Her face fell.
"Ask Uncle Val for money again, Ancram? It is such a short time since he sent me some!"
"And to-morrow, at this hour, it will be 'such a short time' since you had your dinner! Nevertheless, I suppose you will want another dinner."
"I—I don't think Uncle Val can afford it, Ancram."
"Leave that to him. Afford it? Pshaw!"
Algernon made the little sharp ejaculation in a tone expressive of the most impatient contempt.
"But do we really—is it absolutely necessary for us to beg of my uncle again?"
"Not at all. Do just as you please," answered her husband, rising and walking away from the sofa to a distant chair.
Castalia's eyes followed him piteously.
"But what can I say?" she asked. "What excuse can I make? I hate to worry Uncle Val. It isn't as if he had more money than he knew what to do with. And if Lady Seely knew about his helping us, she would lead him such a life!"