 well enough to Tulliver before; but a horsewhipping is
not 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 look 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.«
 

                                  Chapter VIII

                              Wakem in a New Light

Before three days had passed after the conversation you have just overheard
between Lucy and her father, she had contrived to have a private interview with
Philip during a visit of Maggie's to her aunt Glegg. For a
