'You behaved very kindly,' he said in a half-ashamed way. 'I don't forget, and I'm not likely ever to. And I shan't forget all you've done for the children, either. I don't think there's any one living I've more to thank for than you.'
'The idea.'
'Well, it's true.'
'But look here, Mr. Bunce. About that shop. Suppose you had two hundred and fifty pounds; could you make a start, do you think?'
'I rather suppose I could. And where's two hundred and fifty pound to come from, Miss Nancarrow?'
'I'll lend it you if you like.'
He gazed at her with so strange a face that Totty broke into hearty laughter. Bunce joined, appreciating the joke.
'I mean it, Mr. Bunce. I've got two hundred and fifty pounds—at all events I can have, whenever I like.'
He gazed again, wondering at her tone.
'Now I see you don't believe me, so I shall have to explain.'