It was not in the least like a child's answer. For the second time that day Nessa felt as though Murtagh were somehow older than she. She looked at him with a sort of surprise, but the strange expression was already gone, and the face he turned up to her was full of affectionate gratitude.
"And now," she said, "let us count our resources." She drew a little green leather purse from her pocket, and emptied its contents. "But I have not enough," she added, looking up almost apologetically. "How much money have you?"
"I've got a shilling," said Rosie.
"I've only twopence," said Winnie; "Bobbo has a penny halfpenny."
"I haven't any," said Murtagh, shaking his head.
Little Ellie, who had been sitting on the rug, gazed attentively at Nessa and the money, and then got up and trotted silently out of the room.
"Well, that is all," said Nessa, "we must do the best we can with it."
"Yes, but," said Murtagh, "we don't want to take your money. It isn't right you should give it."
"You see it is a good thing to have an elder sister," replied Nessa.
"And besides, Murtagh," said Rosie, "if you won't take Theresa home without the rent, it really is the only way. I don't like taking your money either," she added, coloring and turning towards Nessa, "but what can we do? We haven't got any except one and twopence halfpenny."