Jean spoke with downcast eyes. "Have you thought of one thing? If Evelyn were at home—"
"Ah, you are remembering my old fancy," said Jem cheerfully. "At present, most unlikely that she should."
"But she is coming!"
"For a month?"
"No: to settle down. She is tired of travelling; and she has found a friend to live with her. It is not to be talked of till just before she arrives; because she dislikes Dutton gossip."
"No surer way to be talked about than to have a secret afloat."
"It is safe with you. I thought I ought to mention this before you decide about the living."
"That is decided. No other course lies open to me. I do not see how Mrs. Villiers' plans can effect mine."
Jean wondered how much or how little this meant. He went into particulars as to the loss of Mrs. Trevelyan's income, through the failure in quick succession of two companies, wherein her all was invested.
"I blame myself for not having looked into matters more thoroughly," he said. "I have trusted too much to others; and she has been ill-advised. The least I can do now is, at any cost, to provide for her."