‘Odd and significant,’ answered Miss Marjory thoughtfully. ‘I know that man means mischief.’
‘I half think so, too,’ assented Tor. ‘I have been wondering how I could win him over. He can’t have any very powerful motive for making himself disagreeable to me. Do you think if I asked him to spend a few days at Ladywell, it might bring him to a more amiable frame of mind? As a guest in my house, he could hardly plot against me; and if he could be won over, he might speak out, and in the end be taken into our confidence.’
Miss Marjory considered this new idea.
‘I think it might do,’ she said. ‘I should like to see more of him, and make out what manner of man he is. I am not at all satisfied about him; and I don’t think it would be a bad move to have him here. We could examine him at our leisure, and, as you say, if he has any feelings at all of honour, he will hardly dare to make insinuations against you, whilst partaking of your hospitality.’
This conversation took place early in the day. Half-past seven was the hour fixed for dinner, and soon after seven the guests began to assemble.
Matilda and Bertha were eager to see Maud’s presents, and went into raptures over the costly and elegant trifles which stood upon a table, ‘on view.’
Mr. and Mrs. Belassis had brought a handsome dressing-case, as a sort of peace-offering. It was certainly right for Maud to possess it, as it had been her mother’s once; but she did not know that, and half shrank from accepting anything so costly from people she liked so little.
Tor did not look quite pleased either; but Mrs. Lorraine was equal to the occasion. She recognised the old heirloom—for an heirloom it was, although it had been ‘done up like new,’ in the usual Belassis good taste.
‘Our grandmother’s dressing-case!’ she exclaimed, with a look of pleasure. ‘It was your mother’s too, dear Maud. I have been wondering how it was that it was not restored to you before. I see now that it was waiting for your majority. Ah, the dear old box! We do not see things like it now. It was such a favourite with your mother, Maud.’
And after hearing this, Maud was able to turn and thank Mr. and Mrs. Belassis for their gift, without any embarrassment.