12/16 People say that Gus Trenor pays her bills." "Pays her bills--her bills ?" Mrs.Peniston broke into a laugh. "I can't imagine where you can have picked up such rubbish. Lily has her own income--and I provide for her very handsomely--" "Oh, we all know that," interposed Miss Stepney drily. "But Lily wears a great many smart gowns--" "I like her to be well-dressed--it's only suitable!" "Certainly; but then there are her gambling debts besides." Miss Stepney, in the beginning, had not meant to bring up this point; but Mrs.Peniston had only her own incredulity to blame. She was like the stiff-necked unbelievers of Scripture, who must be annihilated to be convinced. |