So there would remain a margin for the old man's needs.

But his presence in the house was the difficulty.

It might be very inconvenient, and in any ease such a proposal ought to come from Gilbert first of all.

The old man, moreover, was very sensitive on the point involved; such a change would have to be brought about with every delicacy.

Still, it must come to that before long.
Perhaps the best would be to wait until Thyrza was actually married, and discover how the household arrangements worked.