"I only desire to know one thing," she said, offering her palm.

"Shall I get my wish ?" Mother Cockleshell peered into the hands, although she had already made up her mind what to say.

Her faculties, sharpened by years of chicanery, told her from the look which Miss Greeby had given when Lambert followed Chaldea, that a desire to marry the man was the wish in question.

And seeing how indifferent Lambert was in the presence of the tall lady, Mother Cockleshell had no difficulty in adjusting the situation in her own artful mind.

"No, my lady," she said, casting away the hand with quite a dramatic gesture.