"Since I have grown up," she proceeded, "my good aunt has been a second mother to me.
My story is, in one respect, the reverse of yours.

You are unexpectedly rich; and I am unexpectedly poor.

My aunt's fortune was to have been my fortune, if I outlived her.

She has been ruined by the failure of a bank.

In her old age, she must live on an income of two hundred a year--and I must get my own living when I leave school." "Surely your father can help you ?" Francine persisted.
"His property is landed property." Her voice faltered, as she referred to him, even in that indirect manner.