“I don’t want any money from Dick. If he’s not living with me, I don’t want his money. I couldn’t bear to touch it.”

“That’s quixotic, my dear, but if you won’t take his, you must let me help.”

“I’ve a little of my own, you know,” said Cecily.

“As I remember, very little.”

“Three thousand a year. Lots of people live on that.”

“How much have you and Dick been spending?”

“About twenty-five thousand. But that was with cars and all sorts of luxuries. We’ll just do without those and I won’t need new clothes for a long time, nor will the children.”

“And when you do?

“Well, we’ll have to do without them. Or maybe I could earn some money. Anyway I will not touch Dick’s money and I won’t take yours either, father, please. I couldn’t let you support me—and Della.”

“Cecily!”