"I've been here
long enough to understand that. But maybe I don't understand YOU. Heave
ahead, and make it plain."
"Well--well, then--I mean this: I don't know that Mal was after Caro's
money, but--but he had a right to expect SOME. If he didn't, why, then
her not telling him until after they were married wouldn't have made
any difference. And--and if her tellin' him beforehand SHOULD make a
difference and he wanted to break the engagement, she's just romantic
fool enough to let him."
"Well?"
"WELL? If she doesn't marry him, who's going to take care of her? What's
going to become of ME? We haven't a cent. What kind of a guardian are
you? Do you want us to starve?"
He was shouting again. The captain was calm. "Oh," he said, "I guess
it won't reach to the starvation point. I'm a pretty tough old critter,
'cordin' to your estimate, but I shouldn't let my brother's children
starve. If the wust comes to the wust, there's always a home and plenty
to eat for you both at South Denboro."
This offer did not appear to comfort the young gentleman greatly. His
disgust was evident.
"South Denhoro!" he repeated, scornfully. "Gad!... South Denboro!"
"Yup. But we'll let South Denboro alone for now and stick to New York.
What is it you expect me to do? What are you drivin' at?"
Stephen shook a forefinger in his guardian's face.
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