"I'm tired of being considered a perfect fool," she said. "Anthony! I know what Anthony thinks—that I'm always going to give Gordon all the children's money. As a matter of fact, I know better than anyone—though it isn't always very easy to say no, no, no, to a man who has been your husband and who insists if he had five dollars he could make a fortune; but I do say it—I always have—always—almost always. It's a little too much to be watched over and lectured by you, Miss Exeter."
After which speech Mrs. Conway left the room.
Luncheon was more than usually silent that day, although Edna attempted to take an interest in the children's morning, asking whether it had been pleasant in the water.
"My goodness, mother," Antonia answered, "have you looked at the water? We'd certainly have been drowned if we'd gone in."
After lunch was over Edna was obliged to address Miss Exeter directly.
"I think you went off this morning without unlocking my safe," she said.
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Pearl.
Mrs. Conway smiled faintly.
"It was quite what I expected—it always happens with safes," she said. "But now perhaps you will get me my pearls."