He bought Oxley Paddox some time ago and promptly re-christened it Torp Towers.

But he's not a bad fellow.

Maud likes him, though Lady Creedmore calls him names.

He has such a nice little girl--at least, it's not exactly his child, I believe,' his lordship ran on rather hurriedly; 'but he's adopted her, I understand--at least, I fancy so.
At all events she was born deaf, poor little thing; but he has had her taught to speak and to understand from the lips.

Awfully pretty child! Maud delights in her.