In spite of the lateness of the season, the
weather was still fine, and the artist took the opportunity of
the pale sunshine to sketch a great deal of the marsh scenery.
Lucy attended him as a rule when he went abroad, and sometimes
Mrs. Jasher, voluble and merry, would come along with them to
play the part of chaperon. But the girl noticed that Mrs.
Jasher's merriment was forced at times, and in the searching
morning light she appeared to be quite old. Wrinkles showed
themselves on her plump face and weary lines appeared round her
mouth. Also, she was absent-minded while the lovers chattered,
and, when spoken to, would return to the present moment with a
start. As the widow was now well off as regards money, and as
her scheme to marry Braddock was well on the way to success--for
Lucy had duly reported the Professor's attitude--it was
difficult to understand why Mrs. Jasher should look so worried.
One day Lucy spoke to her on the subject. Random had strolled
across the marshes to look at Hope sketch, and the two men
chatted together, while Miss Kendal led the little widow to one
side.
"There is nothing the matter, I hope," said Lucy gently.
"No. Why do you say that?" asked Mrs. Jasher, flushing.
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