“I wonder how she came to be the mother of Sidney,” said Miss Kendal reflectively, as they resumed their walk, “he's such a clever, smart, and handsome young man.”
“I think Bolton owes everything to the Professor's teaching and example, Lucy,” replied her lover. “He was an uncouth lad, I understand, when your step-father took him into the house six years ago. Now he is quite presentable. I shouldn't wonder if he married Mrs. Jasher.”
“H'm! I rather think Mrs. Jasher admires the Professor.”
“Oh, he'll never marry her. If she were a mummy there might be a chance, of course, but as a human being the Professor will never look at her.”
“I don't know so much about that, Archie. Mrs. Jasher is attractive.”
Hope laughed. “In a mutton-dressed-as-lamb way, no doubt.”
“And she has money. My father is poor and so—”
“You make up a match at once, as every woman will do. Well, let us get back to the Pyramids, and see how the flirtation is progressing.”
Lucy walked on for a few steps in silence. “Do you believe in Mrs. Bolton's dream, Archie?”
“No! I believe she eats heavy suppers. Bolton will return quite safe; he is a clever fellow, not easily taken advantage of. Don't bother any more about Widow Anne and her dismal prophecies.”