The answer to Miss Marjory’s letter was eagerly awaited. It came promptly, and was favourable to Miss Marjory’s young friend, who was invited to go to London for a personal interview. Of course it was expected that he would have a few thousands to put into the business, in return for a junior partnership and its prospects. Lewis’s face fell when he read this final clause. With a great sigh he handed back the letter. ‘Thank you very much, Miss Marjory; but of course that puts it out of the question.’ ‘Not at all. You have three thousand to back you. I dare say that will be enough.’ ‘You are joking, Miss Marjory. What little I have of my own is only mine in trust. I cannot sink the principal; and then it would not come to three thousand.’ ‘I was not thinking of your own money.’ ‘What then?’ ‘Of what your brother—half-brother, I should say—wishes to advance for you, to give you a start in life. He left it for me to tell you, if it should be necessary. Alfred Belassis is anxious to give or lend you that amount of money. You must settle between yourselves which it is to be.’ ‘Alfred Belassis!’ cried Lewis, astonished. ‘Why, he is only a shopkeeper!’ ‘Some shopkeepers make large fortunes. Trade is more lucrative than the gentlemanly professions.’ ‘I had no idea he had money.’ ‘I know, and so did he; and he thought all the better of you because you did not know. After all, Lewis, there is some good in you, and it seems to me that you are on the highroad to success.’ ‘But ought I to take it?’ ‘Oh, settle all that with Alfred. You had better go and see him, before going to London. I would start to-day if I were you. Time is valuable, you know.’ Lewis received very warm congratulations from all at Ladywell, on his sudden good fortune; and Maud was particularly delighted, only second to Ethel in her satisfaction. ‘It is all Miss Marjory’s doing,’ she cried. ‘It seems to me everything is Miss Marjory’s doing. Tor always did say you could do anything you had a mind to, and I believe you can. I know you told me my fortune wonderfully well.’ So great satisfaction reigned at Ladywell, and Lewis, in high spirits, set out on his journey. The result was satisfactory, and a good position in the publishing firm was given to him, and his engagement to Ethel Hardcastle formally announced. Lewis, for the first time in his life, found himself a busy and a happy man. CHAPTER XIV. THE LOST WILL. Phil and Tor had sat up late one night, as was often the case, and it was not until nearly one o’clock that they retired to their respective rooms. When Tor reached his, he found that a fall of soot had taken place, which had blackened things so much, and left so unpleasant an odour in the room, that to remain there was impossible.