"You cannot give us an income on which we may live."
"Certainly not at this moment. With things as they are in Ireland now, I do not know how long I may have a shilling with which to bless myself. It seems to me that for the present it is your duty to stay at home, and not to trouble Rachel by going to her in London."
"At this moment I must go to her."
"You have given no reason for your going." Frank thought of it, and told himself that there was in truth no reason. His going would be a trouble to Rachel, and yet there were reasons which made it imperative for him to go. "Have you asked yourself what will be the expense?" said his father.
"It may cost I suppose twelve pounds, going and coming."
"And have you asked yourself how many twelve pounds will be likely to fall into your hands just at present? Is she in any trouble?"
"I had rather not talk about her affairs," said Frank.
"Is not her father with her?"
"I do not think he is the best man in the world to help a girl in such an emergency." But he had not described what was the emergency.
"You think that a young man, who certainly will be looked on as the young lady's lover, but by no means so certainly as the young lady's future husband, will be more successful?"