He drew his step-daughter towards him and kissed her on the cheek.
"I believe that I have to thank you for putting the idea into my head," said he, "and also--if Mrs.Jasher is to be believed--for aiding her to see the mutual advantage it would be to both of us to marry.

Ha," he released Lucy and rubbed his hands, "let us go to dinner." "I am very glad," said Miss Kendal heartily.
"So am I, so am I," replied Braddock, nodding.

"As you very truly observed, my child, the house would have gone to rack and ruin without a woman to look after my interests.

Well," he took the arms of the two young people, "I really think that we must have a bottle of champagne on the strength of it." Shortly the trio were seated at the table, and Braddock explained that Mrs.Jasher, being overcome by his proposal, had not been able to face the ordeal of congratulations.
"But she will come to-morrow," said he, as Cockatoo filled three glasses.
"Indeed, I shall congratulate her to-night," said Lucy obstinately.

"As soon as dinner is over, I shall go with Archie to her house, and tell her how pleased I am." "It is very cold for you to be out, Lucy dear," urged Archie anxiously.
"Oh, I can wrap up warmly," she answered.
Strange to say, the Professor made no objection to the excursion, although Hope quite expected such a stickler for etiquette to refuse permission to his step-daughter.