“No, no, you know what I mean to say. I’ve already told you the story, and if you’ve forgotten it I’ll refresh your memory. Fifteen years ago your father invested all his savings in the factory he was starting, and then the orders stopped coming in and there came a day when he had to suspend payments. The industry was a new one in the district, and no one had any confidence in it. He went to see your Uncle Francis, here, and explained his danger to him. Francis lent him at once without interest the twenty thousand francs he needed, and needed so badly that we were threatened with being closed out. That’s how we were saved, my boy. From that evil hour I’ve had a great horror of poverty. May God forgive me, if that’s what has made you selfish and mistrustful.” “Well, well, I didn’t remember,” admitted Leo, with an ill grace. His mother was filled full of her subject, and was not to be wheedled by this concession, though ordinarily she always yielded to her son’s arguments after a little fussing. When two people live much with each other they don’t pay much attention to themselves, and are quite surprised sometimes, when some grave matter supplies occasion, to find themselves at variance. Nowadays it is a difference which is more and more frequent between one generation and the next, on account of the loosening of family ties and the rapid transformation of ideas. The gist of her next remarks was ostensibly intended for her brother-in-law. “I’m only related to you by marriage, Francis, but I bear the same name, and am mindful of it. I’ll put twenty thousand francs at your disposal if you need it in your turn. I don’t understand a bit of your histories, but I know you’re in misfortune. As for Mrs. Frasne, she’s a hussy!” “Dear aunty, I love you,” said Margaret. And Mr. Roquevillard added: “Thank you, Thérèse. I shall probably not need it. I’m happy to think I can count on you if necessary.” Last of all, old Uncle Stephen outlined his opinion in a slow but firm voice, which cracked like an old bell every now and then as he tried to force it.