Jasher, the Professor announced in his usual
abrupt way that he intended to go to London, but would leave
Cockatoo in charge of his precious collection. She was somewhat
disturbed, however, as, wishing to forward the widow's
matrimonial aims, she had invited her to dinner for the ensuing
night. This she told her step-father, and, rather to her
surprise, he expressed himself sorry that he could not remain.
"Mrs. Jasher," said Braddock hastily, drinking his coffee, "is a
very sensible woman, who knows when to be silent."
"She is also a good housekeeper, I believe," hinted Miss Kendal
demurely.
"Eh, what? Well? Why do you say that?" snapped Braddock
sharply.
Lucy fenced.
"Mrs. Jasher admires you, father."
Braddock grunted, but did not seem displeased, since even a
scientist possessing the usual vanity of the male is not
inaccessible to flattery.
"Did Mrs. Jasher tell you this?" he inquired, smiling
complacently.
"Not in so many words. Still, I am a woman, and can guess how
much another woman leaves unsaid." Lucy paused, then added
significantly: "I do not think that she is so very old, and you
must admit that she is wonderfully well preserved."
"Like a mummy," remarked the Professor absently; then pushed back
his chair to add briskly: "What does all this mean, you minx? I
know that the woman is all right so far as a woman can be: but
her confounded age and her looks and her unexpressed admiration.
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