"What's the matter?"
"What's the matter? What's the matter? I'll tell you what's the matter: I was a fool when I married, I was a fool to bring my property into settlement. If I hadn't, I could have done as I pleased! Aren't they my children, my own children? If they want money, can't I send it to them? Must they starve, while he ... while he ..."
She pointed to Steyn.
"Well, what?" said Steyn, challenging her.
"While he blows my money on women, his everlasting, low women ..." "I say, Mamma!"
"Well, it's true!"
"Hush, Mamma, for shame: don't talk like that! What's it all about, Steyn?"
"Mamma has had a letter from London."
"From the Trevelleys?"
"From Hugh. He asks for money."