d.

"No," she said. "I will not ask him, and you must not."

"Very well, my lass. Suppose we say ten pounds."

"Not enough; it must be twenty at the least."

Tom gave in at once. She might refuse to let him hold the money for
her; that would be a calamity. Jane regarded this transaction with
Carl Meason doubtfully. It was too much like bargaining for her; but
she loved her father, knew his weakness, and forgave. After all, the
money was hers, and he was honest and would not touch a penny of it; he
merely wanted to gloat over its possession.

Carl Meason saw Tom Thrush alone and handed over the two hundred
pounds. He was generally free with his money, and well supplied.

"Jane'll have to go to Nottingham to buy a few things before she's
married," said Tom, feeling his way. He had promised Jane not to make
more demands on Carl, but this did not include broad hints.

"I'll take her over," said Carl.

"That's all right; I can't afford to give her much," said Tom.

Carl grinned, rather savagely, inwardly cursing Tom for a greedy,
miserly man. Well, he'd have Jane--that was his reward.

"I'll see to it my wife shall have all she wants," he answered.

"You'll not find her extravagant; she's been well brought up," said Tom.

"Trust her father for that," said Carl.

Jane went to Nottingham with Carl Meason; she found him liberal. He
bought her expensive dresses and wraps; she began to have a sense of
importance.

Tom Thrush was surprised. Jane had never seemed quite so good-looking;
he considered Carl Meason had secured a valuable prize.

"I'll not deny he's dealt liberally with you," said Tom; "but you're
worth it."

Carl Meason was satisfied when he saw Jane dressed at her best. She
was even prettier than he thought; her new clothes certainly brought
out her good points to perfection. The scruples of the parson were
overcome after he had talked freely with Tom and Jane. He had doubts
about the wisdom of the match, but kept them to himself.

They were married in Little Trent Church and Eve Berkeley was present.
She had been much surprised when Jane told her she was to be married to
Carl Meason.

"Are you quite sure you love him, Jane?" asked Eve.

Jane was not quite sure, and said so. Eve warned her she was about to
try a dangerous experiment, run considerable risk.

"I am very fond of you, Jane, and I want to see you happy," she said.
"Consider it well; there is time to draw back. You do