"Charity?" he asked. "Labour?"
"Yes. It has come to that. A tiresome bank has failed with all our sixpences locked up in it. Isn't it stupid?"
"Is ALL your money gone?"
"I think so."
"Good God!"
"Dear mamma knows as little about business as she does about me. Until this morning she has always had a rooted belief in her bank and her daughter. If I bolt with you, her last cherished illusion will be destroyed."
"Let me help you," he said eagerly.
"How?" and she looked at him again with that cold, hard scrutiny. "Lend us money, do you mean?"
He fell into the trap.
"Yes," he said. "I'd do that if you'd let me."