A very good position, quite sufficient for our needs. And so we
needn't spoil your visit by discussing our dull affairs."

Aunt Clara glared. "Young man, are you trying to snub me? I remember
you tried that the first time I saw you."

"I hope," said David gently, "I haven't given you that impression."

"It's just his silly pride, Aunt Clara," Shirley put in soothingly.

Aunt Clara silenced Shirley with a gesture and kept her attention on
David. "You did leave that impression. And you are thinking that I'm
nosing into what is none of my business. On the contrary, young man,
it is my business. You married against my advice, but it's no credit
to me to have my relatives hard up and in debt. You are in debt, I
understand?"

"That is true," David answered quietly, "but--"

"But you don't want my money to pay them with, you were about to say?
Young man, when you refuse my money, you're a little--_quite_ a
little--in advance of the fact. I'm not going to give you money. I
don't believe in giving money to able-bodied young men."

"Thank you," said David.

"But I will give you some advice and some help. You can take them or
leave them. My advice is--get rid of this expensive apartment and
store your goods. For the rest, I will take Shirley and the baby to
live with me, paying all their expenses, until you can get on your
feet. With your new position and no one but yourself to pay for, it
oughtn't to take long."

Shirley gasped--unmistakably with delight.

David turned red, but he answered, still quietly, "It is good of you to
make the offer, but of course it is out of the question. I think
Shirley would prefer--"

"Young man," Aunt Clara reminded him, "in my family nothing I suggest
is ever out of the question. As for Shirley, let her answer for
herself."

"_I_ think it would be very sensible," Shirley answered for herself,
eagerly.

"She means," corrected Aunt Clara, who was nobody's fool, "she means it
would be pleasanter living in my house than scrimping here to pay for
dead horses. So it would. But it would be sensible, too. You've got
into hot water. I blame Shirley--I know her. But I blame you most. A
husband ought always to keep a tight rein on household affairs. Your
late Uncle John--well, never mind him. Because you've been weak,
you've run into debt, the worst disturber of household peace. I give
you a chance to be rid of it quickly. Have you a quicker way?"

"I have a better