“That can’t be true,” denied Pauletta. “To my knowledge Father never gambled. He may have bought a few stocks from time to time, but only for investment.”
“Then you feel sure he did not dispose of the Press because he needed money?”
Pauletta hesitated before she answered. “It never occurred to me before, but Father has been rather close the past year. I thought it was sheer carelessness when he let this place run down. He always gave me everything I wanted.”
“Why does he favor your marriage to the Major?”
“Perhaps money does enter into it,” Pauletta said slowly. “Many times Father has reminded me that I would have every luxury as Howard’s wife.”
“Your friend Carl is poor?”
“He has a fairly good position, but not much money. Father always seemed to like Carl. That was why I couldn’t understand when he asked me not to see him again.”
“I am sure your father thinks only of your welfare.”
“But I would rather marry Carl and be poor always than to have riches with Howard.”
“You’ve not told your father that?”