'But—'
'Woman, I tell you not to trouble me about these things. 'Ave we not money enough, and to spare?'
He waved his hand, and putting on his top hat, which looked more than ever in need of restoration, went out, leaving his wife in a perfect agony.
There was worse to follow. Coming home a few days later, Mr Clinton told his wife that he wished to speak with her.
'I 'ave been looking into my books,' he said, 'and I find that we have invested in various securities a sum of nearly seven 'undred pounds.'
'Thank 'Eaven for that!' answered his wife. 'It's the only thing that'll save us from starvation now that you moon about all day, instead of working like a decent man.'
'Well, I 'ave been thinking, and I 'ave been reading; and I 'ave found it written—Give all and follow me.'
'Well, there's nothing new in that,' said Mrs Clinton, viciously. 'I've known that text ever since I was a child.'
'And as it were a Spirit 'as come to me and said that I too must give all. In short, I 'ave determined to sell out my stocks and my shares; my breweries are seven points 'igher than when I bought them; I knew it was a good investment. I am going to realise everything; I am going to take the money in my hand, and I am going to give it to the poor.'
Mrs Clinton burst into tears.