f relief that Jasper had passed from dithyrambs to conversation
on practical points; Marian's excited sensitiveness could not but
observe this, and she kept watching the motions of his countenance. At
length he even let go her hand.

'You would prefer,' he said reflectively, 'that nothing should be said
to your father until that business is finished?'

'If you consent to it.'

'Oh, I have no doubt it's as well.'

Her little phrase of self-subjection, and its tremulous tone, called for
another answer than this. Jasper fell again into thought, and clearly it
was thought of practical things.

'I think I must go now, Jasper,' she said.

'Must you? Well, if you had rather.'

He rose, though she was still seated. Marian moved a few steps away, but
turned and approached him again.

'Do you really love me?' she asked, taking one of his hands and folding
it between her own.

'I do indeed love you, Marian. Are you still doubtful?'

'You're not sorry that I must go?'

'But I am, dearest. I wish we could sit here undisturbed all through the
evening.'

Her touch had the same effect as before. His blood warmed again, and he
pressed her to his side, stroking her hair and kissing her forehead.

'Are you sorry I wear my hair short?' she asked, longing for more praise
than he had bestowed on her.

'Sorry? It is perfect. Everything else seems vulgar compared with this
way of yours. How strange you would look with plaits and that kind of
thing!'

'I am so glad it pleases you.'

'There is nothing in you that doesn't please me, my thoughtful girl.'

'You called me that before. Do I seem so very thoughtful?'

'So grave, and sweetly reserved, and with eyes so full of meaning.'

She quivered with delight, her face hidden against his breast.

'I seem to be new-born, Jasper. Everything in the world is new to me,
and I am strange to myself. I have never known an hour of happiness till
now, and I can't believe yet that it has come to me.'

She at length attired herself, and they left the house together, of
course not unobserved by the landlady. Jasper walked about half the way
to St Paul's Crescent. It was arranged that he should address a letter
for her to the care of his sisters; but in a day or two the change of
lodgings would be effected.

When they had parted, Marian looked back. But Jasper was walking quickly
away, his head bent, in profound meditation.

CHAPTER XXV. A FRUITLESS MEETING

Refuge from despair