“Couldn't afford anything better.”
“What a beastly shame! Is Major Woodgate badly off too?”
“He was short of money. A good many are, naturally enough, under the present condition of affairs. Your father is going to call on Major Woodgate.”
“To help him?”
“Possibly. That is only between you and me. I am treating you as my friend—speaking in confidence.” Roy's glance bespoke comprehension. “If you were in temporary difficulties, and a friend gave you quietly a little help, you would not wish to have the fact published.”
“No. And, Den, are you going to help the Curtises?”
“That is as may be. I wish to find out how things are with them. And I am taking you because it may be a help. If you can keep Mrs. Curtis' attention engaged, that will give me a chance for a few words with her husband. You see? You will not have anything to do with what goes on between him and me.”
“Good thing papa has lots of money!”
“He is better off than many; but bills are only to be cashed here at a heavy loss; and it is very uncertain how often he may be able to get remittances from England. So it will not do to spend recklessly. Besides, after the way we have been treated, we are not anxious to enrich our captors.”
Roy's “No!” was energetic.