As a consequence your stepmother and I are nearly penniless.

This fact induces me to make you a special--a very special--offer." My stepmother seemed about to speak.

She checked herself, however.
"Go on," I said.
My father coughed.

There was a bottle upon the table, and he helped himself from it.
"My nerves," he remarked, "are in a shocking state this morning.

Can I offer you anything ?" I shook my head.