But when she dies the transaction is at an end, and the surviving partner returns to his five hundred a year." Dick exhibited another surprising side to his character.

The most compliant of men now became as obstinate as the proverbial mule.
"All very well," he said, "but it doesn't explain why--if you must sell yourself--you have sold yourself to an old lady.

There are plenty of young ones and pretty ones with fortunes to tempt you.

It seems odd that you haven't tried your luck with one of them." "No, Dick.

It would have been odd, and worse than odd, if I had tried my luck with a young woman." "I don't see that." "You shall see it directly.