"Invalid, dear, if you want to be angry with me, wait—till you're a little stronger."
Ravenslee stooped and picked up a handful of small pebbles that chanced to lie loose.
"Wife, dear," said he, "I'm as well and strong as ever I was. But I've asked you several questions which I mean you to answer, so I am going to give you until I have pitched all these pebbles into the water, and then—" Hermione glanced up swiftly.
"Then?" she questioned.
"Why then, if you haven't answered, I shall—take matters into my own hands. One!" and a pebble splashed into the pool.
"What do you want to know?"
"Two! Why haven't you condescended to take your allowance?"
"Dear, I—I didn't need it, and even if I had, I—oh, I couldn't take it—yet!"
"Three! Why not?"
"Because you have given me so much already, and I—have given you—nothing."