again, he'd be the less likely to part with it. It's natural, after what happened. He behaved well enough to Tulliver before; but a horse-whipping isn't likely to be paid for with sugar-plums.'

`Now, papa,' said Lucy, with a little air of solemnity, `will you trust me? You must not ask me all my reasons for what I'm going to say - but I have very strong reasons. And I'm very cautious - I am, indeed.'

`Well, let us hear.'

`Why, I believe, if you will let me take Philip Wakem into our confidence - let me tell him all about your wish to buy and what it's for - that my cousins wish to have it and why they wish to have it - I believe Philip would help to bring it about. I know he would desire to do it.'

`I don't see how that can be, child,' said Mr Deane, looking puzzled. `Why should he care?' - then, with a sudden penetrating looking at his daughter, `You don't think the poor lad's fond of you - and so you can make him do what you like?' (Mr Deane felt quite safe about his daughter's affections.)

`No, papa; he cares very little about me - not so much as I care about him. But I have a reason for being quite sure of what I say. Don't you ask me. And if you ever guess, don't tell me. Only give me leave to do as I think fit about it.'

Lucy rose from her stool to seat herself on her father's knee, and kissed him with that last request.

`Are you sure you won't do mischief, now?' he said, looking at her with delight.

`Yes, papa, quite sure. I'm very wise - I've got all your business talents. Didn't you admire my accompt- book, now, when I showed it you?'

`Well, well, if this youngster will keep his counsel, there won't be much harm done. And to tell the truth, I think there's not much chance for us any other way. Now, let me go off to sleep.'