“A mere nothing—considering the importance of the object. You really ought not to allow such a consideration as that to delay your career. I have known people spend as much in one day on the most worthless things.”
“There is something in that, Miss Lind. How would you recommend me to begin?”
“First,” said Marian, with determination, “make up your mind to spend the money. Banish all scruples about the largeness of the sum. Resolve not to grudge even twice as much to science.”
“That is done already. I have quite made up my mind to spend the money. What next?”
“Well, I suppose the next thing is to spend it.”
“Excuse me. The next thing is to get it. It is a mere detail, I know; but I should like to settle it before we go any further.”
“But how can I tell you that? You forget that I am quite unacquainted with your affairs. You are a man, and understand business, which of course I dont.”
“If you wanted five hundred pounds, Miss Lind, how would you set about getting it?—if I may ask.”
“What? I! But, as I say, I am only a woman. I should ask my father for it, or sign a receipt for my trustees, or something of that sort.”
“That is a very simple plan. But unfortunately I have no father and no trustees. Worse than that, I have no money. You must suggest some other way.”