‘Oh yes!’ He smiled. ‘They see a great deal of each other.’
‘Then of course you have heard of my uncle’s death?’
‘Yes. I hope all your difficulties are now at an end.’
Amy delayed a moment, then said: ‘I hope so,’ without any emphasis.
‘Do you think of spending this winter abroad?’
It was the nearest he could come to a question concerning the future of Amy and her husband.
‘Everything is still quite uncertain. But tell me something about our old acquaintances. How does Mr Biffen get on?’
‘I scarcely ever see him, but I think he pegs away at an interminable novel, which no one will publish when it’s done. Whelpdale I meet occasionally.’
He talked of the latter’s projects and achievements in a lively strain.
‘Your own prospects continue to brighten, no doubt,’ said Amy.
‘I really think they do. Things go fairly well. And I have lately received a promise of very valuable help.’
‘From whom?’
‘A relative of yours.’
Amy turned to interrogate him with a look.
‘A relative? You mean—?’
‘Yes; Marian.’
They were passing Bedford Square. Amy glanced at the trees, now almost bare of foliage; then her eyes met Jasper’s, and she smiled significantly.
‘I should have thought your aim would have been far more ambitious,’ she said, with distinct utterance.
‘Marian and I have been engaged for some time—practically.’
‘Indeed? I remember now how you once spoke of her. And you will be married soon?’
‘Probably 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
