But he
would not make a move unless he was paid five hundred pounds, and
Braddock did not know where to procure that amount. Having long
since made himself acquainted with Hope's financial condition, he
knew well that there was no chance of getting a second check in
that quarter. Of course there was Random, whom he had heard
casually had returned from his yachting cruise, and was now back
again at the Fort. But Random was in love with Lucy, and would
probably only give or lend the money on condition that the
Professor helped him with his wooing. In that case, since Lucy
was engaged to Hope, there would be some difficulty in altering
present conditions. But having arrived at this point of his
somewhat angry meditations, Braddock sent Cockatoo with a message
to his step-daughter, saying that he wished to see her.
"I'll see if she really loves Hope," thought the Professor,
rubbing his plump hands. "If she doesn't, there may be a chance
of her throwing him over to become Lady Random. Then I can get
the money. And indeed," soliloquized the Professor virtuously,
"I must point out to her that it is wrong of her to make a poor
marriage, when she can gain a wealthy husband. I will only be
doing my duty by my dear dead wife, by preventing her wedding
poverty.
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