"No; I suppose not. I came here because I want to say a few words to you about business."
"What business, papa?" Alice well understood the tone of her father's voice. He was desirous of propitiating her; but was at the same time desirous of carrying some point in which he thought it probable that she would oppose him.
"Well; my love, if I understood you rightly, your cousin George wants some money."
"I did not say that he wants it now; but I think he will want it before the time for the election comes."
"If so, he will want it at once. He has not asked you for it yet?"
"No; he has merely said that should he be in need he would take me at my word."

"No; I suppose not. I want to say a few words to you about business."
"What business, papa?" Alice understood the tone of her father's voice. He wanted to propitiate; but he also wanted his own way on some point.
"Well; my love, if I understood you rightly, your cousin George wants some money."
"I think he will want it before the election."
"He has not asked you for it yet?"
"No; he has merely said that if he is in need he will take me at my word. 