The reply was spoken politely but without conviction.
“An’ besides, I had other reasons for gettin’ you here,” her aunt went on. “I mentioned ’em in my letter.”
“I don’t remember the other reasons.”
“Why—why—the property,” she managed to stammer.
“Oh, that.”
The words were uttered with an indifference too genuine to be questioned.
“Yes, the property,” repeated Ellen with cutting sarcasm. “Ain’t you interested in money; or have you got so much already that you couldn’t find a use for any more?”
The thrust told. Into the girl’s cheek surged a flame of crimson.
“I haven’t any money,” she returned with dignity. “Dad left me almost penniless. His illness used up all we had. Nevertheless, I was glad to spend it for his comfort, and I can earn more when I need it.”