She had enough to maintain the De Peyster station, but just enough; and she had so adjusted her scale of living that her expenses exactly consumed her normal income--no more, no less.
That is, had exactly consumed it, except during the last year or two.
One reason she had so resented Judge Harvey's criticism of her manner of living was that the criticism had the unfortunate quality of being based on truth.

Of late, the struggle to maintain her inherited and rightful leadership had involved her in greatly increased expenditure, and this excess she had met in ways best known to herself.
The collapsed Mrs.De Peyster heard Matilda enter, pause, then pass into the bedroom, but did not look up; nor a moment later when Olivetta reentered from the bedroom, did she at first raise her dejected head.
"Why, what's the matter, Cousin Caroline ?" cried Olivetta.
There was no occasion for maintaining an appearance before Olivetta, who was almost as faithful and devoted as though a very member of her body.

So Mrs.De Peyster related her misfortune, interrupted by frequent interjections from her sympathetic cousin.
"Do you realize what it means, Olivetta ?" she concluded in a benumbed voice.

"It means that, except for less than a thousand which I have on hand,--a mere nothing,--I am penniless until more dividends are due--perhaps months! I cannot go to Europe! I cannot go to Newport!" Olivetta was first stunned, then was ejaculative with consternation.
"But, Caroline," she cried after a moment, "why not have Judge Harvey get you the money ?" "Out of the question, Olivetta; I do not care to explain." She would never unbend to Judge Harvey! Never! "Then, why not borrow the money from the bank, as you say Judge Harvey suggested ?" "Olivetta, you should know that that is against my principles." She tried to instill proud rebuke into her voice.

But just here was the pinch--or one of them.