Miss Yard was delighted when Nellie informed her that the golden age of tea and talk was about to be restored; and she blessed Percy with such tenderness that her nephew felt compelled to make her a most liberal offer. "You know, Aunt, the furniture in this house belongs to me. It was left to George, and I bought it from him for two hundred pounds. Don't you think the best plan would be for you to buy it from me for--shall we say--one hundred and fifty pounds? I lose and you gain, but that's as it should be." "What an excellent idea!" cried Miss Yard. "Nellie, bring my cheque-book." "You cannot afford to spend so much money, especially as we have a move before us," said Nellie quietly. "Oh, I'll take a hundred pounds," said Percy. "Miss Sophy cannot afford that either." "That's what she always says, but I tell her I can afford it," said Miss Yard crossly. Percy began to feel uncomfortable, as this was the first time his golden goose had been prohibited from egg laying. He made up his mind that Nellie was developing into an offensive young person; honest no doubt, and admirably suited to control Miss Yard; but with mistaken notions as to the dignity of a nephew and trustee. He sought, therefore, a secret interview with the young lady, in order that he might caution her against any further opposition, and remind her that in all financial matters his word must be the last; and this interview was granted very willingly. "Sit down, please," he began, when they had entered the dining room. "If you stand, I shall too," replied Nellie, who was holding a small article wrapped in paper. "Just as you like," said Percy. "Is that Miss Yard's passbook?" "No," she replied. "But if you want to see the passbook I will fetch it. Miss Sophy has a little over two hundred pounds at present." "Another dividend is due next month. My aunt is quite able to pay a hundred pounds for the furniture." "The question is," said Nellie, "to whom does the furniture belong?" "To me, of course." "Have you what the lawyers call a good title?" "I hope you are not going to be impertinent, Miss Blisland," said Percy sharply. "I know Mrs. Drake left the furniture to Mr. George," she continued, thankful of her promise not to mention those numerous scraps of paper. "And I bought the stuff from him." "With Miss Sophy's money." "What has that to do with you? I can borrow from my aunt, and of course she does not expect me to repay the money." "But I expect it. I manage her affairs, and I tell you plainly this borrowing must cease. I shall not allow Miss Sophy to pay you a single penny for the furniture, because it is hers already," said Nellie, with all the coldness of a magistrate sentencing a poacher. "The little devil! You had better keep your mouth shut, or I may be tempted to say something rude. I don't want to forget I am talking to a young woman. You have just got to do what I tell you," blustered Percy. "But I decline," said Nellie sweetly.