"And I could prevent it, you see, if I let papa take this money. I have to assume the responsibility of its refusal. It puts me in a position that I'm beginning to feel—well, rather terrible."
"Does it?"
"You don't seem very much interested, Cousin Rodney. I hoped you'd give me some advice."
"Oh, I never give advice. Besides, if you've got into the Street called Straight, I don't see why you need advice from any one."
"I do. The Street called Straight is all very well, but—"
"Then you're not so sure, after all."
"I'm sure in a way. If it weren't for papa I shouldn't have any doubt whatever. But it seems so awful for me to drive him into what I don't think he'd do of his own accord." She went on to explain Davenant's offer in detail. "So you see," she concluded, "that papa's state of mind is peculiar. He agrees with me that the higher thing would be not to take the money; and yet if I gave him the slightest encouragement he would."
"And you're not going to?"
"How could I, Cousin Rodney? How could I put myself under such an obligation to a man I hardly know?"
"He could probably afford it."