“‘For some years Father has had very hard times,’” went on Mollie, “‘and we’re all struggling’——”
“‘But things get no better,’” blurted out Eileen, “‘worse—if anything.’”
“‘All struggling,’” went on Mollie, “‘but things are still very black.’”
“‘And there don’t seem a chance of a silver lining,’” chimed in Eva.
“Silver lining, be hanged!” said Eileen. “He’s the only hope we’ve got of a silver lining.”
“‘And as we’ve heard, Uncle, that you are very, very wealthy’——perhaps I ought to say ‘we’ve heard by accident,’” said Mollie, perplexedly; “you see, he might think Father and Mother are always talking about him if I don’t.”
“Yes, ‘by accident,’” agreed Eileen.
“‘By accident, that you are very wealthy; we’ve been hoping to meet you and tell you all our troubles.’”
“Don’t forget about the foal and the fire and——”
“Oh, shut up, Doris!” snapped Eileen.