"I did not want to see him. I hate his patronizing ways. Have you found your purse?"
"Yes, Reg had picked it up; but you are not going out before dinner, are you, Ray?"
"Oh, I don't know," said Raymond, stretching and yawning. "I should have thought we had better have dined at seven, when mamma comes."
"I—I don't think Mrs. Pryor would like a late dinner."
"Well, I can get a little luncheon somewhere in Roxburgh. It is so fine, and it is so slow being cooped up here."
"You have to go with Reg to the Elm Fields Station to meet mamma—don't forget that—at five o'clock."
"All right." But Raymond lingered. "The money, Sal; I'll pay you back." Salome opened the purse and took out two half-crowns. "Thanks!" said Raymond; "it is a come down to want a paltry five shillings."
"O Raymond!" Salome said passionately,—"O Ray, do try to make the best of things to mother! It will make her so dreadfully sad if you grumble. Dear Raymond, I will do all I can, only please do try to make the best of everything."
"You are a kind little thing," said Raymond; "but I wish we were all at the bottom of the Red Sea. There is nothing left to live for or care about; no pleasure, and no fun; nothing but to be looked down upon!"
"I believe Uncle Loftus has heard of something for you, and perhaps you will make money and be a rich merchant." Raymond whistled and shrugged his shoulders, and strolled off, lighting a cigar in the porch.