\"Iamveryangry，\"poutedthemaid。
\"Inheaven’sname，why？\"questionedthebachelor。
\"Youhave，sotospeak，boughtme。\"
\"Impossible:yourpriceisprohibitive。\"
\"Indeed，whenathousandpounds-\"
\"Youareworthfiftyandahundredtimesasmuch。Pooh！\"
\"Thatinterjectiondoesn’tanswermyquestion。\"
\"Idon’tthinkitisonewhichneedsanswering，\"saidtheyoungmanlightly；\"therearemoreimportantthingstotalkaboutthanpounds，shillings，andsordidpence。\"
\"Oh，indeed！Suchas-\"
\"Love，onadaysuchasthisis。Lookatthesky，blueasyoureyes；atthesunshine，goldenasyourhair。\"
\"Warmasyouraffection，youshouldsay。\"
\"Affection！Socoldaword，whenIloveyou。\"
\"Totheextentofonethousandpounds。\"
\"Lucy，youarea-woman。Thatmoneydidnotbuyyourlove，buttheconsentofyourstepfathertoourmarriage。HadInothumoredhiswhim，hewouldhaveinsisteduponyourmarryingRandom。\"
Lucypoutedagainandinscorn。
\"AsifIeverwould，\"saidshe。
\"Well，Idon’tknow。Randomisasoldierandabaronet；handsomeandagreeable，withacertainamountoftalent。Whatobjectioncanyoufindtosuchamatch？\"
\"Oneinsuperableobjection；heisn’tyou，Archie-darling。\"
\"H’m，theadjectiveappearstobeanafterthought，\"grumbledthebachelor；then，whenshemerelylaughedteasinglyafterthemannerofwomen，headdedmoodily:
\"No，byJove，Randomisn’tme，byanymannerofmeans。Iambutapoorartistwithoutfameorposition，strugglingonthreehundredayearforagrudgingrecognition。\"
\"Quiteenoughforone，yougreedycreature。\"
\"Andfortwo？\"heinquiredsoftly。
\"Morethanenough。\"
\"Oh，nonsense，nonsense，nonsense！\"
\"What！whenIamengagedtoyou？Actionsspeakmuchlouderthanremarks，Mr。ArchibaldHope。IloveyoumorethanIdomoney。\"
\"Angel！angel！\"
\"YousaidthatIwasawomanjustnow。Whatdo，youmean？\"
\"This，\"andhekissedherwillinglipsinthelane，whichwasemptysaveforblackbirdsandbeetles。\"Isanyexplanationaclearone？\"
\"Nottoanangel，whorequiresadoration，buttoawomanwho-
Letuswalkon，Archie，orweshallbelatefordinner。\"
Theyoungmansmiledandfrownedandsighedandlaughedinthespaceofthirtyseconds-somethingofafeatinthewayofemotionalgymnastics。ThefreakishfemininenatureperplexedhimasithadperplexedAdam，andhecouldnotunderstandthisrapidchangefrompoetrytoprose。Howcoulditbeotherwise，whenhewasbutfive-and-twenty，andengagedforthefirsttime？
Threescoreyearsandtenisalltooshortatimetolearnwhatwomanreallyis，andeverystudentleavesthisworldwiththeconvictionthatofthethousandsideswhichthefemaleofmanpresentstothemaleofwoman，notonerevealsthebeinghedesirestoknow。Thereisalwaysadeepbelowadeep；aveilbehindaveil，aspherewithinasphere。
\"It’smostremarkable，\"saidthepuzzledmaninthisinstance。
\"Whatis？\"askedtheenigmapromptly。
Toavoidanargumentwhichhecouldnotsustain，Archieswitchedhisontotheweather。
\"ThisdayinSeptember；onecouldwellbelievethatitisstillthemonthofroses。\"
\"What！Withthosewiltedhedgesandfallingleavesandreapedfieldsandgoldenhaystacks，and-and-\"
Sheglancedaroundforfurtherillustrationsinthewayofcontradiction。
\"Icanseeallthosethings，dear，andthemisplaceddayalso！\"
\"Misplaced？\"
\"JulydayslippedintoSeptember。Itcomesintothelandscapeofthisautumnmonth，asdoesloveintotheheartsofanelderlycouplewhofeeltoolatethesupremepassion。\"
Lucy’seyesswepttheprospect，andthespring-likesunshine，revealingalltooclearlythewrinklesofagingNature，assistedhercomprehension。
\"Iunderstand。Yetyouthhasitswisdom。\"
\"Andoldageitsexperience。Thelawofcompensation，mydearest。ButIdon’tsee，\"headdedreflectively，\"whatyourremarkandmyanswerhavetodowiththeview，\"whereatLucydeclaredthathiswitswandered。
Withinthelastfiveminutestheyhademergedfromasunkenlanewherethehedgeswerewhitewithdustanddrywithheattoavastopenspace，apparentlyattheWorld’s-End。HerethesaltingsspreadraggedlytowardsthestatelystreamoftheThames，intersectedbydykesandditches，byearthenramparts，crookedfences，sodwalls，andirregularlinesofstuntedtreesfollowingthewater-courses。Themarsheswereshaggywithreedsandrushes，andbrownwithcoarse，fadingherbage，althoughhereandtheregleamedemerald-huedpatchesofwater-soakedsoil，fitforfairy-rings。Beyondamoderatelyhighembankmentofturfandtimber，theloverscouldseethebroadriver，sweepingeastwardtotheNore，withhomeward-boundandoutward-faringshipsafloatonitsgoldentide。Acrossthegleamingwaters，fromwheretheylippedtheirbankstothefootoflowdomesticKentishhills，stretchedalluviallands，sparselytimbered，andintheclearsunshineclustersofhouses，greatandsmall，factorieswithtall，smokychimneys，clumpsoftreesandrigidrailwaylinescouldbediscerned。Thelandscapewasnotbeautiful，inspiteofthesun’sprofusegildings，buttotheloversitappearedaParadise。Cupid，lordofgodsandmen，hadbestowedonthemtheusualrose-coloredspectacleswhichformanimportantpartofhisstock-in-trade，andtheylookedabroadonafairyworld。WasnotSHEthere:wasnotHEthere:couldRomeoorJulietdesiremore？
>Fromtheirfeetrantheslim，straightcauseway，whichwastheKing’shighwayofthedistrict-atrim，primlineofwhiteabovethepicturesquedisorderofthemarshes。Itskirtedthelow-lyingfieldsatthefootoftheuplandsandslippedthroughanirongatetoendinthefardistanceatthegiganticportalofTheFort。Thiswasasquat，ungainlypileofruggedgraystone，symmetricallybuilt，butaggressivelyuglyinitsveryregularity，sinceitinsultedthegracefulcurvesofNatureeverywherediscernible。Itstoodnakedlyamidstthebare，bleakmeadowsglitteringwithpoolsofstillwater，withnoteventheleafofacreepertosoftenitsmenacingwalls，althoughabovethemappearedthefull-foliagedtopsoftreesplantedinthebarrack-yard。Itlookedasthoughthegrimwallsbeltedasecretorchard。Whatwiththefrowningbattlements，theveryfewwindowsdiminutiveandcloselybarred，thesullenentranceandtheabsenceofanygraciousgreenery，GartleyFortresembledtheCastleofGiantDespair。Onthehitherside，butinvisibletothelovers，greatcannonsscowledontherivertheyprotected，and，whentheyspoke，receivedanswerfromsmallergunsacrossthestream。Therelessextensivefortswereconcealedamidsttreesandmaskedbyturfembankments，towatchandguardthegoldenargosiesofLondoncommerce。
Lucy，alwaysimpressionable，shiveredwithherhandinthatofArchie’s，asshestaredatthelandscape，melancholyeveninthebrilliantsunshine。
\"IshouldhatetoliveinGartleyFort，\"saidsheabruptly。\"Onemightaswellbeinjail。\"
\"IfyoumarryRandomyouwillhavetolivethere，oronabaggagewagon。HeisR。G。A。captain，remember，andhastogowhereglorycallshim，likeagoodsoldier。\"
\"Glorycancalluntilgloryishoarseforme，\"retortedthegirlcandidly。\"Ipreferanartist’sstudiotoacamp。\"
\"Why？\"askedHope，laughingathervehemence。
\"Thereasonisobvious。Ilovetheartist。\"
\"Andifyoulovedthesoldier？\"
\"IshouldmountthebaggagewagonandmakehimBovrilwhenhewaswounded。Butforyou，dear，Ishallcookandsewandbakeand-\"
\"Stop！stop！Iwantawife，notahousekeeper。\"
\"Everysensiblemanwantsthetwoinone。\"
\"Butyoushouldbea，queen，darling。\"
\"Notwithmyownconsent，Archie:theworkismuchtoohard。
Existenceonsixpoundsaweekwithyouwillbemoreamusing。Wecantakeacottage，youknow，andlive，thesimplelifeinGartleyvillage，untilyoubecometheP。R。A。，andIcanbeLadyHope，towalkinsilkattire。\"
\"YoushallbeQueenoftheEarth，darling，andwalkalone。\"
\"Howdull！Iwouldmuchratherwalkwithyou。Andthatremindsmethatdinneriswaiting。Letustaketheshortcuthomethroughthevillage。Onthewayyoucantellmeexactlyhowyouboughtmefrommystep-fatherforonethousandpounds。\"
ArchieHopefrownedattheincurableobstinacyofthesex。\"I
didn’tbuyyou，dearest:howmanytimesdoyouwishmetodenyasalewhichnevertookplace？Imerelyobtainedyourstep-father’sconsenttoourmarriageinthenearfuture。\"
\"Asifhehadanythingtodowithmymarriage，beingonlymystep-father，andhaving，inmyeyes，noauthority。Inwhatwaydidyougethisconsent-hisunnecessaryconsent，\"sherepeatedwithemphasis。
Ofcourseitwaswasteofbreathtoarguewithawomanwhohadmadeuphermind。Thetwobegantowalktowardsthevillagealongthecauseway，andHopeclearedhisthroattoexplain-
patientlyastoachild。
\"Youknowthatyourstep-father-ProfessorBraddock-iscrazyonthesubjectofmummies？\"
Lucynoddedinherprettywilfulway。\"HeisanEgyptologist。\"
\"Quiteso，butlessfamousandrichthanheshouldbe，consideringhisknowledgeofdry-as-dustantiquities。Well，then，tomakealongstoryshort，hetoldmethathegreatlydesiredtoexamineintothedifferencebetweentheEgyptiansandthePeruvians，withregardtotheembalmingofthedead。\"
\"IalwaysthoughtthathewastoofondofEgypttobotheraboutanyothercountry，\"saidLucysapiently。
\"Mydear，itisn’tthecountryhecaresabout，butthecivilizationofthepast。TheIncasembalmedtheirdead，asdidtheEgyptians，andinsomewaytheProfessorheardofaRoyalMummy，swathedingreenbandages-sohedescribedittome。\"
\"ItshouldbecalledanIrishmummy，\"saidLucyflippantly。
\"Well？\"
\"ThismummyisinpossessionofamanatMalta，andProfessorBraddock，hearingthatitwasforsaleforonethousandpounds-\"
\"Oh！\"interruptedthegirlvivaciously，\"sothiswaswhyfathersentSidneyBoltonawaysixweeks%go？\"
\"Yes。Asyouknow，Boltonisyourstep-father’sassistant，andisascrazyastheProfessoronthesubjectofEgypt。IaskedtheProfessorifhewouldallowmetomarryyou-\"
\"Quiteunnecessary，\"interpolatedLucybriskly。
Archiepassedovertheremarktoevadeanargument。
\"WhenIaskedhim，hesaidthathewishedyoutomarryRandom，whoisrich。IpointedoutthatyoulovedmeandnotRandom，andthatRandomwasonayachtingcruise，whileIwasonthespot。
HethensaidthathecouldnotwaitforthereturnofRandom，andwouldgivemeachance。\"
\"Whatdidhemeanbythat？\"
\"Well，itseemsthathewasinahurrytogetthisGreenMummyfromMalta，ashefearedlestsomeotherpersonshouldsnapitup。Thiswastwomonthsago，remember，andProfessorBraddockwantedthecashatonce。HadRandombeenherehecouldhavesuppliedit，butasRandomwasawayhetoldmethatifIhandedoveronethousandpoundstopurchasethemummy，thathewouldpermitourengagementnow，andourmarriageinsixmonths。Isawmychanceandtookit，foryourstep-fatherhasalwaysbeenanobstacleinourpath，Lucy，dear。InaweekProfessorBraddockhadthemoney，asIsoldoutsomeofmyinvestmentstogetit。
HethensentBoltontoMaltainatrampsteamerforthesakeofcheapness，andnowexpectshimbackwiththeGreenMummy。\"
\"HasSidneyboughtit？\"
\"Yes。Hegotitforninehundredpounds，theProfessortoldme，andisbringingitbackinTheDiver-that’sthesametrampsteamerinwhichhewenttoMalta。Sothat’sthewholestory，andyoucanseethereisnoquestionofyoubeingbought。Thethousandpoundswenttogetyourfather’sconsent。\"
\"Heisnotmyfather，\"snappedLucy，findingnothingelsetosay。
\"Youcallhimso。\"
\"Thatisonlyfromhabit。Ican’tcallhimMr。Braddock，orProfessorBraddock，whenIlivewithhim，so`father’isthesolemodeofaddresslefttome。Andafterall，\"sheadded，takingherlover’sarm，\"IliketheProfessor；heisverykindandgood，althoughextremelyabsent-minded。AndIamgladhehasconsented，forheworriedmealottomarrySirFrankRandom。I
amgladyouboughtme。\"
\"ButIdidn’t，\"criedtheexasperatedlover。
\"Ithinkyoudid，andyoushouldn’thavediminishedyourincomebybuyingwhatyoucouldhavehadfornothing。\"
Archieshruggedhisshoulders。Itwasvaintocombatherfixedidea。
\"Ihavestillthreehundredayearleft。Andyouwereworthbuying。\"
\"YouhavenorighttotalkofmeasthoughIhadbeenbought。\"
Theyoungmangasped。\"Butyousaid-\"
\"Oh，whatdoesitmatterwhatIsaid。Iamgoingtomarryyouonthreehundredayear，sothereitis。IsupposewhenBoltonreturns，myfatherwillbegladtoseethebackofme，andthenwillgotoEgyptwithSidneytoexplorethissecrettombheisalwaystalkingabout。\"
\"Thatexpeditionwillrequiremorethanathousandpounds，\"saidArchiedryly。\"TheProfessorexplainedtheobstaclestome。
However，hisdoingshavenothingtodowithus，darling。LetProfessorBraddockfumbleamongstthedeadifhelikes。Welive！\"
\"Apart，\"sighedLucy。
\"Onlyforthenextsixmonths；thenwecangetour，cottageandliveonlove，mydearest。\"
\"Plusthreehundredayear，\"saidthegirlsensiblythensheadded，\"Oh，poorFrankRandom！\"
\"Lucy，\"criedherloverindignantly。
\"Well，Iwasonlypityinghim。He’saniceman，andyoucan’texpecthimtobepleasedatourmarriage。\"
\"Perhaps，\"saidHopeinanicytone，\"youwouldlikehimtobethebridegroom。Ifso，thereisstilltime。\"
\"Sillyboy！Sheshookhisarm。\"AsIlavebeenbought，youknowthatIcan’trunawayfrommypurchaser。\"
\"Youdeniedbeingboughtjustnow。Itseemstome，Lucy，thatI
amtomarryaweather-cock。\"
\"Thatisonlyanimpolitenameforawoman，dear。Youhavenosenseofhumor，Frank，oryouwouldcallmeanAprillady。\"
\"Becauseyouchangeeveryfiveminutes。H’m！It’spuzzling。\"
\"Isit？PerhapsyouwouldlikemetoresembleWidowAnne，whoisalwaysfunereal。Heresheis，lookinglikeNiobe。\"
TheywerestrollingthroughGartleyvillagebythistime，andthecottagerscametotheirdoorsandfrontgatestolookatthehandsomeyoungcouple。Everyoneknewoftheengagement，andapprovedofthesame，althoughsomehintedthatLucyKendalwouldhavebeenwisertomarrythesoldier-baronet。AmongstthesewasWidowAnne，whoreallywasMrs。Bolton，themotherofSidney，adismalfemaleinvariablyarrayedinrusty，stuffy，aggressivemourning，althoughherhusbandhadbeendeadforovertwentyyears。Becauseofthissamemourning，andbecauseshewasalwaystalkingofthedead，shevascalled\"WidowAnne，\"andlookedontheappellationasacomplimenttoherfidelity。Atthepresentmomentshestoodatthegateofhertinygarden，moppingherredeyeswithadingyhandkerchief。
’Ah，younglove，younglove，mylady，\"shegroaned，whenthecouplepassed，forshealwaysgaveLucyatitleasthoughshereallyandtrulyhadbecomethewifeofSirFrank，\"butwhoknowshowlongitmaylast？\"
\"Aslongaswedo，\"retortedLucy，annoyedbythispropheticspeech。
WidowAnnegroanedwithrelish。\"SomeandAaron，asisdeadandgone，thought，mylady。Butinsixmonthshewasknockingtheheadoffme。\"
\"Themanwhowouldlayhishandonawomansaveinthewayof-\"
\"Oh，Archie，whatnonsense，youtalk！\"criedMissKendalpettishly。
\"Ah！\"sighedthewomanofexperience，\"Icalleditnonsensetoo，mylady，aforeAaron，whonowlieswiththeworms，laidmeoutwithaflat-iron。Men’sfitforjailsonly，asIallayssays。\"
\"Aniceopinionyouhaveofoursex，\"remarkedArchiedryly。
\"Ihave，sir。Icouldtellyouthingsaswouldmakeyourheadwagglewithhorroronthereshouldersofyours。\"
\"WhataboutyoursonSidney？Ishealsowicked？\"
\"Hewouldbeifhehadthestrength，whichhehasn’t，\"exclaimedthewidowwithuncomplimentaryfervor。\"He’sAaron’sson，andAaronhadn’tmuchtolearnfromthemasiswherehe’sgonetoo，\"
andshelookeddownwardsignificantly。
\"Sidneyisadecentyoungfellow，\"saidLucysharply。\"Howdareyoumiscallyourownfleshandblood，WidowAnne？MyfatherthinksagreatdealofSidney，elsehewouldnothavesenthimtoMalta。Dotryandbecheerful，there’sagoodsoul。Sidneywilltellyouplentytomakeyoulaugh，whenhecomeshome。\"
\"Ifheeverdoescomehome，\"sighedtheoldwoman。
\"Whatdoyoumeanbythat？\"
\"Oh，it’sallverywellaskingquestionsascan’tbeanswerednohow，mylady，butIbeallofamubble-fubble，thatIbe。\"
\"Whatisamubble-fubble？\"askedHope，staring。
\"It’saqueer-likefeelingofdeathandsorrowandtearsofbloodandnotliftingyourheadforgroans，\"saidWidowAnneincoherently，\"andthere’smeaningsinmubble-fumbles，aswe’retoldinScripture。NotbutwhatthePerfesser’sbeenakindgentlemantoSidintakinghimfromgoingroundwiththelaundrycart，andeddicatinghimtowatchcamphoratedcorpses:notaswhatI’dliketokeepaneyeonthemthingsmyself。Butthere’snomorewatchingformyboySid，asIdreamed。\"
\"Whatdidyoudream？\"askedLucycuriously。
WidowAnnethrewuptwognarledhands，wrinkledwithageandlaundrywork，screwingupherfacemeanwhile。
\"Idreamedofbattleandmurderandsuddendeath，mylady，withSidinhiscoldgraveplayingonaharp，angel-like。Yes！\"shefoldedherrustyshawltightlyroundherspareformandnodded，\"therewasSid，lookingbeautifulinhiscoffin，andcutintoahash，asyoumightsay，with-\"
\"Ugh！ugh！\"shudderedLucy，andArchiestrovetodrawheraway。
\"Withmurderwrittenalloverhispoorface，\"pursuedthewidow。
\"AndIwokeupscreechingwithcrampinmylegsandpainsinmylungs，andbeatingsinmyheart，andstiffnessinmy-\"
\"Oh，hangit，shutup！\"shoutedArchie，seeingthatLucywasgrowingpaleatthisghoulishrecital，\"don’tbefool，woman。
ProfessorBraddocksaysthatBolton’llbebackinthreedayswiththemummyhehasbeensenttofetchfromMalta。Youhavebeenhavingnightmare！Don’tyouseehowyouarefrighteningMissKendal？\"
\"’TheWitch’ofEndor，sir-\"
\"DeucetaketheWitchofEndorandyoualso。There’sashilling。
Goanddrinkyourselfintoamorecheeryframeofmind。\"
WidowAnnebittheshillingwithoneofhertworemainingteeth，anddroppedacurtsey。
\"You’reagood，kindgentleman，\"shesmirked，cheeredattheideaofunlimitedgin。\"AndwhenmyboySiddocomehomeacorpse，I
hopeyou’llcometothefuneral，sir。\"
\"Whataraven！\"saidLucy，asWidowAnnetoddledawayinthedirectionoftheonepublic-houseinGartleyvillage。
\"Idon’twonderthatthelateMr。Boltonlaidheroutwithaflat-iron。Toslaysuchawomanwouldbemeritorious。\"
\"IwonderhowshecametobethemotherofSidney，\"saidMissKendalreflectively，astheyresumedtheirwalk，\"he’ssuchaclever，smart，andhandsomeyoungman。\"
\"IthinkBoltonoweseverythingtotheProfessor’steachingandexample，Lucy，\"repliedherlover。\"Hewasanuncouthlad，I
understand，whenyourstep-fathertookhimintothehousesixyearsago。Nowheisquitepresentable。Ishouldn’twonderifhemarriedMrs。Jasher。\"
\"H’m！IratherthinkMrs。JasheradmirestheProfessor。\"
\"Oh，he’llnevermarryher。Ifshewereamummytheremightbeachance，ofcourse，butasahumanbeingtheProfessorwillneverlookather。\"
\"Idon’tknowsomuchaboutthat，Archie。Mrs。Jasherisattractive。\"
Hopelaughed。\"Inamutton-dressed-as-lambway，nodoubt。\"
\"Andshehasmoney。Myfatherispoorandso-\"
\"Youmakeupamatchatonce，aseverywomanwilldo。Well，letusgetbacktothePyramids，andseehowtheflirtationisprogressing。\"
Lucywalkedonforafewstepsinsilence。\"DoyoubelieveinMrs。Bolton’sdream，Archie？\"
\"No！Ibelievesheeatsheavysuppers。Boltonwillreturnquitesafe；heisacleverfellow，noteasilytakenadvantageof。
Don’tbotheranymoreaboutWidowAnneandherdismalprophecies。\"
\"I’lltrynotto，\"repliedLucydutifully。\"Allthesame，Iwishshehadnottoldmeherdream，\"andsheshivered。
CHAPTERII
PROFESSORBRADDOCK
TherewasonlyonereallypalatialmansioninGartley，andthatwastheancientGeorgianhouseknownasthePyramids。Lucy’sstepfatherhadgiventheplacethiseccentricnameontakinguphisabodetheresometenyearspreviously。BeforethattimethedwellinghadbeenoccupiedbytheLordoftheManorandhisfamily。Butnowtheoldsquirewasdead，andhisimpecuniouschildrenwerescatteredtothefourquartersoftheglobeinsearchofmoneywithwhichtorebuildtheirruinedfortunes。Asthevillagewassomewhatisolatedandratherunhealthilysituatedinamarshycountry，thehuge，roomyoldGrangehadnotbeeneasytolet，andhadprovedquiteimpossibletosell。Underthesedisastrouscircumstances，ProfessorBraddock-whodescribedhimselfhumorouslyasascientificpauper-hadobtainedthetenancyataridiculouslylowrental，muchtohissatisfaction。
Manypeoplewouldhavepaidmoneytoavoidexileinthesedampwastelands，which，asitwere，fringedcivilization，buttheirlonelinessanddesolationsuitedtheProfessorexactly。HerequiredampleroomforhisEgyptiancollection，withplentyoftimetodecipherhieroglyphicsandstudyperisheddynastiesoftheNileValley。TheworldofthepresentdaydidnotinterestBraddockintheleast。Helivedalmostcontinuouslyonthatportionofthementalplanewhichhadtodowiththefar-distantpast，andonlyconcernedhimselfwithphysicalexistence，whenitconsistedofmummiesandmysticbeetles，sepulchralornaments，pictureddocuments，hawk-headeddeitiesandsuchlikethingsofalmostinconceivableantiquity。Herarelywalkedabroadandwasinvariablylateformeals，savewhenhemissedanyparticularonealtogether，whichhappenedfrequently。Absent-mindedinconversation，untidyindress，unpracticalinbusiness，dreamyinmanner，ProfessorBraddocklivedsolelyforarchaeology。Thatsuchamanshouldhavetakentohimselfawifewasmystery。
Yethehadbeenmarriedfifteenyearsbeforetoawidow，whopossessedalimitedincomeandonesmallchild。ItwastheopportunityofsecuringtheuseofasteadyincomewhichhaddecoyedBraddockintothematrimonialsnareofMrs。Kendal。Toputitplainly，hehadmarriedtheagreeablewidowforhermoney，althoughhecouldscarcelybecalledafortune-hunter。LikeEugeneAram，hedesiredcashtoassistlearning，andasthatscholarhadcommittedmurdertosecurewhathewanted，sodidtheProfessormarrytoobtainhisends。Theseweretohavesomeonetomanagethehouse，andtobesetfreefromthenecessityofearninghisbread，sothathemightindulgeinpursuitsmorepleasurablethanmoney-making。Mrs。Kendalwasaplacid，phlegmaticlady，wholikedratherthanlovedtheProfessor，andwhodesiredhimmoreasacompanionthanasahusband。WithBraddockshedidnotarrangearomanticmarriagesomuchasenterintoacongenialpartnership。Shewantedamaninthehouse，andhedesiredfreedomfrompecuniaryembarrassment。Ontheselinestheprosaicbargainwasstruck，andMrs。KendalbecametheProfessor’swifewithentirelysuccessfulresults。Shegaveherhusbandahome，andherchildafather，whobecamefondofLucy，andwho-consideringhewasmerelyanamateurparent-actedadmirably。
Butthissensiblepartnershiplastedonlyforfiveyears。Mrs。
BraddockdiedofachillontheliverandleftherfivehundredayeartotheProfessorforlife，withremaindertoLucy，thenasmallgirloften。ItwasatthiscriticalmomentthatBraddockbecameapracticalmanforthefirstandlasttimeinhisdreamylife。Heburiedhiswifewithunfeignedregret-forhehadbeensincerelyattachedtoherinhisabsent-mindedway-andsentLucytoaHampsteadboardingschool。Afteraninterviewwithhislatewife’slawyertoseethattheincomewassafe，hesoughtforahouseinthecountry，andquicklydiscoveredGartleyGrange，whichnoonewouldtakebecauseofitsisolation。WithinthreemonthsfromtheburialofMrs。Braddock，thewidowerhadremovedhimselfandhiscollectiontoGartley，andhadrenamedhisnewabodethePyramids。Herebedweltquietlyandenjoyably-fromhisdry-as-dustpointofview-fortenyears，andhereLucyKendalhadcomewhenhereducationwascompleted。ThearrivalofamarriageableyoungladymadenodifferenceintheProfessor’shabits，andhehailedherthankfullyasthesuccessortohermotherinmanagingthesmallestablishment。ItistobefearedthatBraddockwassomewhatselfishinhisviews，butthefixedideaofarchaeologicalresearchmadehimegotistical。
Themansionwasthree-story，flat-roofed，extremelyuglyandunexpectedlycomfortable。Builtofmellowredbrickwithdingywhitestonefacings，itstoodafewyardsbackfromtheroadwaywhichranfromGartleyFortthroughthevillage，and，attheprecisepointwherethePyramidswassituated，curvedabruptlythroughwoodlandstoterminateamileaway，atJessum，thelocalstationoftheThamesRailwayLine。Anironrailing，embeddedinmolderingstonework，dividedthenarrowfrontgardenfromtheroad，andoneithersideofthedoor-whichcouldbereachedbyfiveshallowsteps-grewtwosmallyewtrees，smartlyclippedandtrimmedintoconesofdullgreen。Theseyewspossessedsomemagicalsignificance，whichProfessorBraddockwouldoccasionallyexplaintochancevisitorsinterestedinoccultmatters；for，amongstotherthingsEgyptian，thearchaeologistsearchedintothemagicoftheSonsofKhem，andinsistedthattherewasmoretruththansuperstitionintheirenchantments。
Braddockusedallthevastroomsofthegroundfloortohousehiscollectionofantiquities，whichhehadacquiredthroughmanylaboriousyears。Hedweltentirelyinthismuseum，ashisbedroomadjoinedhisstudy，andhefrequentlydevouredhishurriedmealsamongstthebrilliantlytintedmummycases。Theembalmeddeadpopulatedhisworld，andonlynowandthen，whenLucyinsisted，didheascendtothefirstfloor，whichwasherparticularabode。Herewasthedrawing-room，thedining-roomandLucy’sboudoir；herealsoweresundrybedrooms，furnishedandunfurnished，inoneofwhichMissKendalslept，whiletheothersremainedvacantforchancevisitors，principallyfromthescientificworld。Thethirdstorywasdevotedtothecook，herhusband-whoactedasgardener-andtothehouseparlormaid，acompositedomestic，whoworkedfrommorninguntilnightinkeepingthegreathouseclean。Duringthedaytheseservantsattendedtotheirbusinessinacomfortablebasement，wherethecookruledsupreme。Atthebackofthemansionstretchedafairlylargekitchengarden，towhichthecook’shusbanddevotedhisattention。Thiswastheentiredomainbelongingtothetenant，as，ofcourse，theProfessordidnotrentthearableacresandcomfortablefarmswhichhadbelongedtothedispossessedfamily。
Everythinginthehousewentsmoothly，asLucywasamethodicalyoungperson，whowentbytheclockandthealmanac。Braddocklittleknewhowmuchofhisundeniablecomfortheowedtoherfosteringcare；for，priortoherreturnfromschool，hehadbeenrobbedrightandleftbyunscrupulousdomestics。Whenhisstep-daughterarrivedhesimplyhandedoverthekeysandthehousekeepingmoney-afixedsum-andgaveherstrictinstructionsnottobotherhim。MissKendalfaithfullyobservedthisinjunction，assheenjoyedbeingundisputedmistress，andknewthat，solongasherstep-fatherhadhismeals，hisbed，hisbathandhisclothes，herequirednothingsavetheconstantsocietyofhisbelovedmummies，ofwhichnoonewishedtodeprivehim。Thesehedustedandcleansedandrearrangedhimself。NotevenLucydaredtoinvadethemuseum，andthemerementionofspringcleaningdrovetheProfessorintodisplayingfranticrage，inwhichheusedbadlanguage。
OnreturningfromherwalkwithArchie，thegirlhadluredherstep-fatherintoassumingarustydresssuit，whichhaddoneserviceformanyyears，andhadcoaxedhimintoapromisetobepresentatdinner。Mrs。Jasher，thelivelywidowofthedistrict，wascoming，andBraddockapprovedofawomanwholookeduptohimastheonewisemanintheworld。Evenscienceissusceptibletojudiciousflattery，andMrs。Jasherwasneverbackwardinputtingheradmirationintowords。FemalegossipdeclaredthatthewidowwishedtobecomethesecondMrs。
Braddock，butifthiswasreallythecase，shehadbutsmallchanceofgainingherend。TheProfessorhadoncesacrificedhislibertytosecureacompetence，and，havingacquiredfivehundredayear，wasnotinclinedforasecondmatrimonialventure。Hadthewidowbeenadollarheiresswithamillionatherbackhewouldnothavetroubledtoplacearingonherfinger。AndcertainlyMrs。Jasherhadlittletogainfromsuchadrearymarriage，beyondacollectionofrubbish-asshesaid-andadullcountryhousesituatedinadistrictinhabitedsolelybypeasantsbelongingtoSaxontimes。
ArchieHopeleftLucyatthedoorofthePyramidsandrepairedtohisvillagelodgings，forthepurposeofassumingeveningdress。
Lucy，beingherownhousekeeper，assistedtheoverworkedparlormaidtolayanddecoratethetablebeforereceivingtheguests。
ThusMrs。Jasherfoundnooneinthedrawing-roomtowelcomeher，and，takingtheprivilegeofoldfriendship，descendedtobeardBraddockinhisden。TheProfessorraisedhiseyesfromanewlyboughtscarabeustobeholdastoutlittleladysmilingonhimfromthedoorway。Hedidnotappeartobegratefulfortheinterruption，butMrs。Jasherwasnotatalldismayed，beingaman-hunterbyprofession。Besides，shesawthatBraddockwasinthecloudsasusual，andwouldhavereceivedtheKinghimselfinthesameabsent-mindedmanner。
\"Pouf！whatanabominalsmell！\"exclaimedthewidow，holdingaflimsylacehandkerchieftohernose。\"Kindofcamphor-sandal-wood-charnel-housesmell。Iwonderyouarenotasphyxiated。Pouf！Ugh！Bur-r-r！\"
TheProfessorstaredatherwithcold，fishyeyes。\"Didyouspeak？\"
\"Oh，dearme，yes，andyoudon’tevenaskmetotakeachair。IfIwereanastystuffymummy，now，youwouldbeembracingmeby，thistime。Don’tyouknowthatIhavecometodinner，yousillyman？\"andshetappedhimplayfullywithherclosedfan。
\"Ihavehaddinner，\"saidBraddock，egotisticasusual。
\"No，youhavenot。\"Mrs。Jasherspokepositively，andpointedtoasmalltrayofuntouchedfoodonthesidetable。\"Youhavenotevenhadluncheon。Youmustliveonair，likeachameleon-oronlove，perhaps，\"sheendedinasignificantlytendertone。
ButshemightaswellhavespokentothegraniteimageofHorusinthecorner。Braddockmerelyrubbedhischinandstaredharderthaneverattheglitteringvisitor。
\"Dearme！\"hesaidinnocently。\"Imusthaveforgottentoeat。
Lamplight！\"helookedroundvaguely。\"Ofcourse，Irememberlightingthelamps。Timehasgonebyveryrapidly。Iamreallyhungry。\"Hepausedtomakesure，thenrepeatedhisremarkinamorepositivemanner。\"Yes，Iamveryhungry，Mrs。Jasher。\"Helookedatherasthoughshehadjustentered。\"Ofcourse，Mrs。
Jasher。Doyouwishtoseemeaboutanythingparticular？\"
Thewidowfrownedathisinattention，andthenlaughed。Itwasimpossibletobeangrywiththisdreamer。
\"Ihavecometodinner，Professor。Dotryandwakeup；youarehalfasleepandhalfstarved，too，Iexpect。\"
\"Icertainlyfeelunaccountablyhungry，\"admittedBraddockcautiously。
\"Unaccountably，whenyouhaveeatennothingsincebreakfast。Youweirdman，Ibelieveyouareamummyyourself。
ButtheProfessorhadagainreturnedtoexaminethescarabeus，thistimewithapowerfulmagnifyingglass。
\"Itcertainlybelongstothetwentiethdynasty，\"hemurmured，wrinklinghisbrows。
Mrs。Jasherstampedandflirtedherfanpettishly。Thecreature’ssoul，shedecided，wascertainlynotinhisbody，anduntilitcamebackhewouldcontinuetoignoreher。Withtheannoyanceofawomanwhoisnotgettingherownway，sheleanedbackinBraddock’sonecomfortablechair-whichshehadunerringlyselected-andexaminedhimintently。Perhapsthegossipswerecorrect，andshewastryingtoimaginewhatkindofahusbandhewouldmake。Butwhatevermightbeherthoughts，sheeyedBraddockasearnestlyasBraddockeyedthescarabeus。
OutwardlytheProfessordidnotappearlikethesavanthewasreportedtobe。Hewassmallofstature，plumpofbody，rosyasalittleCupid，andextraordinarilyyouthful，consideringhisfifty-oddyearsofscientificwearandtear。Withasmooth，clean-shavenface，plentifulwhitehairlikespunsilk，andneatfeetandhands，hedidnotlookhisage。Thedreamylookinhissmallblueeyeswasratherbeliedbythehardnessofhisthin-
lippedmouth，andbythepugnaciouspushofhisjaw。Theeyesandthedome-likeforeheadhintedthatbrainwithoutmuchoriginality；butthelowerpartofthiscontradictorycountenancemighthavebelongedtoaprize-fighter。Nevertheless，Braddock’splumpnessdidawaytoaconsiderableextentwithhisaggressivelook。Itwascertainlylatent，butonlycametothesurfacewhenhefoughtwithabrothersavantoversometomb-dwellerfromThebes。Inthesoftlamplighthelookedlikeafightingcherub，anditwasapity-intheinterestsofart-thatthehairlesspinkandwhitefacedidnotsurmountapairofwingsratherthanarustyandill-fittingdresssuit。
\"He’snanesadaftyashelooks，\"thoughtMrs。Jasher，whowasScotch，althoughsheclaimedtobecosmopolitan。\"Withhismummiesheisallright，butoutsidethosehemightbedifficulttomanage。Andthesethings，\"sheglancedroundtheshadowyroom，crowdedwiththedeadandtheirearthlybelongings。\"I
don’tthinkIwouldcaretomarrytheBritishMuseum。Toomuchlikehardwork，andIamnotsoyoungasIwas。\"
Thenearmirror-apolishedsilverone，whichhadbelonged，agesago，tosomecoquetteofMemphis-deniedthisuncomplimentarythought，forMrs。Jasherdidnotlookadayoverthirty，althoughherbirthcertificatesetherdownasforty-five。Inthelamplightshemighthavepassedforevenyounger，socarefullyhadshepreservedwhatremainedtoherofyouth。Sheassuredlywassomewhatstout，andneverhadbeensotallasshedesiredtobe。Butthelinesofherplumpfigurewerestilldiscernibleinthe，cunninglycutgown，andshecarriedherlittleselfwithsuchmightydignitythatpeopleoverlookedthemortifyingheightofatrifleoverfivefeet。Herfeaturesweresmallandneat，butherlargeblueeyesweresonoticeableandmeltingthatthoseonwhomsheturnedthemignoredthelackofboldnessinchinandnose。Herhairwasbrownandarrangedinthelatestfashion，whilehercomplexionwassofreshandpinkthat，ifshedidpaint-asjealouswomenaverred-shemusthavebeenquiteanartistwiththehare’sfootandtherougepotandthenecessarypowderpuff。
Mrs。Jasher’sclothesrepaidthethoughtsheexpendeduponthem，andshewasartisticinthisasinotherthings。Dressedinacrocus-yellowgown，withshortsleevestorevealherbeautifularms，andcutlowtodisplayhersplendidbust，shelookedperfectlydressed。Awomanwouldhavedeclaredthewide-nettedblacklacewithwhichthedresswasdrapedtobecheap，andwouldhavehintedthatthewidowworetoomanyjewelsinherhair，onhercorsage，roundherarms，andridiculouslygaudyringsonherfingers。Thismighthavebeentrue，forMrs。JashersparkledliketheMilkyWayateverymovement；butthegleamofgoldandtheflashofgemsseemedtosuitheropulentbeauty。HerslightestmovementwaftedaroundherastrangeChineseperfume，whichsheobtained-soshesaid-fromafriendofherlatehusband’swhowasintheBritishEmbassyatPekin。NoonepossessedthisespecialperfumebutMrs。Jasher，andanyonewhohadpreviouslymether，meetingherinthedarkness，couldhaveguessedatheridentity。Withasmiletoshowherwhiteteeth，withhergolden-hueddressandglitteringjewels，theprettywidowglowedinthatglimmeringroomlikeatropicalbird。
TheProfessorraisedhisdreamyeyesandlaidthebeetleononeside，whenhisbrainfullygraspedthatthischarmingvisionwaswaitingtobeentertained。Shewasbettertolookuponeventhanthebelovedscarabeus，andheadvancedtoshakehandsasthoughshehadjustenteredtheroom。Mrs。Jasher-knowinghisways-
rosetoextendherhand，andthetwosmall，stoutfigureslookedabsurdlylikeapairofchubbyDresdenornamentswhichhadsteppedfromthemantelshelf。
\"Dearlady，Iamgladtoseeyou。Youhave-youhave\"-theProfessorreflected，andthencamebackwitharushtothepresentcentury-\"youhavecometodinner，ifImistakenot。\"
\"Lucyaskedmeaweekago，\"sherepliedtartly，fornowomanlikestobeneglectedforamerebeetle，howeverancient。
\"Thenyouwillcertainlygetagooddinner，\"saidBraddock，wavinghisplumpwhitehands。\"Lucyisanexcellenthousekeeper。
Ihavenofaulttofindwithher-nofaultatall。Butsheisobstinate-oh，veryobstinate，ashermotherwas。Doyouknow，dearlady，thatinapapyrusscrollwhichIlatelyacquiredI
foundtherecipeforagenuineEgyptiandish，whichAmenemha-
thelastPharaohoftheeleventhdynasty，youknow-mighthaveeaten，andprobablydideat。IdesiredLucytoserveitto-night，butsherefused，muchtomyannoyance。Theingredients，whichhadtodowithroastedgazelle，wereoilandcorianderseedand-ifmymemoryservesme-asafoetida。\"
\"Ugh！\"Mrs。Jasher’shandkerchiefwentagaintohermouth。\"Saynomore，Professor；yourdishsoundshorrid。Idon’twishtoeatit，andbeturnedintoamummybeforemytime。\"
\"Youwouldmakeareallybeautifulmummy，\"saidBraddock，payingwhatheconceivedwasacompliment；\"and，shouldyoudie，Ishallcertainlyattendtoyourembalming，ifyoupreferthattocremation。\"
\"Youdreadfulman！\"criedthewidow，turningpaleandshrinking。
\"Why，Ireallybelievethatyouwouldliketoseemepackedawayinoneofthosedisgustingcoffins。\"
\"Disgusting！\"criedtheoutragedProfessor，strikingoneofthebrilliantlytintedcases。\"Canyoucallsobeautifulaspecimenofsepulchralartdisgusting？Lookatthecolors，attheregularityofthehieroglyphics-why，thehistoryofthedeadissetoutinthismagnificentseriesofpictures。\"Headjustedhispince-nezandbegantoread，\"TheOsirian，Scemiophisthatisafemalename，Mrs。Jasher-who-\"
\"Idon’twanttohavemyhistorywrittenonmycoffin，\"
interruptedthewidowhysterically，forthisfunerealtalkfrightenedher。\"Itwouldtakemuchmorespacethanamummycaseuponwhichtowriteit。Mylifehasbeenvolcanic，Icantellyou。Bytheway，\"sheaddedhurriedly，seeingthatBraddockwasontheeveofresumingthereading，\"tellmeaboutyourIncamummy。Hasitarrived？\"
TheProfessorimmediatelyfollowedthefalsetrail。\"Notyet，\"
hesaidbriskly，rubbinghissmoothhands，\"butinthreedaysI
expectTheDiverwillbeatPierside，andSidneywillbringthemummyonhere。IshallunpackitatonceandlearnexactlyhowtheancientPeruviansembalmedtheirdead。Doubtlesstheylearnedtheartfrom-\"
\"TheEgyptians，\"venturedMrs。Jasherrashly。
Braddockglared。\"Nothingofthesort，dearlady，\"hesnortedangrily。\"Absurd，ridiculous！IaminclinedtobelievethatEgyptwasmerelyacolonyofthatvastislandofAtlantismentionedbyPlato。There-ifmytheoryiscorrect-
civilizationbegun，andthekingsofAtlantis-doubtlessthegodsofhistoricaltribes-governedthewholeworld，includingthatportionwhichwenowtermSouthAmerica。\"
\"DoyoumeantosaythattherewereYankeesinthosedays？\"
inquiredMrs。Jasherfrivolously。
TheProfessortuckedhishandsunderhisshabbycoattailsandstrodeupanddowntheroomwarminghisrage，whichwasprovokedbysuchignorance。
\"Goodheavens，madam，wherehaveyoulived？\"heexclaimedexplosively-\"areyouafool，ormerelyanignorantwoman？Iamtalkingofprehistorictimes，thousandsofyearsago，whenyouwereprobablyastrayatomembeddedintheslime。\"
\"Oh，youhorridcreature！\"criedMrs。Jasherindignantly，andwasabouttogiveBraddockheropinion，ifonlytoshowhimthatshecouldholdherown，whenthedooropened。
\"Howareyou，Mrs。Jasher？\"saidLucy，advancing。
\"HereamIandhereisArchie。Dinnerisready。Andyou-\"
\"Iamveryhungry，\"saidMrs。Jasher。\"Ihavebeencalledanatomoftheslime，\"thenshelaughedandtookpossessionofyoungHope。
Lucywrinkledherbrow；shedidnotapproveofthewidow’sman-annexinginstinct。
CHAPTERIII
AMYSTERIOUSTOMB
OnememberoftheBraddockhouseholdwasnotincludedinthegeneralstaff，beingamereappendageoftheProfessorhimself。
Thiswasadwarfish，misshapenKanaka，apigmyinheight，butagiantinbreadth，withshort，thicklegs，andlong，powerfularms。Hehadalargehead，andasomewhathandsomeface，withmelancholyblackeyesandafinesetofwhiteteeth。LikemostPolynesians，hisskinwasofapalebronzeandelaboratelytattooed，eventhecheeksandchinbeingscoredwithcurvesandstraightlinesofmysticalimport。Butthemostnoticeablethingabouthimwashishugemopoffrizzledhair，which，bysomeprocess，knownonlytohimself，heusuallydyedavividyellow。
TheflaringlocksstreamingfromhisheadmadehimresembleaPeruvianimageofthesun，anditwasthispeculiarcoiffurewhichhadprocuredforhimtheoddnameofCockatoo。Thefactthatthisgrotesquecreatureinvariablyworeawhitedrillsuit，emphasizedstillmorethesuggestionofhislikenesstoanAustralianparrot。
CockatoohadcomefromtheSolomonIslandsinhisteenstothecolonyofQueensland，toworkontheplantations，andtheretheProfessorhadpickedhimupashisbodyservant。WhenBraddockreturnedtomarryMrs。Kendal，theboyhadrefusedtoleavehim，althoughitwasrepresentedtotheyoungsavagethathewassomewhattoobarbaricforsoberEngland。Finally，theProfessorhadconsentedtobringhimoverseas，andhadneverregretteddoingso，forCockatoo，findinghisscientificmasteratruefriend，worshippedhimasavisiblegod。HavingbeencapturedwhenyoungbyPacificblack-birders，hetalkedexcellentEnglish，andfromcontactwiththenecessaryrestraintsofcivilizationwas，onthewhole，extremelywellbehaved。Occasionally，whenteasedbythevillagersandhisfellow-servants，hewouldbreakintochildishrages，whichborderedonthedangerous。ButawordfromBraddockalwaysquietedhim，andwhenpenitenthewouldcrawllikeawhippeddogtothefeetofhisdivinity。Forthemostparthelivedentirelyinthemuseum，lookingafterthecollectionandguardingitfromharm。Lucy-whohadahorrorofthecreature’suncannylooks-objectedtoCockatoowaitingatthetable，anditwasonlyonrareoccasionsthathewaspermittedtoassisttheharassedparlormaid。OnthisnighttheKanakaactedexcellentlyasabutler，andcreptsoftlyroundthetable，attendingtotheneedsofthediners。Hewasanadmirableservant，deftandhandy，buthisblue-linedfaceandsquatfiguretogetherwiththeobtrusivelygoldenhalo，ratherworriedMrs。
Jasher。And，indeed，inspiteofcustom，Lucyalsofeltuncomfortablewhenthisgnomehoveredatherelbow。Itlookedasthoughoneofthefantasticalidolsfromthemuseumbelowhadcometohaunttheliving。
\"IdonotlikethatGolliwog，\"breathedMrs。Jashertoherhost，whenCockatoowasatthesideboard。\"Hegivesmethecreeps。\"
\"Imagination，mydearlady，pureimagination。Whyshouldwenothaveapicturesqueanimaltowaituponus？\"
\"Hewouldwaitpicturesquelyenoughatacannibalfeast，\"
suggestedArchie，withalaugh。
\"Don’t！\"murmuredLucy，withashiver。\"Ishallnotbeabletoeatmydinnerifyoutalkso。\"
\"OddthatHopeshouldsaywhathehassaid，\"observedBraddockconfidentlytothewidow。\"Cockatoocomesfromacannibalisland，anddoubtlesshasseentheconsumptionofhumanflesh。
No，no，mydearlady，donotlooksoalarmed。Idon’tthinkhehaseatenany，ashewastakentoQueenslandlongbeforehecouldparticipateinsuchbanquets。Heisaverydecentanimal。\"
\"Averydangerousone，Ifancy，\"retortedMrs。Jasher，wholookedpale。
\"Onlywhenheloseshistemper，andI’malwaysabletosuppressthatwhenitisatitsworst。Youarenoteatingyourmeat，mydearlady。\"
\"Canyouwonderatit，andyoutalkofcannibals？\"
\"Letuschangetheconversationtocereals，\"suggestedHope，whoseappetitewasofthebest-\"wheat，forinstance。InthisqueerlittlevillageInoticethehousesaredividedbyafieldofwheat。Itseemswrongsomehowforcorntobebunchedupwithhouses。\"
\"That’soldFarmerJenkins，\"saidLucyvivaciously；\"heownsthreeorfouracresnearthepublic-houseandwillnotallowthemtobebuiltover，althoughhehasbeenofferedalotofmoney。I
noticedmyself，Archie，theoddityoffindingacornfieldsurroundedbycottages。It’slikeAliceinWonderland。\"
\"Butfancyanyoneofferingmoneyforlandhere，\"observedHope，toyingwithhisclaretglass，whichhadjustbeenrefilled，bytheattentiveCockatoo，\"attheBack-of-Beyond，asitwere。I
shouldn’tcaretolivehere-theneighborhoodissodesolate。\"
\"Allthesameyoudolivehere！\"interposedMrs。Jashersmartly，andwitharoguishglanceatLucy。
ArchiecaughttheglanceandsawtheblushonMissKendal’sface。
\"Youhaveansweredyourquestionyourself，Mrs。Jasher，\"he-
said，smiling。\"Ihavetheinducementyouhintattoremainhere，andcertainly，asalandscapepainter，Iadmirethemarshesandsunsets。AsanartistandanengagedmanIstopinGartley，otherwiseIshouldclearout。ButIfailtoseewhyaladyofyourattractionsshould-\"
\"Imayhaveasentimentalreasonalso，\"interruptedthewidow，withaslyglanceattheabsent-mindedProfessor，whowasdrawinghieroglyphicsonthetable-clothwithafork；\"also，mycottageischeapandverycomfortable。ThelateMr。JasherdidnotleavemesufficientmoneytoliveinLondon。HewasaconsulinChina，youknow，andconsulsareneververywellpaid。Iwillcomeinforalargeincome，however。\"
\"Indeed，\"saidLucypolitely，andwonderingwhyMrs。Jasherwassocommunicative。\"SoonIhope。\"
\"Itmaybeverysoon。Mybrother，youknow-amerchantinPekin。Hehascomehometodie，andisunmarried。Whenhedoesdie，IshallgotoLondon。But，\"addedthewidow，meditativelyandglancingagainattheProfessor，\"IshallbesorrytoleavedearGartley。Still，thememoryofhappyhoursspentinthishousewillalwaysremainwithme。Ahme！ahme！\"andsheputherhandkerchieftohereyes。
LucytelegraphedtoArchiethatthewidowwasahumbug，andArchietelegraphedbackthathequiteagreedwithher。ButtheProfessor，whomthemomentarysilencehadbroughtbacktothepresentcentury，lookedupandaskedLucyifthedinnerwasfinished。
\"Ihavetodosomeworkthisevening，\"saidtheProfessor。
\"Oh，father，whenyousaidthatyouwouldtakeaholiday，\"saidLucyreproachfully。
\"Iamdoingsonow。LookatthepreciousminutesIamwastingineating，mydear。LifeisshortandmuchremainstobedoneinthewayofEgyptianexploration。ThereisthesepulchreofQueenTahoser。IfIcouldonlyenterthat，\"andhesighed，whilehelpinghimselftocream。
\"Whydon’tyou？\"askedMrs。Jasher，whowasbeginningtogiveupherpursuitofBraddock，foritwasnousewooingamanwhoseinterestscentredentirelyinEgyptiantombs。
\"Ihaveyettodiscoverit，\"saidtheProfessorsimply；then，warmingtothecongenialtheme，heglancedaroundanddeliveredashorthistoricallecture。\"TahoserwasthechiefwifeandqueenofafamousPharaoh-thePharaohoftheExodus，infact。\"
\"TheonewhowasdrownedintheRedSea？\"askedArchieidly。
\"Why，yes-butthathappenedlater。BeforepursuingtheHebrews，-iftheMosaicaccountistobebelieved，-thisPharaohmarchedfarintotheinteriorofAfrica，-theLibyaoftheancients，-andconqueredthenativesofUpperEthiopia。
Beingdeeplyinlovewithhisqueen，hetookherwithhimonthisexpedition，andshediedbeforethePharaohreturnedtoMemphis。
>FromrecordswhichIdiscoveredinthemuseumofCairo，IhavereasontobelievethatthePharaohburiedherwithmuchpompinEthiopia，sacrificing，Ibelieve，manyprisonersathergorgeousfuneralrites。FromthewealthofthatPharaoh-forwealthyhemusthavebeenonaccountofhisnumerousvictories-andfromtheloveheborethisprincess，Iamconfident-confident，\"
addedBraddock，strikingthetablevehemently，\"thatwhendiscovered，hertombwillbefilledwithriches，andmayalsocontaindocumentsofincalculablevalue。\"
\"Andyouwishtogetthemoney？\"askedMrs。Jasher，whowasratherbored。
TheProfessorrosefiercely。\"Money！Icarenothingformoney。
Idesiretoobtainthefuneraljewelryandgoldenmasks，thepreciousimagesofthegods，soastoplacethemintheBritishMuseum。AndthescrollsofpapyrusburiedwiththemummyofTahosermaycontainanaccountofEthiopiancivilization，aboutwhichweknownothing。Oh，thattomb，-thattomb！\"Braddockbegantowalktheroom，quiteforgettingthathehadnotfinishedhisdinner。\"Iknowthemountainswhoseentrailswerepiercedtoformthesepulchre。WereIabletogotoAfrica，IamcertainthatIshoulddiscoverthetomb。Ah，withwhatglorywouldmynamebecovered，wereIsofortunate！\"
\"Whydon’tyougotoAfrica，sir，andtry？\"askedHope。
\"Fool！\"criedtheProfessorpolitely。\"Tofitoutanexpeditionwouldtakesomefivethousandpounds，ifnotmore。IwouldhavetopenetratethroughahostilecountrytoreachthechainofmountainsIspeakof，whereIknowthisprecioustombistobefound。Ineedsupplies，anescort，guns，camels，andalltherestofit。Aleadermustbeobtainedtomanagethefightingmennecessarytopassthroughthisdangerouszone。ItisnoeasytasktofindthetombofTahoser。AndyetifIcould-ifI
couldonlygetthemoney，\"andhewalkedupanddownwithhisheadbentonhisbreast。
Mrs。JasherwasusedtoBraddock’svagariesbythistime，andmerelycontinuedtofanherselfplacidly。
\"IwishIcouldhelpyouwiththeexpedition，\"shesaidquietly。
\"IshouldliketohavesomeofthatlovelyEgyptianjewelrymyself。ButIamquiteapauper，untilmybrotherdies，poorman。Then-\"Shehesitated。
\"Whatthen？\"askedBraddock，wheeling。
\"Ishallaidyouwithpleasure。\"
\"It’sabargain！\"Braddockstretchedouthishand。
\"Abargain，\"saidMrs。Jasher，acceptingthegraspsomewhatnervously，forshehadnotexpectedtobetakensoreadilyatherword。AglanceatLucyrevealedhernervousness。
\"Dositdown，father，andfinishyourdinner，\"saidthatyounglady。\"Iamsureyouwillhavemorethanenoughtodowhenthemummyarrives。\"
\"Mummy-whatmummy？\"murmuredBraddock，againbeginningtoeat。
\"TheIncamummy。\"
\"Ofcourse。ThemummyofIncaCaxas，whichSidneyisbringingfromMalta。WhenIstripthatcorpseofitsgreenbandagesI
shallfind-\"
\"Findwhat？\"askedArchie，seeingthattheProfessorhesitated。
Braddockcastaswiftlookathisquestioner。
\"IshallfindthepeculiarmodeofPeruvianembalming，\"herepliedabruptly，andsomehowthewayinwhichhespokegaveHopetheimpressionthattheanswerwasanexcuse。ButbeforehecouldformulatethethoughtthatBraddockwasconcealingsomething，Mrs。Jasherspokefrivolously。
\"Ihopeyourmummyhasjewels，\"shesaid。
\"Ithasnot，\"repliedBraddocksharply。\"SofarasIknow，theIncaraceneverburiedtheirdeadwithjewels，\"
\"ButIhavereadinPrescott’sHistorythattheydid，\"saidHope。
\"Prescott！Prescott！\"criedtheProfessorcontemptuously，\"amostunreliableauthority。However，I’llpromiseyouonething，Hope，thatifthereareanyjewels，orjewelry，youshallhavethelot。\"
\"Givemesome，Mr。Hope，\"criedthewidow。
\"Icannot，\"laughedArchie；\"thegreenmummybelongstotheProfessor。\"
\"Icannotacceptsuchagift，Hope。OwingtocircumstancesI
havebeenobligedtoborrowthemoneyfromyou；otherwisethemummywouldhavebeenacquiredbysomeoneelse。ButwhenIfindthetombofQueenTahoser，Ishallrepaytheloan。\"
\"Youhaverepaiditalready，\"saidHope，lookingatLucy。
Braddock’seyesfollowedhisgazeandhisbrowscontracted。
\"Humph！\"hemuttered，\"Idon’tknowifIamrightinconsentingtoLucy’smarriagewithapauper。\"
\"Oh，father！\"criedthegirl，\"Archieisnotapauper。\"
\"IhaveenoughforLucyandmetoliveon，\"saidHope，althoughhisfacehadflushed，\"and，hadIbeenapauperIcouldnothavegivenyouthatthousandpounds。\"
\"Youwillberepaid-youwillberepaid，\"saidBraddock，wavinghishandtodismissthesubject。\"Andnow，\"herosewithayawn，\"ifthistediousfeastisatanend，Ishallagainseekmywork。\"
WithoutawordofapologytothedisgustedMrs。Jasher，hetrottedtothedoor，andtherepaused。
\"Bytheway，Lucy，\"hesaid，turning，\"Ihadaletterto-dayfromRandom。HereturnsinhisyachttoPiersideintwoorthreedays。Infact，hisarrivalwillcoincidewiththatofTheDiver。\"
\"Idon’tseewhathisarrivalhastodowithme，\"saidLucytartly。
\"Oh，nothingatall-nothingatall，\"saidBraddockairily，\"onlyIthought-thatis，butnevermind，nevermind。Cockatoo，comedownwithme。Goodnight！Goodnight！\"andhedisappeared。
\"Well，\"saidMrs。Jasher，drawingalongbreath，\"forrudenessandselfishness，commendmetoascientist。Wemightbeallmud，forwhatnoticehetakesofus。\"
\"Nevermind，\"saidMissKendal，rising，\"cometothedrawing-roomandhavesomemusic。Archie，willyoustophere？\"
\"No。Idon’tcaretositovermywinealone，\"saidthatyounggentleman，rising。\"IshallaccompanyyouandMrs。Jasher。AndLucy，\"hestoppedheratthedoor，throughwhichthewidowhadalreadypassed，\"whatdidyourfathermeanbyhishintsconcerningRandom？\"
\"Ithinkheregretsgivinghisconsenttomymarriagewithyou，\"
shewhisperedback。\"Didyounothearhimtalkaboutthattomb？
Hedesirestogetmoneyfortheexpedition。\"
\"FromRandom？Whatrubbish！Soonerthanthat-ifourmarriageisstoppedbythebeastlybusiness-I’llselloutand-\"
\"You’lldonothingofthesort，\"interruptedthegirlimperiously；\"wemustliveifwemarry。Youhavegivenmyfatherenough。\"
\"ButifRandomlendsmoneyforthisexpedition？\"
\"Hedoessoathisownrisk。IamnotgoingtomarrySirFrankbecauseofmystep-father’srequirements。Hehasnorightsoverme，and，whetherheconsentsornot，Imarryyou。\"
\"Mydarling！\"andArchiekissedherbeforetheyfollowedMrs。
Jasherintothedrawing-room。Allthesame，heforesawtrouble。
CHAPTERIV
THEUNEXPECTED
Forthenexttwoorthreedays，Archiefeltdecidedly，worriedoverhisprojectedmarriagewithLucy。Certainlyhehad-toputitbluntly-purchasedBraddock’sconsent，andthatgentlemancouldscarcelydrawbackfromhisplightedword，whichhadcosttheloversomuch。Nevertheless，Hopedidnotentirely，trusttheProfessor，as，fromthefewwordswhichhehadletdropatthedinnerparty，itwasplainthathehankeredaftermoneywithwhichtofitouttheexpeditioninsearchofthemysterioustombtowhichhehadalluded。Archieknew，asdidtheProfessor，thathecouldnotsupplythenecessaryfivethousandpoundswithoutpracticallyruininghimself，andalreadyhehadcrippledhisresourcesinpayingoverthepriceofthegreenmummy。HehadfondlybelievedthatBraddockwouldhavebeensatisfiedwiththerelicofPeruvianhumanity；butitseemedthattheProfessor，havinggotwhathewanted，nowclamoredforwhatwasatpresentbeyondhisreach。Themummywashisproperty，buthedesiredthecontentsofQueenTahoser’stombalso。Thisparticularmoon，whichhecriedfor，wasaveryexpensivearticle，andHopedidnotseehowhecouldgainit。
Unless-andherecameinthecauseofArchie’sworry-unlessthefivethousandpoundswasborrowedfromSirFrankRandom，theProfessorwouldhavetocontenthimselfwiththeMaltesemummy。
ButfromwhattheyoungmanhadseenofBraddock’slongingfortheespecialsepulchre，whichhedesiredtoloot，hebelievedthatthescientistwouldnotreadilysurrenderhiswhim。Randomcouldeasilylendorgivethemoney，sincehewasextremelyrich，andextremelygenerous，butitwasimprobablethathewouldaidBraddockwithoutaquidproquo。Asthesoledesireofthebaronet’sheartwastomakeLucyhiswife，itcouldeasilybeguessedthathewouldonlyassisttheProfessortorealizehisambitiononconditionthatthesavantusedhisinfluencewithhisstepdaughter。ThatmeantthebreakingoftheengagementwithHopeandthemarriageofthegirltothesoldier。OfcoursesuchastateofthingswouldmakeLucyunhappy；butBraddockcaredverylittleforthat。TogratifyhiscrazeforEgyptianresearch，hewouldbewillingtosacrificeadozengirlslikeLucy。
UndoubtedlyLucywouldrefusetobepassedalongfromonemantoanotherlikeabaleofgoods，andArchieknewthat，sofarasinherlay，shewouldkeeptoherengagement，especiallyasshedeniedBraddock’srighttodisposeofherhand。Allthesame，theProfessor，inspiteofhischerubicallooks，couldmakehimselfextremelydisagreeable，andundoubtedlywoulddosoifthwarted。Thesolecoursethatremained，shouldBraddockbeginoperationstobreakthepresentengagement，wouldbetomarryLucyatonce。Archiewouldwillinglyhavedoneso，butpecuniarydifficultiesstoodintheway。Hehadnevertoldanyoneofthese，noteventhegirlheloved，buttheyexistedallthesame。
Formanyyearshehadbeenassistingneedyrelatives，andthushadhamperedhimself，inspiteofhisincome。Bysheerforceofwill，soastoforceBraddockintogivinghimLucy，hehadcontrivedtosecurethenecessarythousandpounds，withoutconfusingthearrangementshehadmadetopayoffcertaindebtsconnectedwithhisdomesticphilanthropy；butthisbroughthimtotheendofhisresources。Insixmonthshehopedtobefreetohavehisincomeentirelytohimself，andthen-smallasitwas-
hecouldsupportawife。ButuntilthehalfyearelapsedhecouldseenochanceofmarryingLucywithanydegreeofcomfort，andmeanwhileshewouldbeexposedtothepersecutionsoftheProfessor。Perhapspersecutionsistooharshaword，asBraddockwaskindenoughtothegirl。Nevertheless，hewaspertinaciousingaininghisaimswherehispethobbywasconcerned，andundoubtedly，couldheseeanychanceofobtainingthemoneyfromRandombysellinghisstep-daughter，hewoulddoso。Assuredlyitwasdishonorabletoactinthisway，buttheProfessorwasascientificJesuit，anddeemedthattheendjustifiedthemeans，whenanyglorytohimselfandgaintotheBritishMuseumwasinquestion。
\"ButImaybedoinghimaninjustice，\"saidArchie，whenhewasexplaininghisfearstoMissKendalonthethirddayafterthedinnerparty。Afterall，theProfessorisagentleman，andwillprobablyholdtothebargainwhichhehasmade。\"
\"Idon’tcarewhetherhedoesornot，\"criedLucy，whohadafinecolorandacertainamountoffireinhereyes。\"Iamnotgoingtobeboughtandsoldtoforwardthesenastyscientificschemes。
Myfathercansaywhathelikesanddowhathelikes，butImarryyou-to-morrowifyoulike。\"
\"That’sjustit，\"saidArchie，flushing，\"wecan’tmarry。\"
\"Why？\"sheasked，muchastonished。
Hopelookedatthegroundanddrewpatternswithhiscane-pointinthesand。Theywereseatedinthehotsunshine-fortheIndiansummerstillcontinued-underamolderingbrickwall，whichranaroundthemostdelightfulofkitchengardens。ThiswassituatedatthebackofthePyramids，andcontainedamultiplicityofpotherbsandfruittreesandvegetables。ItresembledtheFairyGardeninMadameD’Alnoy’sstoryofTheWhiteCat，andintheautumnyieldedaplentifulcropoffine-flavoredfruit。Butnowthetreeswerebareandthegardenlookedsomewhatforlornforlackofgreenery。Butinspiteofthelatenessoftheseason，Lucyoftenbroughtabooktoreadundertheglowingwall，andthereripenedlikeapeachinthewarmsunshine。OnthisoccasionshebroughtArchieintotheold-worldgarden，ashehadhintedatconfidences。Andthetimehadcometospeakplainly，asHopebegantothinkthathehadnottreatedLucyquitefairlyinhidingfromherhismomentarilyembarrassedposition。
\"Whycan’twemarryatonce？\"askedLucy，seeingthatherloverheldhispeaceandlookedconfused。
Hopedidnotreplydirectly。\"Ihadbetterreleaseyoufromyourengagement，\"hesaidhaltingly。
\"Oh！\"Lucy’snostrilsdilatedandshethrewbackherheadscornfully。\"Andtheotherwoman’sname？\"
\"Thereisnootherwoman。Iloveyouandyouonly。But-
money。\"
\"Whataboutmoney？Youhaveyourincome！\"
\"Ohyes-thatissure，smallasitis。ButIHaveincurreddebtsonbehalfofanuncleandhisfamily。Thesehaveembarrassedmeforthemoment，andsoIcannotseemywaytomarryingyouforatleastsixmonths，Lucy。\"Hecaughtherhand。
\"IfeelashamedofmyselfthatIdidnottellyouofthisbefore。
ButIfearedtoloseyou。Yet，onreflection，Iseethatitisdishonorabletokeepyouinthedark，andifyouthinkthatI
havebehavedbadly-\"
\"Well，Idoinaway，\"sheinterruptedquickly，\"asyoursilencewasquiteunnecessary。Don’ttreatmeasadoll，mydear。I
wishtoshareyourtroublesaswellasyourjoys。Come，tellmeallaboutit。\"
\"Youarenotangry？\"
\"Yes，Iam-atyourthinkingIlovedyousolittleastobebiasedagainstourmarriagebecauseofmoneytroubles。Pooh！\"
sheflickedawayaspeckofdustfromhiscoat，\"Idon’tcarethatforsuchthings。\"
\"Youareanangel，\"hecriedardently。
\"Iamaverypracticalgirljustnow，\"sheretorted。\"Goon，confess！\"
Archie，thusencouraged，didso，anditwasaverymildconfessionthatsheheard，involvingagreatdealofunnecessarysacrificeinhelpingapauperuncle。Hopestrovetobelittlehisgooddeedsasmuchaspossible，butLucysawplainlythegoodheartthathaddictatedthegivingupofhissmallincomeforsomeyears。Wheninpossessionofallthefacts，shethrewherarmsaroundhisneckandkissedhim。
\"Youareasillyoldboy，\"shewhispered。\"Asifwhatyoutellmecouldmakeanydifferencetome！\"
\"Butwecan’tbemarriedforsixmonths，dearest。\"
\"Ofcoursenot。DoyoubelievethatIasawomancangathertogethermytrousseauundersixmonths？No，mydear。Wemustnotmarryinhastetorepentatleisure。Inanotherhalfyearyouwillenjoyyourownincome，andthenwecanmarry。\"
\"Butmeanwhile，\"saidArchie，afterkissingher，\"theProfessorwillbotheryoutomarryRandom。\"
\"Ohno。Hehassoldmetoyouforonethousandpounds。There！
There，donotsayasingleword。Iamonlyteasingyou。Letussaythatmyfatherhasconsentedtomymarriagewithyou，andcannotwithdrawhisword。NotthatIcareifhedoes。Iammyownmistress。\"
\"Lucy！\"-hetookherhandsagainandlookedintohereyes-
\"Braddockisascientificlunatic，andwoulddoanythingtoforwardhisaimswithregardtothisveryexpensivetomb，whichhehassethisheartondiscovering。AsIcan’tlendorgivethemoney，heissuretoapplytoRandom，andRandom-\"
\"Willwanttomarryme，\"criedLucy，rising。\"No，mydear，notatall。SirFrankisagentleman，andwhenhelearnsthatIamengagedtoyou，hewillsimplybecomeadearfriend。There，don’tworryanymoreaboutthematter。Yououghttohavetoldmeofyourtroublesbefore，butasIhaveforgivenyou，thereisnomoretobesaid。InsixmonthsIshallbecomeMrs。Hope，andmeanwhileIcanholdmyownagainstanyinconveniencethatmyfathermaycauseme。\"
\"But-\"Heroseandbegantoremonstrate，anxioustoabasehimselfstillfurtherbeforethisangelofamaiden。
Sheplacedherhandoverhismouth。\"Notanotherword，orI
shallboxyourears，sir-thatis，IshallexercisetheprivilegeofawifebeforeIbecomeone。Andnow，\"sheslippedherarmwithinhis，\"letusgoinandseethearrivalofthepreciousmummy。\"
\"Oh，ithasarrivedthen。\"
\"Nothereexactly。Myfatherexpectsitatthreeo’clock。\"
\"Itisnowaquarterto，\"saidArchie，consultinghiswatch。\"AsIhavebeentoLondonallyesterdayIdidnotknowthatTheDiverhadarrivedatPierside，HowisBolton？\"
Lucywrinkledherbrows。\"IamratherworriedoverSidney，\"shesaidinananxiousvoice，\"andsoismyfather。Hehadnotappeared。\"
\"Whatdoyoumeanbythat？\"
\"Well，\"shelookedatthegroundinaponderingmanner，\"myfathergotaletterfromSidneyyesterdayafternoon，sayingthattheshipwiththemummyandhimselfonboardhadarrivedaboutfouro’clock。Theletterwassentonbyspecialmessengerandcameatsix。\"
\"Thenitarrivedintheeveningandnotintheafternoon？\"
\"Howparticularyouare！\"saidMissKendal，withashrug。\"Well，then，Sidneysaidthathecouldnotbringthemummytothisplacelastnightasitwassolate。Heintended-sohetoldmyfatherintheletter-toremovethecasecontainingthemummyashoretoaninnnearthewharfatPierside，andtherewouldremainthenightsoastotakecareofit。\"
\"That’sallright，\"saidHope，puzzled。\"Where’syourdifficulty？\"
\"Anotecamefromthelandlordoftheinnthismorning，sayingthatbydirectionofMr。Bolton-thatisSidney，youknow-hewassendingthemummyinitscasetoGartleyonalorry，andthatitwouldarriveatthreeo’clockthisafternoon。\"
\"Well？\"askedHope，stillpuzzled。
\"Well？\"sherejoinedimpatiently。\"Can’tyouseeshowstrangeitisthatSidneyshouldletthemummyoutofhissight，afterguardingitsocarefullynotonlyfromMaltatoEngland，butallthenightinPiersideatthathotel？Whydoesn’thebringthemummyherehimself，andcomeonwiththelorry？\"
\"Thereisnoexplanation-noletterfromSidneyBolton？\"
\"None。Hewroteyesterday，asIstated，sayingthathewouldkeepthecaseinthehotel，andsenditonthismorning。\"
\"Didheusetheword`send，’ortheword`bring’？\"
\"Hesaid’send。’\"
\"Thenthatshowshedidnotintendtobringithimself。\"
\"Butwhyshouldhenotdoso？\"
\"Idaresayhewillexplainwhenheappears。\"
\"Iamverysorryforhimwhenhedoesappear，\"saidLucyseriously，\"formyfatherisfurious。Why，thispreciousmummy，forwhichsomuchhasbeenpaid，mighthavebeenlost。\"
\"Pooh！Whowouldstealathinglikethat？\"
\"Athinglikethatisworthnearlyonethousandpounds，\"saidLucyinadrytone，\"andifanyonegotwindofit，stealingwouldbeeasy，sinceSidney，asappearslikely，hassentonthecaseunguarded。\"
