Of course I just say I can't afford to do things, but that's awkward too, for they look so surprised and sort of ashamed, and it makes me feel a prig and a fool.

I think having a lot of money takes away people's imagination." "Oh, it does," Jean agreed.
"Anyway," David went on, "it's up to me to make some money.

I hate sponging on you, old Jean, and I'm not going to do it.

I've been trying my hand at writing lately and--I've had two things accepted." Jean all but fell into the fire in her surprise and delight.
"Write! You! Oh, Davie, how utterly splendid!" A torrent of questions followed, which David answered as well as he could.
"Yes, they are printed, and paid for, and what's more I've spent the money." He brought out from his pocket a small leather case which he handed to his sister.
"For me?
Oh, David!" Her hands shook as she opened the box and disclosed a small brooch, obviously inexpensive but delicately designed.
"It's nothing," said David, walking away from the emotion in his sister's face.

"With the rest of the money I got presents for the boys and Mrs.M'Cosh and Peter, but they'd better be kept out of sight till Christmas Day." Truth to tell, he had meant to keep the brooch also out of sight till Christmas, but the temptation to see Jean's pleasure had been too strong.