Alec folded his hands on the slide of the desk drawn out between us.
"We're spending too much money," he said simply.
I had heard that same sentiment expressed so often that I wasn't deeply impressed. I had observed in spite of Alec's continued talk about economy that there was always enough to pay the bills. I continued sewing.
"Of course; I know," I said, trying to appear sympathetic.
"No, Bobbie," Alec replied; "I don't think you do. It is different this time. Will you stop sewing?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, dropping my work in my lap.
"Bobbie," Alec said, "perhaps you will understand the seriousness of the situation when I tell you that I do not think that we ought to live in such a big house."
"Not live here?" I exclaimed.
"I'm afraid not, Lucy. It's a big place to keep up for just you and me and Ruth. We can't afford it."
"Has the business failed, Alec?" I interrupted with kind of a sick feeling in my stomach.