Winston settled himself even more firmly in his chair in compliance with Uncle Sid's request. Mrs. MacGregor did not attempt to conceal her annoyance, but she followed her brother's suggestion and came to the point.
"Yes, I did fail to raise the money in Fall Brook that I had expected to raise without difficulty, and I fancy I know why."
Uncle Sid chuckled with evident satisfaction.
"Consequently," Mrs. MacGregor continued, ignoring her brother's interruption, "the Palm Wells company is in precisely the same position now that it was when I left for the East."
"I should say that it was considerably steadier on its legs than it was. What's your opinion, Mr. Winston?"
"I should say so." Winston did not answer aggressively, his reply was perfunctory.
Mrs. MacGregor ignored Winston.
"I don't know what you mean, Sidney."
"Me'n Ralph knows. It ain't necessary you should know."
Mrs. MacGregor's patience was sorely tried, as Uncle Sid fully intended it should be, but she gave no visible signs of annoyance for two excellent reasons. In the first place, a display of emotion smacked of vulgarity; in the second place, she felt that all of her deep-laid schemes depended upon her perfect self-control.