"Why did you give notice?" said Valerie.
"Oh, I don't know. I think I was unsettled. After all, a footman's job——"
"Was it because of me?"
There was a long silence. Then—
"Yes," said Anthony. "But that's ancient history," he added quickly. "It wasn't your fault if I chose to take that line. Besides"—he flung out demonstrative arms—"see what you've brought me, Valerie. When I think that less than three months ago I was carrying coals and washing up glasses and waiting at table——"
"And in love with me," said Valerie.
Lyveden's outstretched arms fell to his side.
The worst had happened. Valerie was under his guard….
A pitiful hunted look came into the steady grey eyes. Slowly the brown right hand stole up to his forehead.
"I never ought to have been," he said dully. "I ought to have had more sense. It was always—out of the question … utterly. I think perhaps if I'd had a job to put my back into, I'd 've——"