"What a shame! How could your father leave you in the power of such a woman?"
"I can't tell, John. That is what puzzles me. But how much is the rent?"
"Six dollars."
"Have you got anything toward it?"
"No. What money we have must go toward food."
"Then I'll tell you what I'll do. I have some money in the savings bank. I'll go and draw out six dollars and lend it to you, but you mustn't let Mrs. Lane know where it came from."
"You are awfully kind, Gerald; but I don't think we ought to accept your offer."
"Why not? The money is mine."
"Your stepmother might object."
"I don't think she knows that I have any money in the bank; besides, it has always been mine to do what I pleased with. Father never interfered with it at any time."