'Let us see. Put it in another form. We have both to live together
on seventeen pounds. That is--' she made a computation on a piece
of paper--'that is two pounds, sixteen shillings and eightpence a
month--let us suppose this month at an end. That represents
fourteen shillings and twopence a week. Yes, we can do it!'

She laid down her pencil with an air of triumph. Her dull eyes
brightened as though she had discovered a new source of income.

'We cannot, dear,' urged Virginia in a subdued voice. 'Seven
shillings rent; that leaves only seven and twopence a week for
everything--everything.'

'We _could_ do it, dear,' persisted the other. 'If it came to the
very worst, our food need not cost more than sixpence a day--three
and sixpence a week. I do really believe, Virgie, we could support
life on less--say, on fourpence. Yes, we could dear!'

They looked fixedly at each other, like people about to stake
everything on their courage.

'Is such a life worthy of the name?' asked Virginia in tones of awe.

'We shan't be driven to that. Oh, we certainly shall not. But it
helps one to know that, strictly speaking, we are _independent_ for
another six months.'

That word gave Virginia an obvious thrill.