se of intended spoliation. "By Jove! they didn't mean to
go empty-handed," said the vagabond, who naturally judged according to
his own standard, and knew no better. Upon which Lucy, rising with
youthful state and dignity, took the explanation upon herself.

"I do not see why we should have the mortification of a spectator,"
said Lucy, who already, having been engaged three-quarters of an hour,
felt deeply disinclined to reveal the weak points of her own family to
the inspection of the Wentworths. "All that there is to explain can be
done very simply. Thank you, I will not sit down. Up to this time we
may be allowed to imagine ourselves in our own--in our father's house.
What we have to say is simple enough."

"But pardon me, my dear Miss Wodehouse--" said Jack Wentworth.

"My sister is Miss Wodehouse," said Lucy. "What there is to settle had
better be arranged with our--our brother. If he will tell us precisely
when he wishes us to go away, we shall be ready. Mary is going to be
married," she went on, turning round so as to face Wodehouse, and
addressing him pointedly, though she did not look at him--to the
exclusion of Jack, who, experienced man as he was, felt disconcerted,
and addressed himself with more precaution to a task which was less easy
than he supposed.

"Oh, Lucy!" cried Miss Wodehouse, with a blush worthy of eighteen. It
was perhaps the first time that the fact had been so broadly stated,
and the sudden announcement made before two men overwhelmed the timid
woman. Then she was older than Lucy, and had picked up in the course
of her career one or two inevitable scraps of experience, and she
could not but wonder with a momentary qualm what Mr Proctor might
think of his brother-in-law. Lucy, who thought Mr Proctor only too
well off, went on without regarding her sister's exclamation.

"I do not know when the marriage is to be--I don't suppose they have
fixed it yet," said Lucy; "but it appears to me that it would save us
all some trouble if we were allowed to remain until that time. I do
not mean to ask any favour," she said, with a little more sharpness
and less dignity. "We could pay rent for that matter, if--if it were
desired. She is your sister," said Lucy, suddenly looking Wodehouse in
the face, "as well as mine. I daresay she has done as much for you as
she has for me. I don't ask any favour for her--but I would cut off my
little finger if that would please her," cried the excited young
woman, wi