'Very well, I can't help it.' She lowered her voice. 'I forgot to tell you that I can't get the money till I'm married. It doesn't matter, I've offered it.'
Bunce stared at her.
'Good-bye, Nelly,' Totty went on. 'I can't be friends with you after this. Your father's told me to go about my business.'
'No, he hasn't,' protested the child, dolorously. 'You haven't, have you, father?'
'Yes, he has. It doesn't matter, I'm off.'
She jumped up. Bunce sprang to his feet at the same time, and caught her up in a moment. She turned, looked at him reddened, laughed.
'Why did you say anything about that money?' he began, able to speak without restraint at length. 'If I hadn't known about that!'
'I don't see what the money's got to do with it.'
'I do. Look, I should have felt like making a fool of myself—a man of my age and with two children—but I do believe when I'd got into those new rooms I couldn't have helped some day asking you if—well, I can't say it. I'm ashamed of myself, that's the truth.'
'And what does that matter, Mr. Bunce, so long as I'm not ashamed of you?'