Pommy word, he's a lucky young dog." And naturally and quietly Will did take his place in the household, never pleasing his uncle more than when he sometimes unconsciously gave an order to the servants, and so took upon himself the duties which would have devolved upon him had he been his son instead of his nephew.
Gradually, too, Colonel Vaughan became accustomed to the change in the "young fellow's" circumstances, and accepted the situation with equanimity.

Will left no stone unturned to ingratiate himself with the old man, and was very successful in his attempts.

So much so, that when he and Gwenda would sometimes step out of the French window together, and roam through the garden and under the oak trees side by side, her uncle noticed it no more than he would have had Will been one of the average young men of On-side society.
Meanwhile, for the two young people, the summer roses had a deeper glow, the river a sweeter murmur, and the sky a brighter tint than they had ever had before; and while Gwenda sat under the shade of the gnarled oaks, with head bent over some bit of work, Will lying on the green sward beside her in a dream of happiness, Mrs.Trevor watched them from her seat in the drawing-room with a smile full of meaning, and Dr.Owen with a look of pleased content.
"You must find it a very pleasant change from hard study to come out here sometimes," said Gwenda, drawing her needle out slowly.
"Yes, very," said Will; "I never bring a book with me, and I try to banish my studies from my mind while I am here." "Do you find that possible?
I am afraid I have a very ill-regulated mind, as an interesting subject will occupy my thoughts whether I like it or not." "Well, of course," said Will, plucking at the grass, "there are some subjects which never can be banished.

There is one, at all events, which permeates my whole life; which gilds every scene with beauty, and which tinges even my dreams.

Need I tell you what that is, Miss Vaughan ?" Gwenda's head bent lower, and there was a vivid glow on her cheek as she answered: "Your life here must be so full of brightness, the scenes around you are so lovely, it is no wonder if they follow you into your dreams.
But--but, Mr.Owen, I will not pretend to misunderstand you." "You understand me, and yet you are not angry with me?
Only tell me that, Miss Vaughan, and I shall be satisfied; and yet not quite satisfied, for I crave your love, and can never be happy without it." There was no answer on Gwenda's lips, but the eyes, which were bent on her work, grew humid with feeling.
"I love you, but dare I have the presumption to hope that you return my love?
You know me here as my uncle's nephew, but it is not in that character that I would wish you to think of me now." What was it in the girl's pure and honest face which seemed to bring out Will's better nature?
"I am only William Owens" (he even added the plebeian "s" to his name) "the son of the old farmer Ebben Owens of Garthowen; 'tis true my uncle calls me his son, and promises that I shall inherit his wealth, but there is no legal certainty of that.