The Odd Women by George Gissing
page 38 of 595 (06%)
page 38 of 595 (06%)
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refused the offer of meat, alleging her vegetarianism; but Miss
Nunn, convinced that the poor woman was starving, succeeded in persuading her. A slice of good beef had much the same effect upon Virginia as her more dangerous indulgence at Charing Cross Station. She brightened wonderfully. 'Now let us go back to the library,' said Miss Nunn, when their meal was over. 'We shall soon see each other again, I hope, but we might as well talk of serious things whilst we have the opportunity. Will you allow me to be very frank with you?' The other looked startled. 'What could you possibly say that would offend me?' 'In the old days you told me all about your circumstances. Are they still the same?' 'Precisely the same. Most happily, we have never needed to entrench upon our capital. Whatever happens, we must avoid that--whatever happens!' 'I quite understand you. But wouldn't it be possible to make a better use of that money? It is eight hundred pounds, I think? Have you never thought of employing it in some practical enterprise?' Virginia at first shrank in alarm, then trembled deliciously at her friend's bold views. 'Would it be possible? Really? You think--' |
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