Her father was still frowning.
"I'm asking you to risk a good deal," she continued, her voice intense and low.

"But somehow, dearie, I always feel that this old house of ours is strong.

It can _stand_ a good deal.

We can all of us stand so much, as soon as we know we have to." The lines of her wide sensitive mouth tightened firmly once again.

"It's all so vague and uncertain, I know.