It is not merit that
succeeds in my line; it is merit plus opportunity. Marrying now,
I cut myself off from opportunity, that's all.'
She kept silence.
'Decide my fate for me, Marian,' he pursued, magnanimously. 'Let
us make up our minds and do what we decide to do. Indeed, it
doesn't concern me so much as yourself. Are you content to lead a
simple, unambitious life? Or should you prefer your husband to be
a man of some distinction?'
'I know so well what your own wish is. But to wait for years--you
will cease to love me, and will only think of me as a hindrance
in your way.'
'Well now, when I said five years, of course I took a round
number. Three--two might make all the difference to me.'
'Let it be just as you wish. I can bear anything rather than lose
your love.'
'You feel, then, that it will decidedly be wise not to marry
whilst we are still so poor?'
'Yes; whatever you are convinced of is right.'
He again rose, and looked at his watch.
'Jasper, you don't think that I have behaved selfishly in wishing
to let my father have the money?'
'I should have been greatly surprised if you hadn't wished it.
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