"When Shirley wrote, without my knowledge, she hadn't all the facts. I have just taken a position—"
"That is very sensible. What sort of a position?"
"A very good position, quite sufficient for our needs. And so we needn't spoil your visit by discussing our dull affairs."
Aunt Clara glared. "Young man, are you trying to snub me? I remember you tried that the first time I saw you."
"I hope," said David gently, "I haven't given you that impression."
"It's just his silly pride, Aunt Clara," Shirley put in soothingly.
Aunt Clara silenced Shirley with a gesture and kept her attention on David. "You did leave that impression. And you are thinking that I'm nosing into what is none of my business. On the contrary, young man, it is my business. You married against my advice, but it's no credit to me to have my relatives hard up and in debt. You are in debt, I understand?"
"That is true," David answered quietly, "but—"
"But you don't want my money to pay them with, you were about to say? Young man, when you refuse my money, you're a little—quite a little—in advance of the fact. I'm not going to give you money. I don't believe in giving money to able-bodied young men."
"Thank you," said David.