Nevertheless my mother was of a sex that scorned prejudice, and, dropping sarcasm, she would at times cross-examine me as if her mind was not yet made up. ‘Tell me this, if you were to fall ill, would you be paid a weekly allowance out of the club?’
No, it was not that kind of club.
‘I see. Well, I am just trying to find out what kind of club it is. Do you get anything out of it for accidents?’
Not a penny.
‘Anything at New Year’s time?’
Not so much as a goose.
‘Is there any one mortal thing you get free out of that club?’
There was not one mortal thing.
‘And thirty pounds is what you pay for this?’
If the committee elected me.