He believes
comparatively little would do it. I think differently.
I think that anything less than a great deal would
be thrown away on him. If it were merely a question
of a certain sum--even a large sum--to keep him going,
it might be managed; but it's much more complicated.
And, as I say, it must have been a trial to him to refuse
your offer."
This did not seem to be the way in which Bellingham
had meant to conclude. But he said no more; and Corey
made him no response.
He remained pondering the case, now hopefully,
now doubtfully, and wondering, whatever his mood was,
whether Penelope knew anything of the fact with which
her mother went nearly at the same moment to acquaint her.
"Of course, he's done it on your account," Mrs. Lapham
could not help saying.
"Then he was very silly. Does he think I would let
him give father money? And if father lost it for him,
does he suppose it would make it any easier for me? I
think father acted twice as well. It was very silly."
In repeating the censure, her look was not so severe
as her tone; she even smiled a little, and her mother
reported to her father that she acted more like herself
than she had yet since Corey's offer.
"I think, if he was to repeat his offer, she would have
him now," said Mrs. Lapham.
"Well, I'll let her know if he does," said the Colonel.
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