“I hope so,” said Ronald, with a last attempt at indifference. Then suddenly his face softened, and he added in a gentler tone, “Indeed, Joe, I think I shall be very happy soon.”
“I am so glad,” said Joe again, still holding his hand, but leaning her head back wearily in the deep chair. “There is only one thing that troubles me.”
“What is that?”
“That horrid will,” said Joe. “I am sure we could get it altered in some way.”
“We never thought about it before, Joe. Why should we think about it now? It seems to me it is a very good will as things have turned out.”
“But, my dear boy,” said Joe, “if you are married to Sybil Brandon, you will need ever so much money.”
Ronald blushed again.
“I have not asked her to marry me,” he said quickly.
“That makes no difference at all,” replied Joe. “As I was saying, when you have married her you will need money.”
“What an idea!” exclaimed Ronald, indignantly. “As if any one wanted to be rich in order to be happy. Besides, between what I have of my own, and my share of the money, there is nearly four thousand a year; and then there is the place in Lanarkshire for us to live in. As if that were not enough!”