Why not? They are friends."
"Oh!" Braddock became roguish again. "I fancied they were
lovers of a certain young lady who is in this room."
By this time Lucy was beginning to guess what her step-father was
aiming at, and grew correspondingly angry.
"Archie is my sole lover now," she remarked stiffly. "Sir Frank
knows that we are engaged and is quite ready to be the friend of
us both."
"And he calls that love. Idiot!" cried the Professor, much
disgusted. "But I would point out to you, Lucy--and I do so
because of my deep affection for you, dear child--that Sir Frank
is wealthy."
"So is Archie--in my love."
"Nonsense! nonsense! That is mere foolish romance, He has no
money."
"You should not say that. Archie had money to the extent of one
thousand pounds, which he gave you."
"One thousand pounds: a mere nothing. Consider, Lucy, that if
you marry Random you will have a title."
Miss Kendal, whose patience was getting exhausted, stamped a very
neat boot.
"I don't know why you talk in this way, father."
"I wish to see you happy."
"Then your wish is granted: you do see me happy. But I won't be
happy long if you keep bothering me to marry a man I don't care
two straws about.
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