The suggestion of letting it
come through me would be a very suitable way of solving a delicate
problem." She turned to her husband. "Don't you think so, Clifford?"
"I want to hear what Miss Verney has to say."
"Very well."
Elaine paused before she replied, so that her words might carry a fuller
significance. "Mrs Matheson," she said, "I don't wish to accept anything
from you."
"That means, I take it, that you are ready to accept from my husband?"
"Accept what?"
"Well, financial assistance."
"No."
"Then what are you going to do when you leave the home?"
"I shall return to my relations until I've learnt a new trade and can
manage to support myself."
"But surely you will let us help you with the expenses of the first few
months?"
"I prefer not."
"Clifford, can't you persuade Miss Verney?"
"I don't wish to persuade her."
Olive tried a fresh avenue of attack. "Very well, then, let's leave that
point. What I want to say now is still more delicate. I don't want to
wound your feelings, but now that all three of us are together the
matter ought to be discussed calmly and dispassionately and settled once
and for all."
Riviere interrupted. "You promised me that this matter should not be
mentioned."
"Promised?"
"In effect."
"But we _must_ discuss it!"
Elaine put in a word: "I'd sooner the whole situation were threshed out
now. Please!"
"As you will," answered Riviere. "But remember that you're perfectly
free to close the discussion at any moment.
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