Chapter 12 - Page 2

your eyes are shining, and really
you look quite handsome. Raffles has been telling you something!
What was it? Oh, I know! He has been telling you how he made his
money. Hasn't he, now?"

"Well, yes. He took me partly into his confidence. I congratulate you,
Laura, with all my heart, for you will be a very wealthy woman."

"How strange it seems that he should have come to us in our poverty.
It is all owing to you, you dear old Robert; for if he had not taken a
fancy to you, he would never have come down to Elmdene and taken a fancy
to some one else."

"Not at all," Robert answered, sitting down by his sister, and patting
her hand affectionately. "It was a clear case of love at first sight.
He was in love with you before he ever knew your name. He asked me
about you the very first time I saw him."

"But tell me about his money, Bob," said his sister. "He has not told
me yet, and I am so curious. How did he make it? It was not from his
father; he told me that himself. His father was just a country doctor.
How did he do it?"

"I am bound over to secrecy. He will tell you himself."

"Oh, but only tell me if I guess right. He had it left him by an uncle,
eh? Well, by a friend? Or he took out some wonderful patent? Or he
discovered a mine? Or oil? Do tell me, Robert!"

"I mustn't, really," cried her brother laughing. "And I must not talk
to you any more. You are much too sharp. I feel a responsibility about
it; and, besides, I must really do some work."

"It Is very unkind of you," said Laura, pouting. "But I must put my
things on, for I go into Birmingham by the 1.20."

"To Birmingham?"

"Yes, I have a hundred things to order. There is everything to be got.
You men forget about these details. Raffles wishes to have the wedding
in little more than a fortnight. Of course it will be very quiet, but
still one needs something."

"So early as that!" said Robert, thoughtfully. "Well, perhaps it is
better so."

"Much better, Robert. Would it not be dreadful if Hector came back
first and there was a scene? If I were once married I should not mind.
Why should I? But of course Raffles knows nothing about him, and it
would be terrible if they came together."

"That must be avoided at any cost."

"Oh, I cannot bear even to think of it. Poor Hector! And yet what
could I do, Robert? You know that it was only a boy and girl affair.
And how could I refuse such an offer as this? It was a duty to my
family, was it not?"

"You were placed in a difficult