He went home, and after he had made himself comfortable, he stood for a while looking out upon the new flat across the street, which had lately cut off his view, swearing at it in a very pleasant tone of voice.
CHAPTER V
A POLITE REQUEST FOR MONEY
“About your allowance, Zee, I haven’t fixed it yet. So many matters have been pressing me. But of course if you need anything——”
“Yes, father, I’m glad you spoke of it. I really should like a little money.”
He looked at her in his quick, furtive way. He was disappointed; he had expected her to disavow any needs.
“I didn’t suppose,” he said, dropping his eyes to his plate, and cutting a bit of bacon deliberately—“I didn’t suppose you would require any money for yourself as yet. There are so many trunks of your clothes up stairs”—he smiled indulgently—“you can hardly need anything at present.”
“Clothes? No, I don’t believe I do need any clothes at present. It wasn’t clothes that I had in mind.”
“Oh!”
“I don’t need anything to wear just now. But I should like some money of my own to spend. A thousand dollars will run me for a little while.”
He glanced at her out of the corners of his eyes while he continued to manipulate his knife and fork. He really thought she might be jesting; but she was stirring her coffee absent-mindedly, and did not look at him.