'Allie, whatever you do when you and Felix marry, do not have large joints,' said Stella gravely. 'I am confident that the happiness of the Australian household is more frequently wrecked by hash than any ethical point.'
'Well, I am studying the question. Perhaps I may one day publish a shilling cookery-book for young couples who ought not to have married.'
'Surely Felix's income must be considerable now. They say he is the best architect in the place,' said Laurette somewhat abruptly.
This laughing raillery about poverty did not commend itself to her in the least. It is mortifying, when one wants to make a girl feel how comparatively humble her prospects are, to find her treating the subject in a serio-comic vein.
'But then there are the younger children to provide for—quite dependent on Felix and Andrew,' returned Alice.
'Well, it's a pity you girls couldn't go in for a little division of poverty,' replied Laurette. 'Here is Stella's fiancé rolling in money.'
'As it happens, that young woman hasn't got a fiancé,' returned Stella quickly.
'No? You and Ted keep on such good terms, I always forget the affair was broken off,' said Laurette rather maliciously. 'But now for your visit, Stella.'
'I must talk it over with mother before making ultimate arrangements.'
'But we all know beforehand what that means. Your mother says, "Yes, darling," to all you propose. Pray, my dear, don't forget that I've known you from childhood. It was never a secret you were rather spoiled.'