"Do you positively refuse to tell me how much money you have in the savings bank?"
"I do."
"I require you to give me your bank-book. It is proper that I should keep it."
Gerald expected this.
"Mrs. Lane, ever since I had any money in the bank, the book has been in my possession. My father desired me to keep it."
"Your father was foolishly indulgent."
"I don't think you are likely to be. Perhaps you will tell me what you want of the book?"
"I want to prevent your withdrawing any more money."
"So I supposed, and that is the reason why I decline to give you the book."
"Very well; we will drop the subject for the present. I trust that with time for reflection you will take a different view of your duty."