Patricia was pulled up at this comment.
"There's a lot of good in her," she apologetically explained. "I oughtn't to talk unkindly about her. And I'm afraid I'm rather an egoist myself."
"The first thing you've got to do—if you'll try hard to forgive me for saying such an awful impertinence—is to move out of these rooms," said Claudia, with superficial irrelevance.
Again Patricia received a shock. But she recovered and smiled.
"I can't," she answered. "They're cheap." Then her tone became more sober. "I've got no money at all. In fact...." Her lips quivered.
"You couldn't have any money in these rooms," said that distinct voice. "Move out of them. We'll get you some money." Claudia spoke with assurance. Patricia was dazzled.
"But how?" she asked. "I'm desperate for it."
"We'll ask Edgar."
"I couldn't. I think ... I think ... It seems absurd; but I think perhaps I'm just a little afraid of him."
Claudia surveyed her newest friend with astonishment and approval. Her emotion seemed to be almost one of hopeful relief, which surprised Patricia a good deal. Claudia proceeded.