expect you to do it; that's your part of the family business. Do you
understand?"

"I understand, Father, that you expect me to get any husband I like.
Well, I'll promise that."

"I think you ought to come into the office, you are so smart," replied
Sir John with sarcasm. "But don't you try it on me, for I'm smarter.
You know very well that I mean any husband /I/ like, when I say 'any
husband you like.' Now do you understand?"

"Yes," replied Isobel icily. "I understand that you want to buy me a
husband as you have bought a title. Well, titles and husbands are
alike in one thing; once taken you can never be rid of them day or
night. So I'll say at once, to save trouble afterwards, that I would
rather earn my living as a farm girl, and as for your money, Father,
you can do what you wish with it."

Then looking him straight in the eyes, she turned and left the room.

"An odd child!" thought Sir John to himself as he stared after her.
"Anyway, she has got spirit and no doubt will come all right in time
when she learns what's what."



CHAPTER III

THE PLANTAGENET LADY