ork steadily on at earning a livelihood. If we
wait five years, I may perhaps have obtained an editorship, and in that
case I should of course have all sorts of better things to offer you.'

'But, dear, why shouldn't you get an editorship all the same if you are
married?'

'I have explained to you several times that success of that kind is
not compatible with a small house in the suburbs and all the ties of a
narrow income. As a bachelor, I can go about freely, make acquaintances,
dine at people's houses, perhaps entertain a useful friend now and
then--and so on. It is not merit that succeeds in my line; it is merit
plus opportunity. Marrying now, I cut myself off from opportunity,
that's all.'

She kept silence.

'Decide my fate for me, Marian,' he pursued, magnanimously. 'Let us make
up our minds and do what we decide to do. Indeed, it doesn't concern me
so much as yourself. Are you content to lead a simple, unambitious life?
Or should you prefer your husband to be a man of some distinction?'

'I know so well what your own wish is. But to wait for years--you will
cease to love me, and will only think of me as a hindrance in your way.'

'Well now, when I said five years, of course I took a round number.
Three--two might make all the difference to me.'

'Let it be just as you wish. I can bear anything rather than lose your
love.'

'You feel, then, that it will decidedly be wise not to marry whilst we
are still so poor?'

'Yes; whatever you are convinced of is right.'

He again rose, and looked at his watch.

'Jasper, you don't think that I have behaved selfishly in wishing to let
my father have the money?'

'I should have been greatly surprised if you hadn't wished it. I
certainly can't imagine you saying: "Oh, let them do as best they can!"
That would have been selfish with a vengeance.'

'Now you are speaking kindly! Must you go, Jasper?'

'I must indeed. Two hours' work I am bound to get before seven o'clock.'

'And I have been making it harder for you, by disturbing your mind.'

'No, no; it's all right now. I shall go at it with all the more energy,
now we have come to a decision.'

'Dora has asked me to go to Kew on Sunday. Shall you be able to come,
dear?'

'By Jove, no! I have three engagements on Sunday afternoon. I'll try and
keep the Sunday after; I will indeed.'

'What are the engagements?' she asked timidly.

As they walked back towards Gloucester Gate, he answered her question,
sho