Mrs. Colwood moved uneasily.
"I suppose if you are in those straits you don't really think of anything else--though you may wish to."
"Did she tell you how much they want?" said Diana, quickly.
"She named a thousand pounds!"
Muriel might have been describing her own embarrassments, so scarlet had she become.
"A thousand pounds!" cried Diana, in amazement. "But then why--why--does she have so many frocks--and play cards for money--and bet on races?"
She threw her arms round Mrs. Colwood's knees impetuously.
Muriel's small hand smoothed back the girl's hair, timidly yet eagerly.
"I suppose that's the way they've been brought up."
"A thousand pounds! And does she expect me to provide it?"