"I was keeping it as a surprise for you. But I can explain all about my reasons later. Meanwhile we have ample to talk about. Yes, I did see Lady Wyke at the factory, where she came to buy a car. Afterwards I saw her at Hendon, when she congratulated me on a successful flight. She's a pretty woman created by her own art." "What do you mean by that?" demanded Lemby, growling like a dog over a bone. "I mean that she is painted and powdered, and padded and overdressed, and all the rest of it. She is mutton trying to look like lamb." "Then you don't love her?" said Claudia, with a sob of relief. "Darling," said the astonished young man, "are you mad? How could I love a woman of that kind? And, remember, I have only seen her twice." "She loves you, however," said Lemby, grimly. Edwin stared at him. "Is this a joke?" he asked, sternly. "If so it is not a good one, and you display bad taste in making it, Mr. Lemby." "I am in earnest, as it happens," said the old man, drily, "and don't tell me what's good taste or bad taste, dash you! Lady Wyke saw your photograph over there, and recognised you, Claudia told her your name, which she said she had never heard." "Then she is telling lies," said Craver, calmly. "I was introduced to her at the factory when I sold her the car." "She said that another person attended to her," said Claudia, quickly. "I attended to her. Lady Wyke is evidently an accomplished liar. As to being in love with a man she has only seen twice, she must be joking." "It didn't sound like joking," remarked the girl, wretchedly. "She hinted that dad was concerned in the death of her husband, but that she would say nothing if I refused to marry you." "I'll twist her neck if she accuses me of a crime of which I am innocent," was Lemby's observation; "and when, I marry her I'll soon bring her to heel." "Are you going to marry her?" "Why shouldn't I, Craver? She's rich and dashed pretty, in my opinion. I want money, and I can put up with her. Do you object?" he asked, with a sneer. "Not at all," rejoined Edwin, promptly, "I don't want her. I shall tell her so if she makes advances to me--on one condition, that is." Lemby scowled. "What condition?" "That you allow Claudia to pay a month's visit to my parents at Hedgerton Rectory. I have told them that I love her, and they are anxious to see her." Claudia, longing for peace and quietness, clapped her hands. "Oh, I should like that above all things. Do say yes, dad." To the surprise of both young people, the pirate agreed very amicably. "The fact is, I haven't enough money to run this flat much longer," he explained, coolly; "so if Claudia goes away for a month, I can stay here on short commons. Mind, I don't say that I agree to your marrying her, Craver. I let her go to Hedgerton for my convenience, not for yours." "Dad, how excessively rude," cried the girl, colouring.