'Economy has no connection whatever with destitution.'
'O there you are mistaken,' said the girl arching her brows. 'But for destitution, it need not exist. But I wish I could think of the right explosive materials to put in Prim's trunk! She wants waking up, Olaf,and you have just stroked her down for a nap.'
Dane's eyes snapped at the speaker across the table; and then he asked in a quiet business tone, 'what sort of lethargy Prim had fallen into?'
'I said nothing about lethargy. I must get a ream of paper initialed in blue and gold, and another in crimson, to help line the secretary. And three journal books in green bevelled antique, and fifty note- books in yellow Turkey morocco. Andhow many gold pens does Prim wear out in a year?'
'You made a profound remark just now on the origin of economy; I should like to have your definition of the thing. Would you favour me?'
'Mind,' said Hazel, laughing a little, 'it is an unproved definition, the word itself being but lately introduced; but at present it seems to me, the doing without what you want yourself, to give it to somebody who wants it more.'
A line of white made itself visible between Rollo's lips, and the curves of his mouth were unsteady. When they were reduced to order again, he asked,
'What more shall we do for New Year in the Hollow?'
Certain cloaks and dresses for women and children, it may be remarked, had already been sent up. Wych Hazel considered.
'Would it be possiblebut we shall not be at home to give them a night Festival. There went no books nor pictures into the Christmas work?'