"Marie love," he said, clearing his throat, "I'm sorry, but--but will
it always come to as much?"

"I hope not. No, I'll keep it down as much as I can, Osborn. But this
week--"

"Was just a trial trip," said Osborn.

"You see, I told the tradespeople to send in weekly books and--and if
I don't pay, they'll wonder."

"Don't fret yourself, kitten. I'll give it to you. But--"

Osborn put down his coffee cup in a final way.

"The fact is, Marie, you see--I don't want you to think me mean--"

"Oh, Osborn!"

"No, but the fact is, it just happens I'm able to give it to you
to-day, because I've got a little in the bank. But our honeymoon and
the first instalments on the furniture and your engagement ring ran
through most of it, and--and so there's only a little left--about
twenty pounds or so. My people lived on an annuity, you know; they
only left me savings. Well, I thought it seemed snug to keep a balance
of twenty pounds or so for emergencies, you know. But I'll draw a
cheque on it for you with pleasure. Two pounds ten? All right."

"But, Osborn," said Marie, wide-eyed, "can't you give it to me out of
your--"