"Papa's bailiff," said Kaituna, smiling. "Well, he is very handsome, but I must confess I don't like his face."
"Nor do I," declared Tommy, boldly. "He's got the same disagreeable countenance as his mother."
"From what I've heard I think he's a very dissipated young man," said Mrs. Valpy, slowly.
"I suppose Mr. Gelthrip told you that," remarked Mrs. Belswin, with curling lip. "So like him. He never opens his mouth except to destroy a reputation."
"I'm afraid Belk has no reputation to destroy," laughed Tommy, jumping up. "But we shall meet the Rev. Gelthrip to-night, and I declare it's time to dress."
The clock chimed the half-hour, and the ladies went away to dress, with the exception of Mrs. Belswin, who remained in her chair absorbed in thought.
"In a fortnight," she muttered to herself slowly. "Ah! I must be prepared for him. I'll try and see him in London, and convince him that I must stay by my child. If he consents, well and good; if he refuses----"
She stopped, drew a long breath, and clenched her hands.
"If he refuses--I'll see Ferrari."