isturbed to grasp as a reality the event to which she had often looked
forward, though as to something still remote, and of quite uncertain
results. Perhaps at this moment, though she could not know it, the
course of her life had undergone the most important change. Perhaps
there was no more need for her to labour upon this 'article' she was
manufacturing.

She did not think it probable that she herself would benefit directly by
John Yule's will. There was no certainty that even her father would, for
he and his brother had never been on cordial terms. But on the whole it
seemed likely that he would inherit money enough to free him from the
toil of writing for periodicals. He himself anticipated that. What else
could be the meaning of those words in which (and it was before
the arrival of the news) he had warned her against 'people who made
connections only with self-interest in view?' This threw a sudden light
upon her father's attitude towards Jasper Milvain. Evidently he thought
that Jasper regarded her as a possible heiress, sooner or later.
That suspicion was rankling in his mind; doubtless it intensified the
prejudice which originated in literary animosity.

Was there any truth in his suspicion? She did not shrink from admitting
that there might be. Jasper had from the first been so frank with her,
had so often repeated that money was at present his chief need. If her
father inherited substantial property, would it induce Jasper to declare
himself more than her friend? She could view the possibility of that,
and yet not for a moment be shaken in her love. It was plain that
Jasper could not think of marrying until his position and prospects were
greatly improved; practically, his sisters depended upon him. What folly
it would be to draw back if circumstances led him to avow what hitherto
he had so slightly disguised! She had the conviction that he valued her
for her own sake; if the obstacle between them could only be removed,
what matter how?

Would he be willing to abandon Clement Fadge, and come over to her
father's side? If Yule were able to found a magazine?

Had she read or heard of a girl who went so far in concessions, Marian
would have turned away, her delicacy offended. In her own case she could
indulge to the utmost that practicality which colours a woman's thought
even in mid passion. The cold exhibition of ignoble scheming will repel
many a woman who, for her own heart's desire, is capable of that sa