'Certainly.' Winefred coloured with anger. 'You do not dare to insinuate that she got the money in any other way?'
'Dear me, no. Very natural that he should provide the blunt. It will be a lot. Have you talked with him about the matter? Said that it did not suffice? Your expenses are piling up?'
'He knows what they are, and provides. I have not spoken with him about them. But really, Mr. Dench, this does not concern you.'
'Certainly not. But we are old friends and neighbours. So I like to know that you are in deep water.'
After a pause, Winefred said, 'I want to obtain a couple of young choughs. Can you help me?'
'No,' he replied. 'All the birds have abandoned the cliffs on the Bindon side. But there are some in the White Cliff; yet I will not adventure my life there.'
'I will pay,' said Winefred.
'A hundred pounds would be no good to me if I lay at the foot with every bone in my body broken.'
Then she stepped out of the boat.
Olver, so far, was satisfied.