Page:Barbour--Peggy in the rain.djvu/69

 but the girl is a relation in a way, and I think it is my duty to aid her. We thought that, say, ten thousand dollars placed with Mr. Lovering for investment would be about right."

"Four or five hundred a year? Can a girl live on that?"

"She is already employed at something, Gordon, and I have no desire to make her independent of her work. That would be most inadvisable. But five hundred a year would provide very nicely for her. I'm wondering whether to give her the income for life or merely until she marries.'

"Oh, let's go the whole hog, Mums. Perhaps she won't marry unless she has it. Have you ever seen her?"

Mrs. Ames shook her head. "I—I don't think I shall insist on that. It—might be painful, and could do no good. I don't think it is necessary for her to know where the money comes from, do you?"

"I fancy she won't much care," replied Gordon, hiding a yawn. "May I go halves with you?"

"No, dear, it's quite my affair. Still, I'm glad you approve. You do, Gordon?"

"Quite. Good night."