"No," said Comethup. He had made up his mind that some explanation must be given. "I didn't want to tell you, but I gave it away, or lent it."
"I gave it--lent it, I mean--to--to an old friend. He was hard up, and he really didn't want to take it. But he said it would keep him for a year----"
"Poor devil!" ejaculated Miss Carlaw under her breath.
"And I wanted to help him, so I made him take it. I didn't want to tell you; you know I never have anything to spend money on, and I thought I should be able to get along with what I had for a long time."
Miss Carlaw turned away abruptly and pulled out her purse. Twisting round toward him again, she held it out, even shook it at him. "Here, take this. Oh, my dear boy, I'm an old fool, and you're probably a young one; but, upon my word, I think you're making me love you more every day. It was a lot of money to give any one, but you're quite right, and I hope I should have done the same myself. Here, take this, and go and see about the box. There's money enough there."
"No, I'd rather not take any more money, aunt, thank you; not yet, at least. I don't want it, and I can just as well wait a bit."
"No, thank you, I'd rather not," said Comethup.
She laughed, very well pleased, and came nearer to him. "Here, take it," she urged gently, "and pay for the box and your cab, at least. Lord! I love your obstinacy."
Comethup took the purse and kissed her, feeling very guilty, and went out to do her bidding.
Comethup, sitting in solemn state with his aunt in a great box which would comfortably have held six, could not quite get rid of that guilty feeling he had of having deceived her. It was certainly the first time, but, despite the difference in their ages and dispositions, and despite the relationship existing between them, they had hitherto been in all things friends; there was a fine comradeship between the old woman and the boy--a comradeship which had demanded complete confidence on his part and equal trust on hers. Having nothing to conceal, his life had been like an open book to her, and she had read the book eagerly and with satisfaction. Now, for the first time, it had become necessary that he should deceive her; that, however justly, he should use her money for a purpose of which she would not have approved.