"You are a silly old boy," she whispered. "As if what you tell
me could make any difference to me!"
"But we can't be married for six months, dearest."
"Of course not. Do you believe that I as a woman can gather
together my trousseau under six months? No, my dear. We must
not marry in haste to repent at leisure. In another half year
you will enjoy your own income, and then we can marry."
"But meanwhile," said Archie, after kissing her, "the Professor
will bother you to marry Random."
"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.
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