'And the margin went in a week, the first week of your holiday. You never counted holidays in the Budget.'
'Oh! I—I—well, I suppose it escaped my recollection.'
'Never mind that. It can't be helped now. You see, Bruce, we simply haven't enough for our expenses.'
'Oh, then what's the use of looking at the accounts?'
'Why, to see where we are. What we've done, and so on. What do you usually do when you receive a bill?'
'I put it in the fire. I don't believe in keeping heaps of useless papers; it's so disorderly. And so I destroy them.'
'That's all very well, but you know you really oughtn't to be in debt. It worries me. All I want you to do,' she continued, 'is just to go through the things with me to see how much we owe, how much we can pay, and how we can manage; and just be a little careful for the next few months.'
'Oh, if that's all you want—well, perhaps you're right, and we'll do it, some time or other; but not tonight.'
'Why not? You have nothing to do!'
'Perhaps not; but I can't be rushed. Of course, I know it's rather hard for you, old girl, being married to a poor man; but you know you would do it, and you mustn't reproach me with it now.'