“Oh Susan!” she said.
She found the matter a little difficult to broach. Susan remained in an attitude of respectful expectation.
“I wanted to ask you,” said Lady Harman and then broke off to shut the door. Susan’s interest increased.
“You know, Susan,” said Lady Harman with an air of talking about commonplace things, “Sir Isaac is very rich and—of course—very generous.... But sometimes one feels, one wants a little money of one’s own.”
“I think I can understand that, my lady,” said Susan.
“I knew you would,” said Lady Harman and then with a brightness that was slightly forced, “I can’t always get money of my own. It’s difficult—sometimes.”
And then blushing vividly: “I’ve got lots of things.... Susan, have you ever pawned anything?”
And so she broached it.
“Not since I got fairly into work,” said Susan; “I wouldn’t have it. But when I was little we were always pawning things. Why! we’ve pawned kettles!...”
She flashed three reminiscences.