e choice of yours. Very much better if you
could have got on a good footing with the Barnabys. If you are generally
looked upon as belonging to the Lanes' set it will make it difficult for
you to get in with the better people.'

Maud was not to be drawn into argument, and Jasper could only hope that
his words would have some weight with her. The Mr Dolomore in question
was a young man of rather offensive type--athletic, dandiacal, and
half-educated. It astonished Jasper that his sister could tolerate such
an empty creature for a moment; who has not felt the like surprise with
regard to women's inclinations? He talked with Dora about it, but she
was not in her sister's confidence.

'I think you ought to have some influence with her,' Jasper said.

'Maud won't allow anyone to interfere in--her private affairs.''It would
be unfortunate if she made me quarrel with her.'

'Oh, surely there isn't any danger of that?'

'I don't know, she mustn't be obstinate.'

Jasper himself saw a good deal of miscellaneous society at this time. He
could not work so persistently as usual, and with wise tactics he used
the seasons of enforced leisure to extend his acquaintance. Marian and
he were together twice a week, in the evening.

Of his old Bohemian associates he kept up intimate relations with one
only, and that was Whelpdale. This was in a measure obligatory, for
Whelpdale frequently came to see him, and it would have been difficult
to repel a man who was always making known how highly he esteemed the
privilege of Milvain's friendship, and whose company on the whole was
agreeable enough. At the present juncture Whelpdale's cheery flattery
was a distinct assistance; it helped to support Jasper in his
self-confidence, and to keep the brightest complexion on the prospect to
which he had committed himself.

'Whelpdale is anxious to make Marian's acquaintance,' Jasper said to his
sisters one day. 'Shall we have him here tomorrow evening?'

'Just as you like,' Maud replied.

'You won't object, Dora?'

'Oh no! I rather like Mr Whelpdale.'

'If I were to repeat that to him he'd go wild with delight. But don't
be afraid; I shan't. I'll ask him to come for an hour, and trust to his
discretion not to bore us by staying too long.'

A note was posted to Whelpdale; he was invited to present himself at
eight o'clock, by which time Marian would have arrived. Jasper's room
was to be the scene of the assembly, and punctual to the minute t