my might see what he had done? His pen was dipped in
the ink for that purpose, but after all he held his hand. Amy was
still dear to him, say what he might, and if she noted the word--if she
pondered over it--

A street gas lamp prevented the room from becoming absolutely dark. When
he had closed the envelope he lay down on his bed again, and watched the
flickering yellowness upon the ceiling. He ought to have some tea before
going to the hospital, but he cared so little for it that the trouble of
boiling water was too great.

The flickering light grew fainter; he understood at length that this was
caused by fog that had begun to descend. The fog was his enemy; it would
be wise to purchase a respirator if this hideous weather continued, for
sometimes his throat burned, and there was a rasping in his chest which
gave disagreeable admonition.

He fell asleep for half an hour, and on awaking he was feverish, as
usual at this time of day. Well, it was time to go to his work. Ugh!
That first mouthful of fog!

CHAPTER XXVIII. INTERIM

The rooms which Milvain had taken for himself and his sisters were
modest, but more expensive than their old quarters. As the change was
on his account he held himself responsible for the extra outlay. But for
his immediate prospects this step would have been unwarrantable, as
his earnings were only just sufficient for his needs on the previous
footing. He had resolved that his marriage must take place before
Christmas; till that event he would draw when necessary upon the girls'
little store, and then repay them out of Marian's dowry.

'And what are we to do when you are married?' asked Dora.

The question was put on the first evening of their being all under the
same roof. The trio had had supper in the girls' sitting-room, and
it was a moment for frank conversation. Dora rejoiced in the coming
marriage; her brother had behaved honourably, and Marian, she trusted,
would be very happy, notwithstanding disagreement with her father, which
seemed inevitable. Maud was by no means so well pleased, though she
endeavoured to wear smiles. It looked to her as if Jasper had been
guilty of a kind of weakness not to be expected in him. Marian, as an
individual, could not be considered an appropriate wife for such a
man with such a future; and as for her five thousand pounds, that was
ridiculous. Had it been ten--something can be made of ten thousand; but
a paltry five! Maud's ideas on such subj