"Yes, I suppose they do. But the fools spend their energy on tennis as well, and that makes the disease less acute. Well, if you have to play bridge, I'll try to find the money for it somehow, even if I have to keep the household on oatmeal. What other expenses are likely to turn up?"
"There's sure to be subscriptions and things. And, see here. If we're invited out, we'll have to return any hospitality we receive."
Visions of Mrs. Driscoll's fantastic cookery, crossed by visions of big bills from Benoist, rose before Miss Grimshaw's mind, but she was not a person to be easily cast down.
"If they do, we'll manage somehow. We have wine, and that's the biggest item. Besides"—a brilliant inspiration seized her—"I'm only the governess. People won't call on me. You are really in the position of a bachelor, so you'll only have to invite men."
Mr. French looked troubled for a moment, then he said, "I was going to have told you something."
He stopped and lit a cigarette.
"Well?"
"Dashwood——"
"Well?"