"Of course I shall miss you, my darling," she said, "You always were the best of girls; but I don't wish to stand in your way. I know you will be happy where your heart is, and your father wished it. That, in my opinion, settles the matter."
"Well, I have a week," said Effie more cheerfully, standing up as she spoke. "I must do all in my power to instruct Agnes. I must teach her the little economies which I have been trying to practice."
"No, you need not do that, Effie. When you go to the hospital I intend to resume full control of the family purse."
Effie hesitated, and looked anxiously at her mother as she said this.
"I wish it, my love, so there's no use in discussing the matter," continued Mrs. Staunton. "I know exactly what we have got to spend—£150 a year. It is very little, indeed, but I rather fancy I am as good a manager as my child. I have at least a wider experience to guide me. Out of that income dear George provides a third. It seems to me, Effie, that we should give him rather more comforts than he has had lately for this generous allowance."
"Oh, mother! George really wants for nothing."
"I cannot agree with you. I should wish him to have beer at supper every night."
"I do not think it can be managed. There is not a penny to spare."
"Well, my dear, we will see. It is also only just that a proportion of his money should be devoted to providing him with suitable underclothing."
"Oh, mother, mother, have you thought of the thousand and one things which are required for the children and yourself? Surely George can manage to buy his own clothes out of the fifty pounds which he reserves for his personal expenses."