at least a million and a half, and yet you refuse to lend me the
pitiful sum of fifty dollars."

"Arthur, you know I have no choice in the matter. Papa has forbidden
me to lend you money without his knowledge and consent, and I cannot
disobey him."

"When did he forbid you?"

"A long while ago; and though he has said nothing about it lately, he
has told me again and again that his commands are always binding until
he revokes them."

"Fifteen years old, and not allowed to do as you please even with
your pocket money!" he said contemptuously. "Do you expect to be in
leading-strings all your life?"

"I shall of course have control of my own money matters on coming of
age; but I expect to obey my father as long as we both live," she
answered, with gentle but firm decision.

"Do you have to show your balance in hand when you give in your
account?"

"No; do you suppose papa cannot trust my word?" she answered, somewhat
indignantly.

"Then you could manage it just as easily as not. There's no occasion
for him to know whether your balance in hand is at that moment in your
possession or mine; as I told you before, I only want to borrow it for