I mean to work hard, and be a rich man some day; and then you may be sure I shall not let my Aunt Hilary keep a shop.

Now, good-night, for I must meet a fellow on business--really business--that may turn out good for us all, I assure you." He went away whistling, with that air of untroubled, good-natured liveliness peculiar to Ascott Leaf, which made them say continually that he was "only a boy," living a boy's life, as thoughtless and as free.

When his handsome face disappeared the three women sat down again round the fire.
They made no comments on him whatever; they were women, and he was their own.

But--passing him over as if he had never existed--Hilary began to explain to her sisters all particulars of her new scheme for maintaining the family.

She told these details in a matter of-fact way, as already arranged; and finally hoped Selina would make no more objections.
"It is a thing quite impossible," said Selina, with dignity.
"Why impossible?
I can certainly do the work; and it can not make me less of a lady.