.

PROFESSOR BRADDOCK.
There was only one really palatial mansion in Gartley, and that was the ancient Georgian house known as the Pyramids.

Lucy's step-father had given the place this eccentric name on taking up his abode there some ten years previously.

Before that time the dwelling had been occupied by the Lord of the Manor and his family.

But now the old squire was dead, and his impecunious children were scattered to the four quarters of the globe in search of money with which to rebuild their ruined fortunes.