before the end of the year. I see that you are criticising my
motives. I am quite prepared for that in everyone who knows me and the
circumstances. But you must remember that I couldn't foresee anything of
this kind. It enables us to marry sooner, that's all.'

'I am sure your motives are unassailable,' replied Amy, still with a
smile. 'I imagined that you wouldn't marry for years, and then some
distinguished person. This throws new light upon your character.'

'You thought me so desperately scheming and cold-blooded?'

'Oh dear no! But--well, to be sure, I can't say that I know Marian. I
haven't seen her for years and years. She may be admirably suited to
you.'

'Depend upon it, I think so.'

'She's likely to shine in society? She is a brilliant girl, full of tact
and insight?'

'Scarcely all that, perhaps.'

He looked dubiously at his companion.

'Then you have abandoned your old ambitions?' Amy pursued.

'Not a bit of it. I am on the way to achieve them.'

'And Marian is the ideal wife to assist you?'

'From one point of view, yes. Pray, why all this ironic questioning?'

'Not ironic at all.'

'It sounded very much like it, and I know from of old that you have a
tendency that way.'

'The news surprised me a little, I confess. But I see that I am in
danger of offending you.'

'Let us wait another five years, and then I will ask your opinion as
to the success of my marriage. I don't take a step of this kind without
maturely considering it. Have I made many blunders as yet?'

'As yet, not that I know of.'

'Do I impress you as one likely to commit follies?'

'I had rather wait a little before answering that.'

'That is to say, you prefer to prophesy after the event. Very well, we
shall see.'

In the length of Gower Street they talked of several other things less
personal. By degrees the tone of their conversation had become what it
was used to be, now and then almost confidential.

'You are still at the same lodgings?' asked Amy, as they drew near to
the railway station.

'I moved yesterday, so that the girls and I could be under the same
roof--until the next change.'

'You will let us know when that takes place?'

He promised, and with exchange of smiles which were something like a
challenge they took leave of each other.

CHAPTER XXVII. THE LONELY MAN

A touch of congestion in the right lung was a warning to Reardon that
his half-year of insufficient food and general waste of stre