David took this as a hint to go. When he had gone Dick heaved a sigh of relief. During those silent minutes a strange inspiration had come to him, to suggest a partnership in lieu of the new job. Dick felt that he had had a narrow escape from an expensive generosity.
Next David called on a young architect who was looking for quarters. To him it was arranged to transfer the office lease and to sell enough of its furniture to pay the rent in arrears.
Then David went home to lay his gift at Shirley's feet.
And yet, as he neared the apartment, he felt a strange shrinking from telling her the news, lest she guess what his gift had cost him. He wondered at that.
He found Shirley flushed with excitement over news of her own.
"Guess who's coming!"
David could not guess.
"Aunt Clara!"
"Why, that's fine," he rejoiced weakly.
Shirley kissed him nicely.