in a year at
latest.'

'I tell you, Marian has made a deliberate choice. She understands me
perfectly, and is quite satisfied with my projects. You will have the
kindness, Dora, not to disturb her faith in me.'

'I agree to that; and in return I shall let you know when she begins to
suffer from hunger. It won't be very long till then, you may be sure.
How do you suppose three people are going to live on a hundred a year?
And it's very doubtful indeed whether Marian can earn as much as fifty
pounds. Never mind; I shall let you know when she is beginning to
starve, and doubtless that will amuse you.'

At the end of July Maud was married. Between Mr Dolomore and
Jasper existed no superfluous kindness, each resenting the other's
self-sufficiency; but Jasper, when once satisfied of his proposed
brother-in-law's straightforwardness, was careful not to give offence to
a man who might some day serve him. Provided this marriage resulted in
moderate happiness to Maud, it was undoubtedly a magnificent stroke of
luck. Mrs Lane, the lady who has so often been casually mentioned, took
upon herself those offices in connection with the ceremony which
the bride's mother is wont to perform; at her house was held the
wedding-breakfast, and such other absurdities of usage as recommend
themselves to Society. Dora of course played the part of a bridesmaid,
and Jasper went through his duties with the suave seriousness of a man
who has convinced himself that he cannot afford to despise anything that
the world sanctions.

About the same time occurred another event which was to have more
importance for this aspiring little family than could as yet be
foreseen. Whelpdale's noteworthy idea triumphed; the weekly paper called
Chat was thoroughly transformed, and appeared as Chit-Chat. From the
first number, the success of the enterprise was beyond doubt; in a
month's time all England was ringing with the fame of this noble
new development of journalism; the proprietor saw his way to a solid
fortune, and other men who had money to embark began to scheme imitative
publications. It was clear that the quarter-educated would soon be
abundantly provided with literature to their taste.

Whelpdale's exultation was unbounded, but in the fifth week of the life
of Chit-Chat something happened which threatened to overturn his sober
reason. Jasper was walking along the Strand one afternoon, when he
saw his ingenious friend approaching him in a manner scar