I didn't want a fuss.

I'm going to put it off as long as I can.

Mrs.Whitman's none too strong, and when anything goes against her she's all used up, and I must save her as long as possible." Horace stared at Henry with some alarm.

"What on earth is it ?" he said.
"Nothing, only I have gone back to work in the shop." Horace looked amazed.

"But I thought--" "You thought we had enough so I hadn't any need to work, and you are right," said Henry, with a pathetic firmness.