To Kit this was all wrong.

What on earth, she used to argue, was the use of being a family if you didn't all lean on each other and derive mutual strength and support?
Finally, she decided to write to Cousin Roxy herself.

There was always something satisfactory in making her the court of appeal, on any point of doubt; even though her decision might not be a favorable one, you always felt sure you were getting it straight without any affectionate bias.
Accordingly, a confidential appeal went speeding east, and back came the reply, by return mail, as Kit had known it would.
"DEAR CHILD:-- "I had been thinking about you when your letter came, so I suppose our mental wireless calls must have crossed.
"There's no doubt at all but what your mother needs you badly right here, especially with Jean leaving right after Christmas.
What Billie told you was about the truth.

Out of the wreck of matter and crush of worlds that happened at Shady Cove, when your father's business and health failed, they did manage to save enough to give them a little income.

Then, as you know, it was mostly your mother's money that was paid down on Greenacres in a lump, so that stopped her share coming in.
"The fire didn't help matters along one bit, but the Judge took a first mortgage on the property, and the money went into the repairs.
"I don't see why you aren't old enough to know these things, 'cause land knows the time is coming soon enough when you will have to put your shoulder to the wheel, like Jean, and help.