"Friend," echoed Mrs. Belswin, carelessly--"oh, I've so many friends."
"Is it--" began Stephano, when Mrs. Belswin turned furiously upon him.
"Don't worry me, Stephano; don't you see I'm busy. Is that the man I mentioned to you?--yes, it is. You see he is stronger than you, so don't fight him unless you like. I don't care a morsel for either of you. All I want is to stay by my child; and as you can't help me, you coward, don't worry me with silly questions."
Ferrari said no more, but made up his mind to seek an interview with the good-looking stranger, and find out whether Mrs. Belswin regarded him with favour.
On arriving at Deswarth, which was a short distance from Thornstream, Mrs. Belswin put the Italian down at "The Chequers Inn," told him to wait there in concealment until she saw him again, and then drove to the Hall.
Being determined not to see Sir Rupert until after dinner, in order to discover in the meantime how the land lay, she went up to her own room and sent for Kaituna, who was delighted to see her.
"Now you are here," said the girl kissing her friend, "you may perhaps induce papa to let me marry Archie. You know----"
"I know all about it, my dear," replied Mrs. Belswin, with a maternal air; "Mr. Maxwell met me at the railway station, and put me in full possession of all the facts."
"And do you think papa will let me marry him?" asked Kaituna, timidly.
"I really cannot tell, dear, until I see your papa."