"Oh yes, I admit that. But I was never afraid of poverty."
"I am not afraid of it--but I certainly don't like it. But what do you intend doing with your two hundred pounds, Miriam? Better let me invest it for you."
"If I succeed in getting the two hundred pounds---which at present is by no means certain--I shall----"
"Yes: what?"
"I shall furnish a couple of rooms--furnish them very nicely, mind you--and marry James."
"You will!" gasped the old man.
"I shall, most certainly. It is the thought of that and nothing else that strengthens me to go through with this dreadful business. No meaner prize would tempt me."
She stooped and kissed her father lightly on the forehead, and then went quickly out of the room, as if afraid that what she had said might provoke a discussion that would have been unpleasant to both of them.