‘We can soon stop the Belassis’ mouths,’ remarked Miss Marjory grimly. ‘I think we can give them ample food for meditation on their own account.’
‘Have you found anything out about the first wife?’
‘I have found out that in February, 1850, she was alive and fairly well. I am making inquiries, and I think I soon shall be able to ascertain the date of her death; but it strikes me that your virtuous uncle has run it very fine. I should not wonder if he finds himself in a desperately nasty position.’
‘Something like what I find myself in now,’ said Tor, shaking his head.
‘Now, don’t you get low about it,’ advised Miss Marjory, with the air of a benignant Minerva. ‘You’ll never do anything if you lose heart. For my part, I rise to the occasion. I know I have a natural talent for intrigue, though circumstances have not hitherto been favourable to its development.’
‘I am glad you have,’ smiled Tor, ‘for my powers seem deserting me. That confounded Italian—I beg your pardon, but I feel strongly upon the subject—with his smooth tongue and offensive hints, bothers me tremendously. I know he is my enemy, and will injure me if he can.’
‘Have you ever made an enemy that you know of?’ asked Miss Marjory.
Tor reflected a little.
‘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?’