"Oh, nothing at all--nothing at all," said Braddock airily,
"only I thought--that is, but never mind, never mind. Cockatoo,
come down with me. Good night! Good night!" and he disappeared.

"Well," said Mrs. Jasher, drawing along breath, "for rudeness and
selfishness, commend me to a scientist. We might be all mud, for
what notice he takes of us."

"Never mind," said Miss Kendal, rising, "come to the drawing-room
and have some music. Archie, will you stop here?"

"No. I don't care to sit over my wine alone," said that young
gentleman, rising. "I shall accompany you and Mrs. Jasher. And
Lucy," he stopped her at the door, through which the widow had
already passed, "what did your father mean by his hints
concerning Random?"

"I think he regrets giving his consent to my marriage with you,"
she whispered back. "Did you not hear him talk about that tomb?
He desires to get money for the expedition."

"From Random? What rubbish! Sooner than that--if our marriage
is stopped by the beastly business--I'll sell out and--"

"You'll do nothing of the sort," interrupted the girl
imperiously; "we must live if we marry. You have given my father
enough."

"But if Random lends money for this expedition?"