“Then you have decided to forgive my father for his rash words?”

“I must,” sighed Mrs. Jasher.  “I am so tired of being an unprotected widow without a recognized position in the world.  Even with my brother’s money,—­not that it is so very much—­I shall still be looked upon askance if I go into society.  But as Mrs. Braddock, or Lady Braddock, no one will dare to say a word against me.  Yes, my dear, if your father comes and, asks my pardon he shall have it.  We women are so weak,” ended the widow virtuously, as if she was not making a virtue of necessity.

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.