"To squander away in folly?"
"No. If it were only to squander away, I might do without it; and I cannot do without this."
Mr. Dalrymple looked keenly at her, and she turned from his gaze. "Let me know what you want it for, that I may judge of the necessity you speak of. If it is not convenient to you to tell me, Selina, you must be satisfied with my refusal."
"Well, then," she said, seeing no help for the avowal, "I owe it."
"Owe it! Owe two hundred pounds! You!"
So utter was his astonishment, so blank his dismay, that Selina's heart failed her. If her owing two hundred pounds thus impressed him, what would become of her when he learnt the whole truth!
"And I am pressed for it," she faintly added. "Please let me have it, Oscar."
"What have you gone in debt for?"
"Various things," she answered, not caring to avow particulars. But he looked steadfastly at her, waiting for the truth. "Dress."
"The compact between us was that you should not run into debt," he said, in severe tones; "you promised to make your allowance do. You have behaved ill to me, Selina."