"All the better for them," answered Mrs. Vane dryly. "Why have you come?" She was not going to admit that she had been longing to see her visitor.
"I've come for the usual thing," said Sabina doggedly—"I want some money."
"You had some last month."
"Yes, and had to write three times for it—and me bothered about my rent. You're not carrying on business on fair terms, Mrs. Vane. I want to have a clear understanding. Mother managed all the money matters before; but she's gone now, and I should like something definite."
"What do you mean by 'definite'?"
"Either money down or regular quarterly payments, ma'am. You owe me that when you think of all I've done for you."
"Have I done nothing for you then," said Flossy, with a red gleam in her brown eyes, "in saving you from disgrace, ridding you of a permanent burden, pensioning your mother till her death, and giving you money whenever you have asked for it? Is that nothing at all, Sabina Meldreth?"
"It's something, of course," said Sabina stolidly; "but it ain't enough. I want fifty pounds a quarter, paid regular. If you give me that, I'm thinking of going back to Whitminster, where there won't be so many people poking and prying about and asking questions."
Going back to Whitminster! That would be worth paying for indeed! But Flossy showed no sign of gratification.
"What people have been asking questions?"