“Put them under the cloak, sir,” murmured Jane, tenderly. She loved sovereigns. He put his hand under the heap of cashmere, and a quick little claw hit the coins and closed on them by almighty instinct. “Now I want to ask your opinion. Is my niece in love with anyone?” “Well, Mr. Fountains, if she is she don't show it.” “But doesn't she like one man better than another?” “You may take your oath of that, if we could but get to her mind.” “Which does she like best, this Hardie or Mr. Talboys? Come, tell me, now.” “Well, sir, you know Mr. Talboys is an old acquaintance, and like brother and sister at Font Abbey. I do suppose she have been a scare of times alone with him for one, with Mr. Hardie's. That she should take up with a stranger and jilt an old acquaintance, now is it feasible?” “Why, of course not. It was a foolish question; you are a young woman of sense. Here's a 5 pound note for you. You must not tell I spoke to you.” “Now is it likely, sir? My character would be broken forever.” “And you shall be with my niece when she is Mrs. Talboys.” “I might do worse, sir, and so might she. He is respected far and wide, and a grand house, and a carriage and four, and everything to make a lady comfortable. Your servant, sir, and wishes you many thanks.” “And such as Jane was, all true servants are.” The ancients used to bribe the Oracle of Delphi. Curious. CHAPTER XXIV. Lucy's twenty-first birthday dawned, but it was not to her the gay exulting day it is to some. Last night her uncle and aunt had gone a step further, and, instead of kissing her ceremoniously, had evaded her. They were drawing matters to a climax: once of age, each day would make her more independent in spirit as in circumstances. This morning she hoped custom would shield her from unkindness for one day at least. But no, they made it clear there was but one way back to their smiles. Their congratulations at the breakfast-table were cold and constrained; her heart fell; and long before noon on her birthday she was crying. Thus weakened, she had to encounter a thoroughly prepared attack. Mr. Bazalgette summoned her to his study at one o'clock, and there she found him and Mrs. Bazalgette and Mr. Fountain seated solemnly in conclave. The merchant was adding up figures. “Come, now, business,” said he. “Dick has added them up: his figures are in that envelope; break the seal and open it, Lucy. If his total corresponds with mine, we are right; if not, I am wrong, and you will all have to go over it with me till we are right.” A general groan followed this announcement. Luckily, the sum totals corresponded to a fraction. Then Mr. Bazalgette made Lucy a little speech.