"Who told you that?" asked Barbara, with increased astonishment.
"Luke himself. All is disclosed." And Sybil hastily recounted Luke's adventures. "He is now Sir Luke Rookwood."
"This is news, in truth," said Barbara; "yet not news to weep for. You should rejoice, not lament. Well, well, I foresaw it. I shall live to see all accomplished; to see my Agatha's child ennobled; to see her wedded; ay, to see her well wedded."
"Dearest mother!"
"I can endow you, and I will do it. You shall bring your husband not alone beauty, you shall bring him wealth."
"But, mother——"
"My Agatha's daughter shall be Lady Rookwood."
"Never! It cannot be."
"What cannot be?"
"The match you now propose."