How have you fared since I employed you?
Have you found your business profitable ?" "Far from it," answered Peg.

"I am not yet able to retire on a competence." "One of your youthful appearance," said Somerville, banteringly, "ought not to think of retiring under ten years." "I don't care for compliments," she said, "even when they are sincere.
As for my youthful appearance, I am old enough to have reached the age of discretion, and not so old as to have fallen into my second childhood." "Compliments aside, then, will you proceed to whatever business brought you here ?" "I want a thousand dollars," said Peg, abruptly.
"A thousand dollars!" repeated Somerville.

"Very likely.

I should like that amount myself.

Did you come here to tell me that ?" "I have come here to ask you to give me that amount." "Have you a husband ?" "Yes." "Then let me suggest that your husband is the proper person to apply to in such a case." "I think I am more likely to get it out of you," said Peg, coolly.