"It isn't nonsense. Any fool can see with half an eye that be's after Ermy. He wants her money, you mark my words."
"It's Aunt Ermy's money that I want to speak about," said Mary. "You've no right to get money out of her to lend to Harold White."
Wally looked offended. "That's a nice way to talk to your guardian!"
"I know, but I must. I can't bear to see Aunt Ermy cheated. If she were mean I mightn't mind so much, but she gives you whatever you ask for without a murmur, and to be frank with you, Uncle, it makes me sick to hear the lies you tell her about what you want money for. What's more, she's beginning to realise - things."
"I must say, I didn't much like that crack of hers at breakfast today," agreed Wally. "Think she meant anything in particular?"
"I don't know, but I'll tell you this: if she finds out that you're lending her money to White, there'll be trouble. She'll stand a lot, but not that."
"Well, all right, all right, don't make such a song and dance about it!" said Wally, irritated. "As a matter of fact, I was a bit on at the time, or naturally I wouldn't have been such a fool. Lending money is a thing I never have believed in. However, there's nothing to worry about, because Harold's going to pay it back next week."
"What if he doesn't?"
"Don't you fret, he's got to, because I've got his bill for it.
Mary sighed. "You're so hopeless, Uncle: if he tries to get out of it, you'll let him talk you over."