“Well, a few dollars a month for servant hire isn’t going to make any appreciable difference.” “It isn’t only the wages, John, but a servant eats, and wastes, and steals, and there are a lot of things to be thought of!” Lucy began to weep. “There! That’s an example. You’re all nervous and worn out and ready to blow up at any time,” said John. “Yes! And her friends blame it on me!” Nannie interrupted. “Mr. Sprague and that Miss Storms both told _me_ that Lucy was working too hard.” “I’d be obliged if both of them would attend to their own business,” remarked John testily. “Well, it’s settled, and I’ll send a girl out at once.” “Please don’t, John,” begged Lucy as she followed him into the hall a moment later. He took his hat from the rack. “Yes, I will,” he repeated, laughing. “Good-bye,” and he was gone. John, to Lucy’s relief, neglected to put into immediate execution his threat of hiring a servant. She tried to conceal from him the extent of her fear and perplexity as he seemed to regard her concern for their affairs as a justification of his intention, and to evade Nannie’s persistence was even more difficult. XVII Late in the afternoon of the first day of the month, Mrs. Merwent found her daughter bending over some papers on the writing table in the living room. “What are you looking so cross about?” Nannie asked as she entered the room. “I didn’t know I was looking cross,” said Lucy. “I was worried.” “Well, you were, and you oughtn’t to do it. The lines on your forehead are already deeper than they are on mine. What in the world have you got to worry over? If your life had been like mine you might have a right to worry! With a husband like John you ought to be as happy as a bird.” Lucy did not reply. “What is it especially that’s worrying you?” Nannie asked again. “I’m worried about finances,” answered Lucy. “Our grocery bills have already doubled and extra expenses have more than trebled.” “Well, I certainly hope that _my_ coming hasn’t had anything to do with it, Lucy.” Lucy glanced up hesitatingly. “Well, to be frank, Mamma, we have a good many people here at odd times since you came,” she said with sudden resolution, “and I do wish you wouldn’t always be encouraging John to spend money.” “_I_ encourage John to spend money!” exclaimed Nannie. “I must say that’s a considerate way to talk to a guest, especially when it’s your own mother, and isolated as I am! You’re very kind and thoughtful. Very, Lucy!” “Listen, Mamma,” Lucy began patiently. “I should think ordinary tact would keep you from saying such things as that, Lucy, even if I were as callous as you seem to think, but when I’ve tried so hard to help you----” Nannie was close to tears. Lucy sighed. “Such a speech is complimentary to your husband, too,” persisted Nannie. “Now, see here, Mamma,” said Lucy, stung by the last remark, “I didn’t mean anything you seem to imply, and if you can’t understand, we won’t talk any more about it.”