It is
not much. But I suppose it will help, won't it? We can't exactly starve
if we have five hundred a year. Let me see. It is more than a pound a
day. A sovereign ought to go a long way in a small house; and, of
course, we shall begin in a very wee house, like De Quincey's cottage
over there, only in London.'
'Yes, dear, there are plenty of such cottages in London. In Mayfair, for
instance, or Belgravia.'
'Now, you are laughing at my rustic ignorance. But the five hundred
pounds will be a help, won't it?'
'Yes, dear, a great help.'
'I'm so glad.'
She had chalked her cue while she was talking, but after taking her aim,
she dropped her arm irresolutely.
'Do you know I'm afraid I can't play to-night,' she said.
'Helvellyn and the fog and the wind have quite spoilt my nerve. Shall we
go to the drawing-room, and see if Fraeulein has recovered from her
gloomy fit?'
'I would rather stay here, where we are free to talk; but I'll do
whatever you like best.'
Mary preferred the drawing-room. It was very sweet to be alone with her
lover, but she was weighed down with confusion in his presence.
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