"
"No right, when I am your father?"
"You are not my father: merely my step-father--merely a relation
by marriage. I am of age. I can do as I like, and intend to."
"But, Lucy," implored Braddock, changing his tune, "think."
"I have thought. I marry Archie."
"But he is poor and Random is rich."
"I don't care. I love Archie and I don't love Frank."
"Would you have me lose the mummy for ever?"
"Yes, I would, if my misery is to be the price of its
restoration. Why should I sell myself to a man I care nothing
about, just because you want a musty, fusty old corpse? Now I am
going." Lucy walked to the door. "I shan't listen to another
word. And if you bother me again, I shall marry Archie at once
and leave the house."
"I can make you leave it in any case, you ungrateful girl,"
bellowed Braddock, who was purple with rage, never having a very
good temper at the best of times. "Look what I have done for
you!"
Miss Kendal could have pointed out that her step-father had done
nothing save attend to himself. But she disdained such an
argument, and without another word opened the door and walked
out. Almost immediately afterwards Cockatoo entered, much to the
relief of the Professor, who relieved his feelings by kicking the
unfortunate Kanaka.
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