a thousand pounds!"

Muriel might have been describing her own embarrassments, so scarlet had
she become.

"A thousand pounds!" cried Diana, in amazement. "But then why--why--does
she have so many frocks--and play cards for money--and bet on races?"

She threw her arms round Mrs. Colwood's knees impetuously.

Muriel's small hand smoothed back the girl's hair, timidly yet eagerly.

"I suppose that's the way they've been brought up."

"A thousand pounds! And does she expect me to provide it?"

"I am afraid--she hopes it."

"But I haven't got it!" cried Diana, sitting down on the floor. "I've
spent more than I ought on this place; I'm overdrawn; I ought to be
economical for a long time. You know, Muriel, I'm not really rich."

Mrs. Colwood colored deeper than ever. But apparently she could think of
nothing to say. Her eyes were riveted on her companion.

"No, I'm not rich," resumed Diana, with a frown, drawing circles on the
ground with her finger. "Perhaps I oughtn't to have taken this house. I
dare say it was horrid of me. But I couldn't have known--could I?--that
Fanny would be coming and want a thousand pounds?"

She looked up expecting sympathy--perhaps a little indignation. Mrs.
Colwood only said:

"I suppose she would not have come over--if things had not been _very_
bad."

"Why didn't she give me some warning?" cried Diana--"instead of talking
about French lessons! But am I bound--do _you_ think I am bound?--to
give the Mertons a thousand pounds? I know papa got tired of giving them
money. I wonder if it's _right_!"

She frowned. Her voice was a little stern. Her eyes flashed.

Mrs. Colwood again touched her hair with a hand that trembled.

"They are your only relations, aren't they?" she said, pleadingly.

"Yes," said Diana, still with the same roused look.

"Perhaps it would set them on their feet altogether."

The girl gave a puzzled laugh.

"Did she--Muriel, did she ask you to tell me?"

"I think she wanted me to break it to you," said Mrs. Colwood, after a
moment. "And I thought it--it might save you pain."

"Just like you!" Diana stooped to kiss her hand. "That's what your
headache meant! Well, but now--ought I--ought I--to do it?"

She clasped her hands round her knees and swayed backward and
forward--pondering--with a rather sombre brow. Mrs. Colwood's expression
was hidden in the darkness of the big chair.

"--Always supposing I can do it," resumed Diana. "And I certainly
could