"I can't stand this sort of thing," he said, when the girl was gone again.
"But if we can't afford more," pleaded Dorothea. "Is it right to spend more money than we can reckon on?"
Growing silence again. The Colonel ate his portion, then left the table abruptly, and flung himself into the arm-chair, with a disappointed and martyred air. Dorothea had taken the most effective means in her power to do away with some of his reserve, and to make him speak out; but she did not know it. She had not acted with that intention.
"The fact is—" he said.
Dorothea looked up earnestly.
"The fact is, my dear—"
"Yes, father."
"You had better ask me—another time—before you make any changes. You understand?"
"I thought, if your money affairs were in such a bad state—"
"I have had losses, and I am in difficulties. That need not mean absolute starvation."