"That is just what I would have expected you to do. But, my dear Peg, there's no need for such a sacrifice."
"Sure, why not?" cried Peg, excitedly. "Let me, sacrifice meself. I feel like it this minnit."
"There is no occasion."
He walked over to Mrs. Chichester and addressed her:
"I came here this morning with some very good news for you. I happen to be one of the directors of Gifford's bank and I am happy to say that it will shortly reopen its doors and all the depositors' money will be available for them in a little while."
Mrs. Chichester gave a cry of joy as she looked proudly at her two children:
"Oh, Alaric!" she exclaimed: "My darling Ethel!"
"REOPEN its doors?" Alaric commented contemptuously. "So it jolly well ought to. What right had it to CLOSE 'em? That's what I want to know. What right?"
"A panic in American securities, in which we were heavily interested, caused the suspension of business," explained Jerry. "The panic is over. The securities are RISING every day. We'll soon be on easy street again."
"See here, mater," remarked Alaric firmly, "every ha'penny of ours goes out of Gifford's bank and into something that has a bottom to it. In future, I'LL manage the business of this family."