"Of course not. I shall say that you said you couldn't; you'll have to give me the reasons."
He looked discontented.
"It'll look rather shabby," he suggested.
"Oh, no! It's a large sum. It would be quite likely that it wouldn't be convenient to you."
"Is he expecting to get it?"
"I don't think that has anything to do with it. I suppose—well, drowning men catch at straws."
She smiled dolefully.
The phrase was unlucky for her purpose. It stirred Caylesham's pity.
"Poor old John!" he murmured again. "What'll he do if he doesn't get it?"
"I don't know—I told you I didn't know."