Not another penny went from her pocket to 'The Little Shop with the Large Heart.' Her income this past year had fallen short of what she usually counted upon; not to a great extent, but the sum deducted had been wont to come to her as a pure grace, and she felt the loss of it.

Her uncle had omitted to send his usual present on her birthday.

Nor had he visited her to renew the proposal that she should surrender her liberty in return for being housed and dressed respectably.

What did this mean?
Had he--it was probable enough--grown tired of her, and said to himself that, as she wished to go her own way, go her own way she should?
He was a crusty old fellow.

Totty had often wondered that he 'stood her cheek' so good-humouredly.