“I wouldn't worry about that yet.” And he explained that the mill, and water rights, constituted such excellent security that Mr. Stark had signified his willingness to wait her pleasure in the matter.
“I don't know what I would do without your help and advice!” said Virginia, when he had finished.
He moved his hand in disparagement of this.
“Have I made it quite plain to you?” he asked, with grave kindness.
“Yes, I think so, but we haven't settled yet how I am to send Stephen to school, even to Dr. Long's academy.”
“We might very easily induce Mr. Stark to advance more money!” he ventured tentatively, but Virginia shook her head.
“No, I am afraid of debt; and it is not only my own means, it is Stephen's start in life that would be involved. I must exercise a greater economy.”
“My dear Mrs. Landray, that is quite out of the question, unless you deny yourself in ways I cannot even bear to think of!”
Virginia did not seem to hear him, and the tone that had unconsciously crept into his voice, escaped her notice. He could only guess at the needless self-denials she might practice, inspired by her love and sense of duty! She was too fine for that sort of thing; she had always seemed to him to adorn the easy circumstances for which the Landrays had been famous. It had not been great wealth, perhaps, but in that new country it had been riches; since relatively, little money purchased so much.
“If you will allow me”—he hesitated, and then continued—“to advance what money you need, it will give me the greatest pleasure.”