Just because you are one of the few people I
regard with sincere respect. I don't know you very well, but
quite well enough to respect you. My sisters think of you in the
same way. I shall do many a base thing in life, just to get money
and reputation; I tell you this that you mayn't be surprised if
anything of that kind comes to your ears. I can't afford to live
as I should like to.'
She looked up at him with a smile.
'People who are going to live unworthily don't declare it in this
way.'
'I oughtn't to; a few minutes ago I had no intention of saying
such things. It means I am rather overstrung, I suppose; but it's
all true, unfortunately.'
He rose, and began to run his eye along the shelves nearest to
him.
'Well, now I will go, Miss Yule.'
Marian stood up as he approached.
'It's all very well,' he said, smiling, 'for me to encourage my
sisters in the hope that they may earn a living; but suppose I
can't even do it myself? It's by no means certain that I shall
make ends meet this year.'
'You have every reason to hope, I think.'
'I like to hear people say that, but it'll mean savage work.
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