud. He lost no time, I can assure you. He leaped from the brother to the lover in about ten seconds. Have you explained everything to Mr. Meredith, Tor?’ ‘Yes, and he is desirous of bestowing his blessing upon you. It is all right, Roma. I told you it would be all right, if you would only wait my time. He is more pleased than ever. Go to him, and see for yourself if it is not so.’ Phil and Roma returned slowly to the house to receive the paternal benediction, and Tor strolled across the park to Ladywell. ‘Well, Mr. Torwood,’ said a voice behind him; ‘how does it feel to be no longer monarch of all you survey?’ ‘Is that you, Miss Marjory? This is well met. I have hardly seen you all day.’ ‘No, you found metal more attractive elsewhere. I am not jealous, I assure you. Well, how has the Belassis introduction passed off?’ ‘Oh, very well. Phil was quite as bold as I, and more cheeky than I was at my first interview. I don’t think the worthy uncle will make much out of him.’ ‘Thanks to you, perhaps not; but he is a mere boy—not fit to have the management of a place like this.’ ‘He is only three months my junior.’