"I did not want to call on you without being sure that you really wished
to have me."

"Then why wouldn't you stay and dine at Saratoga?"

"Because my ticket wouldn't have been good."

"But a new ticket would only cost seven dollars."

"In my neighborhood, we don't say 'only seven dollars.'"

"But you don't need to think of seven dollars."

"I do. I never have spent seven dollars on a dinner in my life."

"But you should have, this time, after making seven hundred and fifty
dollars in one month. I know men who would give that amount to dine with
me." It was a foolish brag, but Miss De Voe felt that her usual means of
inspiring respect were not working,--not even realized.

"Very likely. But I can't afford such luxuries. I had spent more than
usual and had to be careful."

"Then it was economy?"

"Yes."

"I had no idea my dinner invitations would ever be held in so little
respect that a man would decline one to save seven dollars." Miss De Voe