"You! But I thought that you were poor, as we are."
"I was, and I am not very rich now. All the same, I have come in
for some thousands of pounds."
"I congratulate you. A legacy?"
"Yes. You remember how I told you about my brother who was a
Pekin merchant. He is dead."
"Oh, I am so sorry."
"My dear, what is the use of being sorry. I never cry over spilt
milk, or assume a virtue which I have not. My brother and I were
almost strangers, as we lived apart for so many years. However,
he came home to die at Brighton, and a few weeks ago--just after
this murder took place, in fact--I was summoned to his
death-bed. He lingered on until last week and died in my arms.
He left me nearly all his money, so I will be able to help the
Professor."
"I don't see why you should," said Lucy, wondering why Mrs.
Jasher did not wear mourning for the dead.
"Oh yes, you do see," remarked the widow, raising her eyes and
rubbing her plump hands together. "I want to marry your father."
Lucy did not express astonishment, as she had understood this for
a long time.
"I guessed as much."
"And what do you say?"
Miss Kendal shrugged her shoulders.
"If my step-father," she emphasized the word--"if my step-father
consents, why should I mind? I am going to marry Archie, and no
doubt the Professor will be lonely.
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