"Pooh," exclaimed John, a little chafed at his talking in this way, "what is St. George's wife likely to know, or to care, as to how her brother-in-law derives his income? But I quite agree with you that you have no business to be dependent on Giles; he has done a great deal for his sisters he should now have his income for himself."
"Yes," said Valentine.
"You have always been a wonderfully united family," observed John pointedly; "there is every reason why that state of things should continue."
"Yes," repeated Valentine, receiving the covert lecture resignedly.
"And there is no earthly end, good or bad, to be served," continued John, "by the showing of irritation or gloom on your part, because your brother has chosen to take for himself what you had previously and with all deliberation thrown away."
"I suppose not, John," said Valentine quite humbly.
"Then what can you be thinking of?"
"I don't know."
"You have not talked to any one as you have done to me this morning?"
"No, certainly not."