"You can't keep all that pile and remain on the 'Path of Perfection,'" said Toney decidedly, "it can't be done. I wish you would read 'The Little Flowers.'"
"This is pure drivelling——"
"Look here, Mr. Staines, I've a real regard for you. You wouldn't run away with anyone's money, but—you don't understand. Anyhow, I've told you I mean to keep some, because there are always needy people, and then I think I shall keep the Haven to retire to myself, and I could live then on—there I do want help. I've always lived on nothing before I had this pile."
"Are you decided?"
"Quite, quite, quite—if you can't do it, hitch me on to a man that will."
Toney stood now firm and strong. The colour returned to her cheeks.
Mr. Staines could not possibly lose the handling of the money, so he bowed to necessity.
"I must reserve enough for your private needs and casual charity," he said.
"That's it. I thought you'd come round to see it, Mr. Staines. Only I want it done awfully soon, and then I shall breathe again! In fact draw up something now, to make it quite secure. One never knows. I might have a smash in the train to-day. You see I couldn't be sure about Aunt Dove, she does love the coin. Sort of madness, I guess."
"Cannot I first see Sir Evas Dove?" groaned Mr. Staines.