"I wish you could find out," mourned Miss Corsoon. "She refuses to tell me in any way. But I love you, and I won't give you up. I'd run away with you if you were not so poor." "Shortly I'll be poor no longer," said Vernon quickly, "and then we can run away whenever you like." "You will be poor no longer?" questioned Lucy doubtfully. "No, dear. My uncle, Sir Edward Vernon, of whom we spoke when I was here last, has become reconciled to me and has made me his heir. I shall have the title and something like three thousand a year." "Oh, how delightful. But perhaps it's wrong to say that since it means your uncle's death." "I think Sir Edward will be glad to go," replied Vernon candidly. "He has lived a long life, and the latter part of it is very weary and dreary. He told me himself that he was looking forward to the great release." "And then you will be rich?" "Yes; and you will be Lady Vernon." "It seems too good to be true." "I don't think so, dear. Even your father can scarcely object to our marriage when I have an assured position." Lucy looked down at the tea-cups. "It's mother I'm thinking about." "I shall see Lady Corsoon before I leave," said Vernon compressing his lips, and sending a glance in the direction of his hostess. She caught his eye and smiled graciously: so graciously indeed that he bent again down to Lucy. "You must be mistaken, darling," he whispered. "Your mother is quite friendly, and I am sure will not object in any way." "She has changed her mind," answered Miss Corsoon obstinately, "at least, she told me not to count on marrying you." "Strange. She gave no explanation?" "None, and was quite cross when I asked for one." This view of Lady Corsoon's attitude was supported by the fact that on seeing Vernon conversing so earnestly with Lucy she called to the girl to come to her. Ostensibly this was to present her daughter to a fashionable countess who had lately arrived, but Vernon guessed that she really wished to end the _tête-à-tête_. This was curious, considering the conversation which he had held with his proposed mother-in-law at the office of Nemo. It was evident that she had changed her mind once more, and as Lady Corsoon was not a weathercock, Vernon wondered what powerful cause could have brought about the alteration. However, he gave up speculation as he wandered about the room, speaking to his friends, and promised himself a full explanation when the company departed. As Lady Corsoon had asked him to remain it was evident that she intended to let him know what was the matter. And Vernon determined not to leave the house until he _did_ know. Shortly the young man was captured by a flippant lady, voluble and somewhat silly, who gave him a surprising piece of information. "Oh, Mr. Vernon, I am so glad to see you," she babbled gushingly, "you really must come to the--the bazaar--the great bazaar." "Never heard of it, Mrs. Crimer."