"I see," said Isabel. "But he can't afford pleasures for you."
There was no perceptible sarcasm in her voice, but Dinah coloured a little and went at once to her father's defence.
"He sends Billy to a public school. Of course I--being only a girl--don't count. And he has sent us out here, which was very good of him--the sweetest thing he has ever done. He had a lucky speculation the other day, and he has spent it nearly all on us. Wasn't that kind of him?"
"Very kind, dear," said Isabel gently. "How long are you to have out here?"
"Only three weeks, and half the time is gone already," sighed Dinah. "The de Vignes are not staying longer. The Colonel is a J.P., and much too important to stay away for long. And they are going to have a large house-party. There isn't much more than a week left now." She sighed again.
"And then you will have no more fun at all?" asked Isabel.
"Not a scrap--nothing but work." Dinah's voice quivered a little. "I don't suppose it has been very good for me coming out here," she said. "I--I believe I'm much too fond of gaiety really."
Isabel's hand touched her cheek. "Poor little girl!" she said. "But you wouldn't like to leave your mother to do all the drudgery alone."
"Oh yes, I should," said Dinah, with a touch of recklessness. "I'd never go back if I could help it. I love Dad of course; but--" She paused.
"You don't love your mother?" supplemented Isabel.
Dinah leaned her face suddenly against the caressing hand. "Not much, I'm afraid," she whispered.
"Poor little girl!" Isabel murmured again compassionately.