"How can we ask you to do such a——"
"You don't ask; I've got to find some means—ways—expedients——"
"But we can't turn you out of your own place!"
"No; but I've got to turn myself out. If you'll just let me think——"
"I will—oh, I will, Mr. Edgerton; but please, please let me explain the dreadful and humiliating conditions first, so that you won't consider me absolutely shameless."
"I don't!"
"You will unless I tell you—unless I find courage to tell you how it is with my sister and me."
"I'd like to know, but you must not feel obliged to tell me."
"I do feel obliged! I must! We're poor. We've spent all our money, and we can't go anywhere else very well!"
Edgerton glanced at the luxury in the next room, astonished; then his gaze reverted to the silk-clad figure before him.