As she said
nothing he proceeded:
'And suppose I really were doomed to lose my sight in the course
of a few years, am I wrong in thinking that the proprietor of
this periodical would willingly grant a small annuity to the man
who had firmly established it?'
'I see the force of all that,' said Marian; 'but it takes for
granted that the periodical will be successful.'
'It does. In the hands of a publisher like Jedwood--a vigorous
man of the new school--its success could scarcely be doubtful.'
'Do you think five thousand pounds would be enough to start such
a review?'
'Well, I can say nothing definite on that point. For one thing,
the coat must be made according to the cloth; expenditure can be
largely controlled without endangering success. Then again, I
think Jedwood would take a share in the venture. These are
details. At present I only want to familiarise you with the
thought that an investment of this sort will very probably offer
itself to you.'
'It would be better if we called it a speculation,' said Marian,
smiling uneasily.
Her one object at present was to oblige her father to understand
that the suggestion by no means lured her.
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