With his chin in his hand he was gazing at the floor.
"Good afternoon," said Caroline.
Her uncle looked up.
"Er--Wait just a minute, Caroline," he said.

"I guess maybe, if you don't mind, I'd like to think this over a little afore you go too far.
You have your doctor go right ahead and see to the old man, and you order the things to eat and whatever's necessary.

But afore you give Annie or her father any money, I'd kind of like to figger a little mite." His niece stopped short, turned and stared at him.
"Oh!" she said, slowly and icily, "I see.

Please don't trouble yourself.
I should have known.

However, my allowance is my own, and I presume I am permitted to do what I please with that." "Caroline, don't be hasty.