"Of course," she said, "my family can't do much, and"—looking at him half apologetically, and feeling the necessity to forestall him—"I couldn't allow any one else to do more than give me advice and letters of introduction. I have my plans all laid—but now my father's ill."
"What plans?"
"I was going to New York with my father next month to look over the field"—at his look of incredulity, she added: "operatic field. As I haven't any money, and can't possibly borrow, I must find a way to be a chorus-girl first."
"What an idea!"
He got up from the piano, and walked the length of the room and back.
"A very good idea."
"My dear Val—"
He stopped.
"No, cousin Ethan"—she motioned away his imaginary offer—"the Ganos don't borrow money, they do without."
He smiled a little.