Things being thus settled, the two talked on amiably for some time, and
discussed the chances of Random marrying Donna Inez. Both acknowledged
that the Peruvian lady was handsome enough, but had not a word to say
for herself.
While thus chattering, Professor Braddock trotted into the room, looking
brisk and bright from his stroll in the cold frosty air. Gifted as he
was with scientific assurance, the little man was not at all taken aback
by the cold reception of Mrs. Jasher, but rubbed his hands cheerfully.
"Ah, there you are, Selina," said he, looking like a bright-eyed robin.
"I hope you are feeling well."
"How can you expect me to feel well after what you said?" remarked Mrs.
Jasher reproachfully, and anxious to make a virtue of forgiveness.
"Oh, I beg pardon: I beg pardon. Surely, Selina, you are not going to
make a fuss over a trifle like that?"
"I did not give you permission to call me Selina."
"Quite so. But as we are to be married, I may as well get used to your
Christian name, my dear."
"I am not so sure that we will be married," said Mrs. Jasher stiffly.
"Oh, but we must," cried Braddock in dismay. "I am depending upon your
money to finance my expedition to Queen Tahoser's tomb."
"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. After all, the evidence is
stronger against Random than against you. Perhaps he put it there: it's
on his way to the Fort, you see. Never mind. He has exonerated himself,
and no doubt, when confronted with Hervey, will be able to silence that
blackguard. And I am quite sure that Hervey is a blackguard," ended
Braddock, rubbing his bald head.