"Oh no. He has sold me to you for one thousand pounds. There!
There, do not say a single word. I am only teasing you. Let us
say that my father has consented to my marriage with you, and
cannot withdraw his word. Not that I care if he does. I am my
own mistress."

"Lucy!"--he took her hands again and looked into her eyes--
"Braddock is a scientific lunatic, and would do anything to
forward his aims with regard to this very expensive tomb, which
he has set his heart on discovering. As I can't lend or give the
money, he is sure to apply to Random, and Random--"

"Will want to marry me," cried Lucy, rising. "No, my dear, not
at all. Sir Frank is a gentleman, and when he learns that I am
engaged to you, he will simply become a dear friend. There,
don't worry any more about the matter. You ought to have told me
of your troubles before, but as I have forgiven you, there is no
more to be said. In six months I shall become Mrs. Hope, and
meanwhile I can hold my own against any inconvenience that my
father may cause me."

"But--" He rose and began to remonstrate, anxious to abase
himself still further before this angel of a maiden.

She placed her hand over his mouth. "Not another word, or I
shall box your ears, sir--that is, I shall exercise the
privilege of a wife before I become one. And now," she slipped
her arm within his, "let us go in and see the arrival of the
precious mummy."