“It isn’t that at all,” Esther declared. “But I must do something––I’ve been idle quite long enough. I shall be sorry to leave you, but I shall still pay for my half of the room.”
“Thank you––thank you very much,” said June drily. Esther flushed in distress.
“Don’t be so unkind! It’s not that I want to leave you. I’ve been happier here with you than anywhere else, but I must work, I can’t live on nothing....”
“You could live on three pounds a week if you wished to. What do you suppose the phantom lover will say if he knows that his money hasn’t helped you, and that you’re going to make a drudge of yourself?”
“I shan’t be a drudge––I–––”
June broke in impatiently.
“Oh, very well––I don’t want to argue, but I think it’s mean of you. If you really liked me you’d stay....”
“I shall come to see you whenever I get any time off.”
“Yes, once a week for two hours, I suppose––and when I shall probably be out.”
“I shall write first and let you know when I’m coming.”