“From your appearance, as well as from your manner.”
“I am not like the same man, I admit, and yet I have no reason to complain. When Aveline was with me I had a struggle to get on to support her in a manner that she had a right to expect and desired. Since she has left me I have prospered beyond my most sanguine expectations. Two of my inventions have turned out much more perfect appliances than any one ever supposed, and they bring me in a handsome yearly income, in addition to the one I receive at the works; so that I am, as you may imagine, a prosperous man.”
“But still you are not happy,” suggested Peace.
“Not altogether, I admit.”
“Hark ye, Tom. Don’t let your happiness be disturbed by a woman. A man’s a fool to do that.”
“There’s a good many fools in the world then,” returned Gatliffe.
“Admitted, but that’s no reason that you or I should add to their number.”
Gatliffe made no reply. He was silent and thoughtful for some little time, after which he said, in an altered tone—
“And now with regard to yourself. You have not told me how you are getting on. Don’t be offended, but if you are in need of cash—ready money, you know.”
“I am not in need of any,” cried Peace. “Not at present at any rate.”