"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.
"Rude or not, you can go. As to Lady Wyke, if Craver will sheer off, I think I can bring her to reason. Wyke should have left the five thousand a year to you, Claudia. So, as we can't get it by will, we'll get it by marriage."