Vernon started. "Surely you are mistaken," he said anxiously, stopping to almost whisper in her ear. "Your mother gave her consent, and when I was last here she said in your presence that she did not mind my----"
Lucy interrupted with a flush. "I think she has another opinion now. For some time she appeared to be pleased that we should marry, but the day before yesterday she hinted that there might be obstacles."
"Ah, your father?"
"No. Mother can manage father in any way not connected with money. Mother has changed her mind on her own account."
"But for what reason?" asked Vernon, much perplexed.
"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."