"It is not a matter I care to mix myself up with.

Still"-- she laughed--"you know, why I am doing so." "If I had to take all this trouble to gain a husband," observed Lucy somewhat acidly, "I should remain single all my life." "If you were as lonely as I am," retorted the plump widow, "you would do your best to secure a man toy look after you.

I should prefer a young and handsomer husband--such as Sir Frank Random, for instance but, as beggars cannot be choosers, I must content myself with old age, a famous scientist, and the chance of a possible title.

Now mind, dear, to-night at seven--not a minute later," and she bustled away to prepare for the reception of her guests.
It seemed to Lucy that Mrs.Jasher was taking a great deal of trouble to become Mrs.Braddock, especially as the Professor's brother might live for many a long day yet, in which case the widow would not gain the title she coveted for years.

However, the girl rather sympathized with Mrs.Jasher, who was a companionable soul, and fond of society.
Circumstances condemned her to a somewhat lonely life in an isolated cottage in a rather dull neighborhood, so it was little to be wondered at that she should strive to move heaven and earth--as she was doing--in the hope of escaping from her solitude.