When
we were all at Finden last year, I told the girls that it would
be another twelve months before I could support myself. Now I am
forced to do it. And I don't like work; my nature is lazy. I
shall never write for writing's sake, only to make money. All my
plans and efforts will have money in view--all. I shan't allow
anything to come in the way of my material advancement.'
'I wish you every success,' said Marian, without looking at him,
and without a smile.
'Thank you. But that sounds too much like good-bye. I trust we
are to be friends, for all that?'
'Indeed, I hope we may be.'
They shook hands, and he went towards the door. But before
opening it, he asked:
'Did you read that thing of mine in The Current?'
'Yes, I did.'
'It wasn't bad, I think?'
'It seemed to me very clever.'
'Clever--yes, that's the word. It had a success, too. I have as
good a thing half done for the April number, but I've felt too
heavy-hearted to go on with it. The girls shall let you know when
they are in town.'
Marian followed him into the passage, and watched him as he
opened the front door.
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