“I am delighted to hear it.”
“He said you would be, and he regards me as more than lucky, which, to tell the truth, I acknowledge that I am. You see it was such a complete surprise. I hadn’t expected anything at all, and to find myself suddenly the possessor of such a sum, all because of a few words, seemed almost too good to be true.”
Hilda was leaning back in her chair; there was no question about the frown now, which was visible enough, and, as I prattled on, the displeasure in her speaking eyes became deeper and deeper.
“All because of a few words!” she murmured, as if talking to herself.
“Certainly. Plain, simple, straightforward words, yet look what an effect they had. They practically make me an independent man, even rich, as I should count riches, although I suppose Mr. Hemster wouldn’t consider the amount very important.”
“Probably not, but you seem to look upon the amount as very, very important,—even of paramount importance, I should say.”
“Oh, not of paramount importance, of course, but nevertheless I shall always regard this day as the most fortunate of my life.”
“Really? Because of the money, I suppose?”
“Now, Hilda,” I protested, “you must admit that money is exceedingly necessary.”