"Because everyone has a turned-down page in his or her Book of Life," cried the young man. "I--in my business--prevent that page being read by those who wish to be paid for the reading. I don't want my business known, but I am not ashamed of it."
"Why did you take it up?
"Because my father lost all his money, and I had scarcely enough to live upon," retorted the young man quickly and proudly.
"You have expectations?"
Vernon started. "How do you know that?" he demanded sharply. Lady Corsoon tapped his arm again. "In my own way I have been doing a little detective business. You were so persistent in following Lucy from house to house, and so decidedly refused to receive my 'No' for her answer, that I made inquiries to see why you could have the courage to offer a young girl a ruined fortune. I learned, indeed, that you were ruined by your father, but I learned also that Sir Edward Vernon, of Slimthorp, in Worcestershire, is your uncle. He has a good income and no wife and is eighty years of age. The chances are that you will succeed him."
"He cannot keep me out of the title," said Vernon bitterly, "but you should have gained more information, Lady Corsoon. My uncle hated my father because my father married the woman he loved, and he hates me because I am the son of that woman. I do not hope to inherit the money, and what is a title without money? I did not explain what you have discovered, else I should have done so, since it seemed useless to put forward all that as a plea for an engagement to your daughter."
"My dear man, a title is better than nothing. You are too modest. Besides, Lucy will have plenty of money."
"I know, if she marries as you and her father wish. But I hear," Vernon smiled bitterly, "that you want a duke."
"I want an honest man, upon whom I can depend," said Lady Corsoon with energy, "and for that reason I have come to see you."
"In spite of the fact that I am Nemo?"