"And you have been three hours getting here. Why did you not ride? I beg your pardon. No money, perhaps?"
"Oh, yes." She produced her purse, which, before she could prevent him, her uncle took from her hand.
"Two shillings and eightpence. Is it all you have?"
Her lips quivered.
"Of course you could not ride. There is no return ticket to--to the place you came from."
"I was not sure of returning there, uncle."
"Ah! I have something to hear. Or perhaps you did not have money enough to pay for a double fare. Why, Nansie, I might have been dead, for all you knew! You trusted to a slender chance. What would have happened if you had not found me? Two shillings and eightpence would have kept you till to-morrow, and then-- You have something of my brother's thoughtless spirit in you."
"Say, rather, of your dear brother's hope and trust."
"I will say it if you like, but it will not alter the fact that you have acted rashly. But I must learn how the land lies. You have a story to tell?"
"Yes, uncle."