Again Aunt Anne’s tone forbade any discussion. Florence felt sure that one day Steggall’s bill would arrive, but she said nothing.
“Do you mind giving me the change out of the four pounds?” she asked, very gently. Mrs. Baines went slowly over to her work-basket, and took up a little dress she was making for Catty.
“Not now, my love; I want to get on with my work.”
“Perhaps I could get your account-book, Aunt Anne; then I should know how much there is left.”
Mrs. Baines began to sew.
“I did not put anything down in the account-book,” she said doggedly. “I considered, dear Florence, that my time was too valuable. It always seems to me great nonsense to put down every penny one spends.”
“It is a check on one’s self.”
“I do not wish to keep a check on myself,” Mrs. Baines answered, scornfully.
“Could you tell me how much you have left?” Florence asked meekly. “I hope there may be enough to help us through the week.”
She did not like to say that she thought it must be nearly untouched.