“Yes, dear, I quite agree with you. But 50L a year is a great deal to make him pay.”
“Not a bit too much, Lizzie. His allowance is quite enough without it to keep him like a gentleman. Besides, after all, he gets it in meal or in malt; I have just paid 25L for his gun.”
“I know how kind and liberal you are to him; only I am so afraid of his getting into debt.”
“I wonder what men would do, if they hadn't some soft-hearted woman always ready to take their parts and pull them out of scrapes,” said Mr. Brown. “Well, dear, how much do you want to give the boy!”
“Twenty-five pounds, just for this year. But out of my own allowance, John.”
“Nonsense!” replied Mr. Brown; “you want your allowance for yourself and the children.”
“Indeed, dear John, I would sooner not do it at all, then, if I may not do it out of my own money.”
“Well, have it your own way. I believe you would always look well-dressed, if you never bought another gown. Then, to go back to what we were talking about just now—you will find a room for the girl somehow?”
“Yes, dear, certainly, as I see you are bent on it.”
“I think it would be scarcely civil not to ask her, especially if Katie comes. And I own I think her very pretty, and have taken a great fancy to her.”