. It would
not have been pleasant to him to foresee a life of spinsterhood for his
daughter; but she was young, and--she was a valuable assistant.

How far did that latter consideration weigh with him? He put the
question pretty distinctly to himself now that his wife had broached
the matter thus unexpectedly. Was he prepared to behave with deliberate
selfishness? Never yet had any conflict been manifested between his
interests and Marian's; practically he was in the habit of counting upon
her aid for an indefinite period.

If indeed he became editor of The Study, why, in that case her
assistance would be less needful. And indeed it seemed probable that
young Milvain had a future before him.

'But, in any case,' he said aloud, partly continuing his thoughts,
partly replying to a look of disappointment on his wife's face, 'how do
you know that he has any wish to come and see Marian?'

'I don't know anything about it, of course.'

'And you may have made a mistake about her. What made you think she--had
him in mind?'

'Well, it was her way of speaking, you know. And then, she asked if you
had got a dislike to him.'

'She did? H'm! Well, I don't think Milvain is any good to Marian. He's
just the kind of man to make himself agreeable to a girl for the fun of
the thing.'

Mrs Yule looked alarmed.

'Oh, if you really think that, don't let him come. I wouldn't for
anything.'

'I don't say it for certain.' He took a sip of his coffee. 'I have had
no opportunity of observing him with much attention. But he's not the
kind of man I care for.'

'Then no doubt it's better as it is.'

'Yes. I don't see that anything could be done now. We shall see whether
he gets on. I advise you not to mention him to her.'

'Oh no, I won't.'

She moved as if to go away, but her heart had been made uneasy by that
short conversation which followed on Marian's reading the letter, and
there were still things she wished to put into words.

'If those young ladies go on writing to her, I dare say they'll often
speak about their brother.'

'Yes, it's rather unfortunate.'

'And you know, Alfred, he may have asked them to do it.'

'I suppose there's one subject on which all women can be subtle,'
muttered Yule, smiling. The remark was not a kind one, but he did not
make it worse by his tone.

The listener failed to understand him, and looked with her familiar
expression of mental effort.

'We can't help that,' he added, with referenc