"Oh, well," she said, smiling, "you might have been useful."
Herbert thought she might have thanked him for coming, considering that he had, by his wife's orders, made an inconvenient journey; but gratitude was not one of Sylvia's virtues.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" he asked.
"Yes, on the whole, but I've been dreadfully unlucky. In fact, I'm threatened by a financial crisis."
Herbert made a rueful grimace.
"I know what that means; I'm getting used to it. But we'll talk the matter over another time. I suppose I'm neglecting my duties; I ought to lecture you."
"Isn't Muriel capable of doing all that's necessary in that line?"
"She's hampered by not knowing as much as I do," Herbert retorted with a meaning smile.
Nothing of moment passed between them during the rest of the journey, but some time after they reached home Herbert turned to Sylvia, who was sitting near him, in the absence of his wife.
"You're short of funds again?" he asked.