“I don’t want any money from Dick. If he’s not living with me, I don’t want his money. I couldn’t bear to touch it.” “That’s quixotic, my dear, but if you won’t take his, you must let me help.” “I’ve a little of my own, you know,” said Cecily. “As I remember, very little.” “Three thousand a year. Lots of people live on that.” “How much have you and Dick been spending?” “About twenty-five thousand. But that was with cars and all sorts of luxuries. We’ll just do without those and I won’t need new clothes for a long time, nor will the children.” “And when you do?” “Well, we’ll have to do without them. Or maybe I could earn some money. Anyway I will not touch Dick’s money and I won’t take yours either, father, please. I couldn’t let you support me--and Della.” “Cecily!” “That was horrid, wasn’t it? Well, please let me get along as best I can. Let me be honest with myself.” “You are making it so hard for Dick.” “Yes. He seemed to take that part much harder than any other. It was the only thing that really seemed to worry him--not to be able to salve things over with money. If he sends me money, I shall send it back.” Mr. Warner rose. “I’m going now, my dear. I can’t tell you how sorry I am about this or how convinced I am that it won’t last. I want you to let me help you. I want to come and talk to you now and then.” “Yes, please do that. I shall be lonely once in a while,” she said bravely. “You don’t mind all the silly talk?” Cecily shrugged. “I shan’t hear it. No, I don’t think I do, except for Dick a little.” “Would you like to go away for the rest of the year?” “I thought of that, but it doesn’t seem wise to take the children away just now. And that, too, would be expensive.” Mr. Warner went down the street slowly, tapping the darkened pavement with his cane. * * * * * “I don’t care to discuss it, Fliss. It’s none of our business.” “I hope not,” said Fliss. Matthew frowned at her and she laughed at him. “You should see the frantic interest of people whose business it most certainly is not.” “That’s easy to imagine,” he answered. “But I don’t care to be in their class.” She went on, “Cecily, you know, who has been really not of paramount interest to any one lately, is now the real center of thought. Why she did and why he didn’t and what was the matter and how long it has been going on and if Dick’s stenographer is really involved or if it’s Cecily’s iceman----” “Spare me that stuff, Fliss.” “I haven’t been spared. I’ve had it all day. But seriously, Matthew, what is the matter with that fool girl? Why doesn’t she appreciate what she’s got?” “Does he appreciate what he’s got?” “United States Senator judicial temperament bound to see both sides. Well, why doesn’t some one open both the kittens’ eyes if they can’t appreciate each other?” He turned to look at her. “You’re pleased about all this, aren’t you?”