At the beginning of June she approached the subject of their holiday. They were sitting at breakfast and Rachel was feeling the heat almost unbearable. "Shan't you be thankful when August comes?" she sighed. "Where shall we go Luke?" Luke looked up at her across the table, saying quickly, "I'm afraid we can't very well manage a holiday this year." "What! Not have a holiday!" Consternation was in the tone of voice. "You see," said Luke, "our balance at the bank is rather lower than usual. I can't see how we can afford it." Rachel dropped her knife and looked at her husband. "Can you account for it?" she asked faintly. "I am afraid I can. Since the war every article of food has risen in price." "Then it's in the housekeeping?" "Yes, it's in the housekeeping." "Are we spending more than when you lived with your mother?" Luke's eyes were on his plate. "My dear I don't think we gain much by probing into matters," he said evasively. "But I want to know the truth," said Rachel persistently. "Is my housekeeping more extravagant than your mother's?" "Well as you ask me, I am afraid it is," he said uncomfortably. "But I know you can't possibly help it." Rachel was silent. Then she said, pushing her plate away from her, as she felt she could not eat another mouthful, "I can't think how we could live more economically." Luke said nothing. A large electric light bill had come by post that morning. He did not remember ever having had such a big bill to pay. "Talk it over with my mother," he said, as he rose from the table. "No, I don't want to talk it over with her or with anyone, but you," said Rachel. "We must see ourselves what can be done. Is it in the food? But then Luke, you know, you must have nourishing things. Your mother has always impressed that upon me." "It is not only the food. Look at this," He spread the bill before her. "Well that is one thing in which we can economise," said Rachel. She would not let him know how much the largeness of the bill appalled her. "I have sometimes left the hall light on when you have been out late, in fact ever since that curious beggar man came one day; you remember about him. It has felt more cheerful to have the light after Polly has gone to bed. But that can easily be altered. Then I daresay the coal bill is rather large. Perhaps another winter we had better only have the kitchen fire in the mornings; but I don't like to think of you going out to work cold." "I don't feel the cold," said Luke. "We certainly must make a difference somehow. Discuss it with mother and see if she can't help. She knows we are rather in low water." "I don't see how we can give away so much as you do Luke," said Rachel. "We really could not afford that £5 that you gave for the heating of the Church for instance." Luke looked worried. "I have always somehow managed to do my part in that way," he said. "I can't bear not setting an example in giving."