"
"I see," observed the widow coldly, while Lucy sat quietly by and
allowed the elder woman to conduct the campaign, "you want me for
my money. There is no love in the question."
"My dear, as soon as I have the time--say during our voyage to
Cairo, whence we start inland up the Nile for Ethiopia--I shall
make love whenever you like. And, confound it, Selina, I admire
you no end--to use a slang phrase. You are a fine woman and a
sensible woman, and I am afraid that you are throwing yourself
away on a snuffy old man like myself."
"Oh no! no! Pray do not say that," cried Mrs. Jasher, visibly
moved by this flattery. "You will make a very good husband if
you will only strive to govern your temper."
"Temper! temper! Bless the woman--I mean you, Selina--I have
the very best temper in the world. However, you shall govern it
and myself also if you like. Come," he took her hand, "let us
be friends and fix the wedding day."
Mrs. Jasher did not withdraw her hand.
"Then you do not believe that I have anything to do with this
terrible murder?" she asked playfully.
"No! no! I was heated last night. I spoke rashly and hastily.
Forgive and forget, Selina. You are innocent--quite innocent,
in spite of the mummy being in your confounded garden.
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