'
'What ever would become of him in that case?'
'Goodness knows! One might ask the same of so many of us. What
would become of me, for instance, if I were incapable of work?'
Marian could make no reply.
'There's something I'll just mention to you,' he went on in a
lowered tone, 'though I don't wish you to take it too seriously.
I'm beginning to have a little trouble with my eyes.'
She looked at him, startled.
'With your eyes?'
'Nothing, I hope; but--well, I think I shall see an oculist. One
doesn't care to face a prospect of failing sight, perhaps of
cataract, or something of that kind; still, it's better to know
the facts, I should say.'
'By all means go to an oculist,' said Marian, earnestly.
'Don't disturb yourself about it. It may be nothing at all. But
in any case I must change my glasses.'
He rustled over some slips of manuscript, whilst Marian regarded
him anxiously.
'Now, I appeal to you, Marian,' he continued: 'could I possibly
save money out of an income that has never exceeded two hundred
and fifty pounds, and often--I mean even in latter years--has
been much less?'
'I don't see how you could.
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